Three of the Grammy Awards’ biggest-winning executives were on top of the world yesterday – but just for a little while.
EMI’s Bruce Lundvall, Sony’s Don Ienner and Universal’s Jimmy Iovine shared the spotlight with their better-known artists and labels.
But when the long parties were over and the sun rose, the grim reality returned – that it takes more than a handful of statues to solve the rising panic in the executive suite.
“They’re all scared to death trying to figure out how to sell records,” said one music industry veteran. “No one can rest on a night of awards anymore.”
Despite the industry’s lack of album sales and deep uncertainty over its future marketplace, one record label CEO – Bruce Lundvall, head of EMI’s Blue Note label – remained buoyant over the Grammy sweep made by overnight superstar Norah Jones.
“It couldn’t have happened to a greater guy,” said music publicist Susan Blond, who worked with him at CBS Records. “He doesn’t have a big ego or push his weight around – he’s got a great sense of humor and he loves great music.”
Also basking in the awards glow was Sony’s Don Ienner, after wins by his Columbia label artists Dixie Chicks and Bruce Springsteen.
“Just a year ago the Dixie Chicks and Sony were fighting in court over the accounting of their sales,” said producer Jimmy Jam of Flytetyme Productions. “But now the Dixie Chicks and Donnie are making Sony look very good.
Universal’s Interscope chief Jimmy Iovine was also riding high, for nurturing the career of top seller Vanessa Carlton – who was nominated to two top Grammy awards, though she won neither.
But Grammy night is one thing, and business realities are another.
“Winning a Grammy won’t turn around a company, and losing one won’t ruin it either,” said one music executive.
Although Universal and BMG didn’t rack up any big Grammy wins, the two companies have steamrolled over their rivals to dominate the music business.
Universal ended the year in the No. 1 spot, with 31 percent of the market, and BMG knocked Sony out of second place.
Although EMI’s Blue Note artist Norah Jones swept the awards, EMI remains in the cellar among the five major music companies.
For the record
Norah Jones took the Grammy Awards by storm, but she wasn’t the only one to make a big impression. How things played out at the music labels:
WINNERS
Alain Levy’s EMI
Norah Jones – 8 awards
Andy Lack’s Sony
Bruce Springsteen – 3 awards
Dixie Chicks – 3 awards
LOSERS
Doug Morris’ Universal Music
Vanessa Carlton, Sting and Nelly left empty-handed
Rolf Schmidt-Holtz’ BMG
Avril Lavigne and Pink disappointed