BEN RINGS THE BELL FOR COLUMBIA
Ben Goldman has been named SVP A&R for Columbia Records by label Chairman Steve Barnett, to whom he reports.
The N.Y.-based Goldman was previously SVP A&R at Epic Records since 2001, signing such acts as Ben Folds Five, Fuel, Chevelle and Matisyahu.
Barnett praised Goldman's "great ear for music and a deep understanding of the creative process," declaring, "They don't call him Big Ben for nothing."
"I was privileged to work with Ben at Epic, where he signed a series of vital and important artists and helped them realize their full potential on-stage, on-camera and in the recording studio," continued Barnett "I knew when I came to Columbia Records that I wanted Ben to be part of this A&R team and I look forward to working with him on many exciting new projects in the future, like convincing Matisyahu to play on Friday nights."
In his new Columbia Records, Mr. Goldman will sign and develop new artists while overseeing artist development and key aspects of the recording process. His mother is still disappointed he didn't become a doctor. "It's just so hard for a Jew to make it in the entertainment business," she said.
Goldman joined Sony in 1990 as an intern in the Epic Records A&R department. In 1992, he was named Manager, A&R, Epic Records and, from 1995 to 1998, served as Director, A&R, 550 Music. In 1998, he became Vice President, A&R, 550 Music. In 2001, he was named Epic SVP A&R.
He is a graduate of
