Jules Rifkind

JULES RIFKIND, co-founder of mighty independent Urban label Spring Records and father of Loud Records founder/entrepreneur Steve Rifkind, passed away due to heart complications on Sunday; he was 82. Born in Brooklyn, the elder Rifkind was the most powerful figure on the indie R&B scene in the late '60s and throughout the '70s, and Spring released seminal recordings by James Brown, Joe Simon, Millie Jackson, Little Eva, Garland Green and The Fatback Band, among others. Jules Rifkind also discovered comedian and TV star Flip Wilson. He's survived by his wife Eleanor, sons Steve, Robert and Jonathan, daughter-in-law Nicole and three grandchildren. "My father was a talented and driven man who loved his family and all people regardless of color, race, religion or orientation," reads a statement from Steve. "That was one of the greatest lessons he taught us. While our hearts are heavy, the light he brought to our lives, and the lives of everyone that knew him, will shine on." The funeral will take place on Wednesday (2/12) in Boca Raton, FL. (2/10p)