Bio
L.A. Reid is a three-time Grammy Award-winning American record executive, songwriter and record producer best known as the co-founder of LaFace Records.
He is responsible for signing and helping bring Mariah Carey, Pink, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Kanye West, Avril Lavigne, Toni Braxton, TLC, Usher, Ciara, OutKast and Dido to multi-platinum album sales.
From 2011-2012 he was a judge on the American version of the reality singing competition The X Factor.
Throughout his career, Reid has launched some of the biggest acts in music, including Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, The Killers, Bon Jovi, Pink, Usher, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna.
With a diverse roster of talent, 33 No. 1 hits and three Grammy Awards, Reid is one of the industry's most respected and successful executives, as well as one of the most talented, creative and formidable forces in music.
Reid was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is one of four children of Emma Reid, a seamstress and interior decorator. His father was mostly absent. He was raised in the Mount Auburn and Madisonville neighborhoods in Cincinnati's east side.
He gained the nickname "L.A." as a young musician when a guitar player in his band called him "L.A." because he was wearing a T-shirt that said "L.A." in reference to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who were currently competing against the Cincinnati Reds at the time.
He became the Chairman and CEO of The Island Def Jam Music Group in February 2004.