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Gary Klein: A Life at the Forefront of Music and Free Speech
Gary Klein, a pivotal figure in the music industry for decades, wasn’t just a record executive; he was a champion of artists and a staunch defender of free expression. His career spanned the rise of punk, the alternative explosion, and the battles over censorship, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. If you’re interested in the evolution of modern music and the fight for artistic freedom, Klein’s story is essential.
Early Days & The San Francisco Scene
Klein’s journey began with extensive travel through Asia and Europe before he settled in San Francisco in 1976. He quickly became a prominent DJ at KSAN-FM,a station known for its progressive spirit.There, he wasn’t just playing records; he was actively supporting the burgeoning punk and alternative scenes.
He interviewed iconic acts like the Sex Pistols, Devo, Iggy pop, and The Cramps, providing a platform for artists pushing boundaries. In 1978, Klein co-founded 415 records, a San Francisco-based label that nurtured emerging talent.
415 Records released music by:
* Romeo Void
* Wire Train
* The Nuns
* Translator
* and others.
These releases often found wider distribution through major labels, demonstrating Klein’s ability to connect independent artists with broader audiences.
Moving to Sire Records & The Lou Reed Breakthrough
In 1987, Klein moved to Los Angeles to join Sire Records, then a leading force in alternative music. He played a crucial role in bringing Lou Reed to the label, a move that revitalized the singer-songwriter’s career.
The resulting album, “New York,” is widely considered a late-career masterpiece. Klein saw this signing as particularly meaningful, recalling seeing Reed perform with the Velvet Underground at Max’s Kansas City in 1970 – a full-circle moment for a lifelong music enthusiast.
Leading Reprise Records & Navigating Censorship
Just two years later, Klein was promoted to president of Reprise Records, the Warner label founded by Frank Sinatra. He held this position for 13 years, working with a diverse roster of artists.
Some of the many acts he championed included:
* green Day
* Ice-T
* The Ramones
* The Pretenders
* Neil Young
* Alanis Morissette
* Eric Clapton
* Fleetwood Mac
During this period, the music industry faced intense scrutiny and censorship attempts, particularly from the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC). Klein became a vocal advocate for free speech, defending artists’ rights and challenging efforts to restrict creative expression. He understood the importance of artistic freedom and wasn’t afraid to fight for it.
He spearheaded campaigns like Rock the Vote, recognizing the power of music to engage young people in the political process. His dedication to these causes earned him two Spirit of Liberty Awards from People for the American Way, including a shared honor with Rob Reiner in 1999. In 2000, the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California further recognized his commitment with its Bill of Rights Award.
A Principled Departure & The Wilco Controversy
Following Time Warner’s merger with AOL in 2001, Klein opted for a buyout and resigned from Reprise.Ironically, his successor promptly rejected the new album from Wilco, “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.”
This decision sparked a major controversy, documented in the film “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart.” The situation ultimately led to a bidding war for the album, with Nonesuch Records (another warner label) ultimately re-signing Wilco. This incident underscored Klein’s eye for talent and the importance of artistic vision.
Later Years & “Down With Tyranny!”
In his later years, Klein remained politically active. He launched the blog and social media account
