As we enter into the last week of Women’s History Month, we wanted to highlight 5 Female Music Executives You Need to Know! A lot of aspiring musicians follow our thread and newsletter therefore we thought this would be key information for them. Remember what they say “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. I personally believe its a combination of both.
These ladies have been paving the way for other women aspiring to have careers in the Music Industry and opening doors for artists that are trying to monetize their passion on a very very high level.
This is why we thought we could plant two trees with one seed by sharing some information on these incredible ladies and at the same time celebrating Women’s History Month.
Also keep in mind there are hundreds, probably thousands of women that are making waves and opening doors in the music industry, so this is not a list of the only 5, just 5 thats on our radar we thought to share.
With out no further a due, here are our 5 Female Music Executives You Need To Know:
Sammye Scott
IG: @sammye_scott
Sammye Scott, Director of A&R for Atlantic Records and Spelman College Alumni. In 2017, she was honored as one of Atlanta’s Top 20 under 30 Millennials. She started her career with Bu Thaim since then She’s a 2024 Billboard “Women in Music” / 2023 ASCAP “Women Behind the Music” honoree for her incredible track record as an executive. Just some of her successes include signing rising star Kaliii, whose singles “Area Code” and “Mmm Mmm” were certified platinum and gold respectively; striking a deal with Kodak Black’s “Super Gremlins” producer ATL Jacob; and co-A&R on A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s double-platinum Hoodie SZN. And she’s just getting started!!
AMBER GRIMES
IG: @ambergrimes
A MUST KNOW.. Amber Grimes!! Previously, she served as Senior Vice President of Global Creative at Capitol Music Group, prior to that, Senior Manager of Artist & Label Marketing at Spotify, Grimes also began her formidable career in the “A” AND also as an executive assistant to “Bu” Thiam, the former VP of Def Jam. Grimes told Afrotech “In Atlanta, I’ve always worked with my friends and I’ve always been very lucky — because I’m from Atlanta — to have friends that were just my friends but ended up being extremely successful people,” Grimes expressed. “I worked on K Camp’s management team for a long time. I worked with Mike WiLL Made-It in helping him build up Ear Drummer Records, his label.”
Now Executive VP of the Black owned Love Renaissance record label, home of the likes of Summer Walker 6lack and more, she is one Industry executive you need to know!
AMINA DIOP
IG: @aminathediop
Amina Diop currently the Senior VP of Republic Records also Founder and head of the management company The Diop Agency, Diop has represented Gucci Mane, Peewee Longway, Tommie Lee, Bandhunta Izzy, Blackway, Young Thug, and more!
EBONIE WARD
IG: @ebsdaboss
Ebonie Ward, who started her career as manager of FlyKix ATL, is mainly known for her managerial work behind hip-hop stars Future, Gunna, and Flo Milli. In addition to the music industry, she has now added NBA player James Harden in 2023 to her list of clients further charging her versatility. Also CEO of her very own 11th & Co., a full-service artists management company, Ebonie Ward is definitely a female executive you need to know!
KEI HENDERSON
IG: @keiopensdoors
Ok artists, you under a rock? Cause Kei Henderson is the manager of one of Hip Hop & Atlanta’s Biggest Rappers, 21 Savage. Kei has also recently entered into an artist-development joint venture with SoundCloud in partnership with her company Third & Hayden. Third & Hayden (according its’ IG page @thirdandhayden) is a creative development agency + incubator disguised as a record label, management, and publishing company. Kei is another female giant in the Music Industry with a strong footprint in atlanta.. make sure your get to know her!
Thats it for now, again Happy Women’s History Month.
Let’s keep it going, all artists aspiring to make an impact remember the music business is only 10% music and 90% business.
Hope this helps!
#womeninmusic #femalemusicexecs #ebonieward #Keihenderson #aminadip #sammyescott