Remembering Joe McFadden
• We’ve lost another legend — longtime music industry executive Joe McFadden passed away on March 11, in Chatsworth, CA after a long illness. He was 77.
Born in Tracy, CA on November 16, 1947, McFadden grew up in the music industry, working with his father, Jack McFadden in Bakersfield, CA managing notable artists including Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.
McFadden is probably best known for his 32-year run with EMI Music and Capitol Records (1975-2007), rising to SVP of Sales and Field Marketing. After leaving Capitol Records, McFadden launched his own independent business, The Hammer LLC. During that time, he worked with Punch Andrews and Mike Boila (Hideout Records and Distributors) as a consultant in sales and marketing for Bob Seger. He also worked with Coldplay in 2007-2008.
In 2008, McFadden joined Better Noise Music, one of the world’s leading independent rock labels, as Chief Commercial Officer. The move reunited McFadden with his longtime friend, Better Noise Founder Allen Kovac, whose heartfelt tribute is posted below.
McFadden is survived by his wife, Ellen McFadden, sister Lana Waltman, sons Jonathan McFadden, Jeffrey McFadden, and David Torello, daughter Sara Torello Hart and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 22, at 1:15pm, at Church of the Recession at Forest Lawn in Glendale, CA. The live stream can be viewed HERE.
In lieu of flowers, donations in McFadden’s honor can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which he supported throughout his life.
Allen Kovac’s Tribute To Joe McFadden
“Joe McFadden was more than just a colleague; he was a dear friend and an invaluable partner in our journey together since we first met in 1987.
I still vividly recall that day in the bleachers of a gym in Philadelphia. I was a relatively unknown manager on the rise, working with Richard Marx, while Joe was with CEMA Distribution, quietly making his mark. As we listened to Richard perform, something remarkable happened. Joe, who initially struck me as understated, became animated and vocal, pointing at Richard and proclaiming, “That kid is going to be a star.” From that moment on, a bond was forged between us—two believers in the power of music and vision.
Joe admired my clarity in marketing, but what I valued most was his unwavering honesty and practical thinking. Together, we navigated the challenging waters of the music industry, working on projects like Richard and Duran Duran. At times when many doubted, Joe stood firmly by my side as a label executive, always ready to open doors and create opportunities for us to succeed.
When I took the leap to start my own record company, one of my first hires was, without question, Joe. He was not just an employee; he was the foundation upon which we built our dreams. At our retreats, where new ideas were often met with skepticism, Joe would be the voice of reason, encouraging everyone to listen to my vision and reminding them that I saw possibilities they might have missed. His confidence in me gave me strength, and I will forever be grateful for that.
Every morning at our retreats, Joe would be the first to rise and greet the day. He would come down to breakfast with a smile, often sharing his fondness for the wonderful pillows in my master guest bedroom. He always got that room because of the deep respect I had for him, just as I cherished ending each night with my best scotch, a tradition we shared and enjoyed together.
Joe’s spirit, enthusiasm, and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on all of us. He was a true champion for those he believed in, and today, as we remember him, let us carry forward his legacy of belief, honesty, and camaraderie in our own lives and work.
Joe, thank you for being my partner, my friend, and a guiding light in our industry. You will be profoundly missed.”
