Big Jon Platt

From his humble beginnings as a small town DJ, Big Jon Platt has come a long way. Hailing from the community of Montbello in Denver, Colorado, Big Jon has evolved into one of the most powerful executives in the entertainment industry serving as Senior Vice President, Creative, West Coast for EMI Music Publishing, Senior Vice President, A&R for Virgin Records and President, Montbello, his 50/50 joint venture with Virgin.

Known as "the cat" that introduced hip-hop music to Denver, the popular club DJ developed relationships with hip-hop artists that came into town on tour. When he couldn't figure out how to make music on the SP-1200 as a producer, a conversation with Chuck D of Public Enemy fame, redirected the teens focus. Crediting Chuck's words of wisdom about dreaming bigger than his immediate environment, Big Jon hit the music business books and began to dream big.

His executive endeavors began on the management side in 1993 with Los Angeles based Madukey Productions. Once he secured a deal for them with EMI Music Publishing, Big Jon packed up his car, drove to LA and didn't turn back. Living with an aunt in South Central and eating 99 cent Burger King whoppers daily, Big Jon was happy pursuing his passion. By 1995, the tide had turned and EMI Music Publishing offered him a full time job as Creative Manager and the rest continues to be history in the making.

Big Jon's passionate work ethic paid off as EMI Music Publishing continuously promoted him throughout the years. In 1996, he was named Director and added the responsibility of consultant for EMI Records to his repertoire. His Vice President stripes came in 1997, followed by Senior Vice President in 1999. During this year also Big Jon was consulting for LaFace Records and Island Records, having received co-executive producer credits for his work on Bob Marley's gold-certified Chant Down Babylon. By 2001, Big Jon was serving as A&R consultant for Atlantic Records on Brandy's Grammy nominated and platinum selling album, Full Moon. His EMI Music Publishing roster boasts of a who's who in the world of music writing and production including Jay-Z, Usher, Kanye West, Juvenile, Rick Rock, Fabolous, Harold Lilly, Rich Harrison, The Clipse, Ying Yang Twins, and Mary Mary to name a few.

In May 2002, Big Jon added Virgin Records to his already stellar resume and announced his entrepreneurial advent with Montbello. Having a company with the same name as the town he originates from serves as a sense of pride for the accomplished executive, equal to having the community on his shoulders. Presently, Montbello has signed The Federation, a rap group discovered by Rick Rock, one of Big Jon's talented hip-hop producers on the EMI Music Publishing roster and 15-year old R&B singer, Jessica Quinn Reynolds, who is destined for stardom. As well, Montbello established a licensing agreement with Tabu Records, owned by "The Godfather" of the music industry, Clarence Avant. Under this agreement, Montbello will re-issue Tabu catalog music from its classic roster including, The SOS Band, Cherelle, Alexander O'Neal and Brainstorm. Established in 1975 and originally distributed through CBS Records, then A&M Records, these re-issues will be the first of its kind for Tabu in ten years.

With a new music business model taking shape in the industry, Big Jon is poised to position himself and Montbello as an inspirational alternative for the kids not only in his old community, but the world. So much so, Black Enterprise Magazine named the mogul one of its "Top 50 Black Power Brokers in Entertainment" in their December 2002 issue, their first compilation in eight years. In May 2003, he was elected to serve on the Board of Governors for NARAS. In September 2003, Big Jon was honored by Heroes and Legends and received the Cornerstone Award. Having always wanted his career to be a reflection of the most positive aspects of what this business has to offer, Big Jon continues to represent simply, the best.