Former Sony boss Thomas D Mottola has announced his new music venture – a relaunch of Casablanca Records for the Universal Music Group. Since quitting the top job at Sony the industry has been awaiting Mottola’s promised new venture. Initial indications suggested he’d go into business with Sony but negotiations with his successor, Andrew Lack, quickly fizzled out. Since then Mottola has been courting / courted by other major record companies re some sort of joint venture.
Announcing the partnership Universal Music boss Doug Morris told reporters: “UMG is delighted to be in business with Tommy and his dynamic team at Casablanca… For over a decade, he was the heart and soul of Sony’s creative success. Tommy brings to the company the same innovation and creativity that have been the hallmarks of everything he’s done in his storied career. And he’s got superb taste in Italian food."
Mottola added: "I have looked closely at the many opportunities which have been offered to me over the last several months, but none has had the right combination of elements to attract me like the one from Universal. I could not ask for a better partner than Doug. Our close freidnship began over 20 years ago, and I am thrilled to be working with him now. I am also looking forward to working with Mel, whom I respect greatly, to grow Casablanca into a worldwide success. And I promise not to re-release that ‘Here's Johnny-Magic Moments From the Tonight Show’ album, either."
The until-now-defunct Casablanca Records was originally run by Neil Bogart (RIP) and released the works of Kiss, Donna Summer and the Village People among others.