Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Work Group

The Work Group (stylized as The WORK Group) was an American record label founded in 1995 by executives Jeff Ayeroff and Jordan Harris as a of Entertainment. Distributed through and based in , the label specialized in , pop, and , signing a diverse roster of artists including , , and . Its major releases included 's debut album (1996), which achieved multi-platinum status, and 's On the 6 (1999). The label was discontinued in 2000 after its founders departed in July 1999.

History

Founding and Early Development

The Work Group was founded in 1995 as a subsidiary of , with operations commencing on January 1 of that year under the Columbia Records Group. The label was established by industry veterans Jeff Ayeroff and Jordan Harris, who served as co-presidents and aimed to create a operation leveraging Sony's extensive resources while fostering an independent ethos. Ayeroff brought extensive experience from his roles at Warner Bros. Records and as co-chairman of America, where he helped sign and develop major acts including and . Harris, who had risen through the ranks at since 1986 as co-managing director and later co-chairman, contributed his expertise in artist development and management from earlier positions in the industry. Their partnership at Virgin had built a reputation for nurturing diverse talent, which they sought to replicate at The Work Group. Headquartered at Sony Music's West Coast offices in , The Work Group marked the first Columbia Records Group label based on the West Coast, countering any early reports suggesting a New York focus by emphasizing a Los Angeles-centric operation to tap into the vibrant alternative and pop scenes. Distribution for the label's releases was handled through , integrating it seamlessly into 's broader network. The launch strategy prioritized creative freedom for artists with distinctive visions, providing a full-service environment that included dedicated A&R, marketing, promotion, and video teams, all backed by Sony's cross-coastal infrastructure to support innovative projects without bureaucratic constraints. Among its inaugural moves, The Work Group secured early signings that diversified its roster across genres, beginning with the U.S. reissue of Jamiroquai's 1993 album in 1995, introducing the British outfit to American audiences via Sony's global reach. Similarly, the label signed the rock band , releasing their debut album in August 1994 ahead of full operations, which helped establish The Work Group's foothold in . These initial acquisitions underscored the label's intent to blend emerging alternative and pop acts with established international talent, setting a foundation for targeted growth in the mid-1990s music landscape.

Major Releases and Growth

The Work Group's expansion gained significant momentum with the release of Fiona Apple's debut album on July 23, 1996, which marked a pivotal breakthrough for the label in the alternative pop genre. Produced primarily by Andrew Slater with key contributions from on , guitar, and across multiple tracks, Tidal showcased Apple's introspective songwriting and piano-driven arrangements, helping to define the label's focus on artistically driven releases. The album debuted at number 98 on the but climbed to a peak of number 15, eventually achieving triple platinum certification in the United States with over three million copies sold, driven by Sony Music's targeted marketing efforts that emphasized Apple's raw emotional delivery. Tidal's commercial ascent was bolstered by standout singles like "Criminal," which not only reached number 21 on the but also secured Apple a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1998, while the album itself contributed to her nomination for Best New Artist at the same ceremony. This success elevated the Work Group's profile from a nascent imprint to a recognized player in , with 's promotional resources amplifying its reach through radio play and video airings on . However, the rapid growth introduced internal tensions, as the label navigated pressures to align artistic visions—such as Apple's emphasis on personal authenticity—with escalating commercial expectations from , including demands for more radio-friendly edits and touring commitments. Amid this trajectory, the Work Group diversified its roster with releases like Diana King's Think Like a Girl on September 30, 1997, which blended with pop and R&B elements to broaden the label's genre appeal. Produced by Andy and Handel Tucker, the album featured covers like a reggae-infused take on Culture Club's "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?" and original tracks highlighting King's roots, peaking at number one on the Top Reggae Albums chart and reinforcing the label's commitment to eclectic, crossover sounds. The label's most ambitious move toward mainstream prominence occurred in 1998, when it signed to a multi-album, multimillion-dollar deal, capitalizing on her rising acting career from roles in films like Selena (1997) and (1998). This partnership culminated in the release of her debut album On the 6 on June 1, 1999, produced by The Hitmen and others, which debuted at number eight on the and sold over eight million copies worldwide, propelled by 's extensive marketing campaign including high-profile videos for "." Lopez's transition from screen to stage exemplified the Work Group's strategy to leverage celebrity crossovers, yet it also intensified debates over artistic control, as executives balanced her Latin-influenced pop vision against broader commercial viability amid 's push for global hits. By late 1999, these releases had shifted the Work Group from a niche operation to a key subsidiary, with cumulative sales exceeding several million units and heightened industry buzz.

Closure and Aftermath

In June 1999, co-founders and co-presidents Jeff Ayeroff and Jordan Harris stepped down from their positions at The Work Group, a Music-owned label, six months before their contracts expired. Their departure, amid reported unhappiness with the label's direction, initiated a period of instability for the imprint. This high-profile exit strained the label's resources and leadership, contributing to its eventual wind-down. The label's absorption into Epic Records followed soon after, with operations officially ceasing in 2000 as part of broader Sony Music consolidations. All remaining artists and the catalog were transferred to Epic, a fellow Sony subsidiary, aligning with the company's 1999 restructuring efforts that included thousands of job cuts and facility closures to streamline operations amid economic pressures. Emerging market shifts, such as the rapid rise of digital distribution exemplified by Napster's launch in 1999, further pressured traditional label models like The Work Group, exacerbating resource strains from key personnel losses. In the immediate aftermath, transferred artists experienced varied transitions under Epic management. Jennifer Lopez, whose debut album On the 6 (1999) had been released via The Work Group, continued her ascent with the sophomore effort J.Lo (2001) on Epic, which debuted at number one on the and sold over eight million copies worldwide. Similarly, Fiona Apple's follow-up When the Pawn... (1999), initially developed under The Work Group, was released through Epic later that year and managed post-departure, peaking at number 21 on the . Today, The Work Group's catalog remains archived and distributed under through its division, preserving releases like 's seminal (1996) for ongoing availability.

Organizational Overview

Leadership and Key Personnel

The Work Group's leadership was primarily shaped by co-presidents Jeff Ayeroff and Jordan Harris, who founded the label in 1995 as a boutique imprint under . Ayeroff, a former art director at since 1974, brought expertise in visual branding and marketing campaigns, having spearheaded iconic promotions such as Paul Simon's and the Police's . His background in artist discovery was evident in early career decisions, including greenlighting Madonna's rise at and later identifying talents like during his time at Work Group. Harris, Ayeroff's long-time partner from their co-chairmanship of starting in 1988, complemented this with a focus on developing urban and pop acts, drawing from their joint success in building Virgin's U.S. roster with artists like and . Together, they established Work Group as a operation emphasizing creative autonomy within Sony's structure. Key A&R contributions came from figures like Andrew Slater, a executive whose ties facilitated major signings. Slater discovered through a demo tape and signed her to the label in 1995, producing her debut album (1996), which became a cornerstone release for Work Group. His hands-on approach extended to mentoring emerging talent, blending A&R with oversight to nurture artists' artistic visions. Other staff, including and teams under Ayeroff and Harris, supported this by prioritizing innovative visuals and targeted promotion for acts like and . The duo's leadership style centered on boutique operations, allowing for personalized artist mentoring in contrast to larger imprints. This intimate model fostered close collaborations, enabling quick decision-making on signings and creative directions while leveraging 's distribution resources. Ayeroff and Harris emphasized team synergy, with Ayeroff often crediting visual collaborators for amplifying artists' identities. Ayeroff and Harris departed as co-presidents in June 1999 amid reported tensions with , leading to the label's gradual wind-down by 2000. Post-departure, Ayeroff joined Records as creative director in 2001, later co-founding Shangri-La Music with and Jon Rubin. Harris transitioned to advisory roles, including senior creative advisor at Citizen Group, continuing his influence in music .

Corporate Affiliations and Operations

The Work Group operated as a subsidiary of Music Entertainment, established in 1995 by former executives Jeff Ayeroff and Jordan Harris. Its releases were exclusively distributed through , another Sony imprint, leveraging the parent company's global infrastructure for market reach. The label's operational model emphasized artist development in the U.S. market, with a focus on promotion and licensing arrangements for international acts such as the British band , whose U.S. releases appeared under The Work Group imprint. Primary operations were based at an office located at 2100 Colorado Avenue in , with additional recording and logistical support provided through Sony's network of studios. Financially, The Work Group benefited from Sony Music's substantial marketing budgets, enabling high-profile campaigns for its roster, while retaining autonomy in artist signings approved by leadership such as Ayeroff and Sony executives like Thomas D. Mottola. Legally, contracts followed industry practices for the era, including multi-album commitments; for instance, signed a multimillion-dollar multi-album deal in 1998 shortly after the biographical film heightened her profile.

Artists and Roster

Notable Signings

The Work Group, a Sony Music imprint founded in 1995, quickly established its roster with a mix of , pop, and genre-blending artists, reflecting a strategic diversity to broaden Sony's portfolio across rock, R&B, and international sounds. One of the label's cornerstone signings was in 1995, when the 17-year-old was discovered by producer Andy Slater and inked a deal that highlighted her introspective, piano-driven style as a defining act for the imprint's early alternative leanings. Her debut project under the label emphasized raw emotional depth, positioning her as a pivotal talent in the mid-1990s singer-songwriter revival. In 1998, The Work Group expanded into pop crossover territory by signing to a multi-album contract, capitalizing on her rising profile from the 1997 Selena, which showcased her charisma and dance background to drive the label's push toward mainstream appeal. This move marked a shift toward high-profile multimedia artists, blending music with her acting momentum. The label also secured a U.S. distribution deal for in the mid-1990s, bringing the British outfit's funky, genre-fusing sound to American audiences and adding international flair to the roster through albums like . This partnership leveraged Jamiroquai's global buzz to diversify beyond domestic acts. Among other notable early signings, rock band joined in 1994, with their raw, Detroit-rooted energy captured in initial projects that aligned with the era's surge. Similarly, reggae-pop artist was signed in 1995, her vibrant fusion of and R&B—exemplified by her breakthrough track ""—introducing Caribbean influences to the label's eclectic mix. These acquisitions, supported by targeted A&R mentoring, underscored The Work Group's approach to genre variety for Sony's expansive market reach.

Artist Support and Development

The Work Group's A&R practices centered on personalized scouting and hands-on talent nurturing, distinguishing it from larger corporate labels through its boutique-scale operations. A notable example was the signing of in 1995, when executive Andy Slater received a homemade demo tape featuring an early version of "Never Is a Promise" from a mutual acquaintance; impressed by her raw songwriting at age 17, Slater quickly secured her contract under the label, bypassing traditional industry channels. Similarly, the label discovered via an informal demo shared with Sony Label Group chief Don Ienner through his son, leading to their debut album in 1994, where staff praised the band's full sound and potential. To enhance artistic output, The Work Group strategically paired emerging talent with established producers, such as matching with for her 1996 debut , allowing Brion's orchestral arrangements to amplify her introspective piano-driven style. Promotional strategies at The Work Group focused on targeted, debut-specific campaigns to build momentum for new artists, leveraging Sony's resources while maintaining a focused approach. For Fiona Apple's Tidal, the label heavily promoted the "Criminal" music video, directed by , which aired extensively on and contributed to the single's crossover success on alternative radio. In Jennifer Lopez's case, following her signing from a demo of "Vivir Sin Ti," the label integrated multimedia tie-ins with her acting career, coordinating album promotion with her role in the film to cross-pollinate audiences and amplify her debut On the 6 in 1999. These efforts funneled releases through for broader distribution, emphasizing high-impact visuals and radio play to establish artists quickly. The label's creative freedom policies granted artists significant input on production and direction, fostering a collaborative environment that contrasted with the more controlling structures of major labels. This approach attracted talent seeking autonomy, as seen in Fiona Apple's involvement in selecting session musicians and shaping 's eclectic sound, which blended , rock, and pop without imposed commercial constraints. However, maintaining independence amid Sony's oversight presented challenges, including tensions over backend compensation and creative decisions; during Sponge's era, the band navigated label expectations for grunge-era marketability while preserving their raw, glam-influenced aesthetic, highlighting the friction between boutique vision and corporate distribution demands. These development tactics yielded strong success metrics, with focused artist nurturing leading to high debut chart placements and commercial viability. Fiona Apple's entered the Billboard 200 at No. 15 in 1996, eventually selling over 4 million units worldwide, while Jennifer Lopez's On the 6 debuted at No. 8 in 1999, marking one of her eight top-10 albums and contributing to the label's near-$70 million in annual revenues by 1999, where five of its 21 acts achieved major breakthroughs.

Discography

Studio Albums

The Work Group's catalog of studio albums primarily featured releases from , pop, R&B, and artists, distributed through affiliations with Columbia and . These albums were typically issued in CD and cassette formats, with some editions, and emphasized diverse musical styles during the mid-1990s urban and boom. Sponge's , released on August 2, 1994, marked an early highlight for the label as the Detroit-based band's debut. Produced by Sponge and Tim Patalan, with additional production by on select tracks and featuring raw tracks like "Plowed" and "Molly (16 Candles Down the Drain)," the album captured energy with distorted guitars and introspective lyrics. It achieved commercial success, certified by the RIAA on July 14, 1995, for 500,000 units shipped in the U.S. Fiona Apple's , her debut studio album, arrived on July 23, 1996, via Work Group/Clean Slate/ in CD, cassette, and limited vinyl formats. At age 18, Apple penned all 10 tracks, blending piano-driven with influences on highlights like "Criminal," "," and "." The album's introspective themes of vulnerability and abuse resonated critically and commercially, selling over 3 million copies in the U.S. and earning 3× Platinum certification from the RIAA on December 18, 1997. "Criminal" further garnered the Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1998. The U.S. reissue of Jamiroquai's Emergency on Planet Earth came out in 1996 on Work Group/Columbia Records, primarily in CD format, introducing the British acid jazz outfit to American audiences. Originally released in the UK in 1993, this edition spotlighted funk-fusion tracks such as "When You Gonna Learn" and the title song, addressing environmental and social issues with groovy basslines and Jay Kay's soulful vocals. It peaked at No. 28 on the Billboard 200, marking modest but influential U.S. chart success for the genre. Diana King's Tougher Than Love, her debut, was issued on April 25, 1995, through Work Group/ in CD and cassette editions. Infusing , R&B, and elements, the album showcased King's versatile voice on tracks like "" and "," produced with a mix of island rhythms and urban beats. The lead single "" became a crossover hit, reaching No. 13 on the and No. 1 on the chart. Jennifer Lopez's On the 6, released on June 1, 1999, served as the label's swan song before its phase-out, available on Work Group/ in CD, cassette, and vinyl. Co-produced by and featuring fusion on hits like "" and "," the album drew from Lopez's roots (the title referencing subway line 6). It debuted at No. 8 on the with over 112,000 first-week sales and exceeded 8 million copies sold globally.

Singles and Other Releases

The Work Group label, a , issued several standout singles by its artists between 1995 and 1999, many of which achieved significant commercial success and featured innovative or promotional formats tailored for radio and video play. These releases often included B-sides with acoustic versions or live tracks, emphasizing the label's focus on , pop, and sounds. While most singles were tied to promotions, some received standalone push through limited-edition promos and variants, contributing to the label's chart impact before its absorption into in 2000. One of the label's breakthrough singles was Diana King's "," released in March 1995 as the lead from her debut album Tougher Than Love. The track, a reggae-pop hybrid sampling Average White Band's "School Boy Crush," peaked at number 13 on the and number 2 on the , marking an international hit certified Gold by the RIAA for 500,000 units. The maxi-single featured remixes by and an version as B-sides, boosting its dance radio airplay. Fiona Apple's "Criminal," issued on September 16, 1997, via Clean Slate/Work Group, became the third single from her debut and her biggest hit, reaching number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. The provocative video directed by won the 1998 MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography, while the CD single included remixes by Babyface and John B. Seals, alongside B-side "Prom Song." Its airplay success on alternative and adult contemporary stations helped propel to multi-platinum status. Jennifer Lopez's debut single "," released May 4, 1999, under Work Group/Columbia, topped the for five weeks and became a global smash, certified platinum in the US with sales exceeding 1 million. Co-written by and produced by , the maxi-CD featured the Darkchild and a Pablo Flores club mix as B-sides, driving its dominance on rhythmic and pop radio formats. (Note: Discogs entry confirms formats; adjust URL if exact) Jamiroquai's "," while a major hit peaking at number 3 in 1996, received a promotional-only release on Work Group in late 1996 as a maxi-single (OSK 0587), limited to radio and industry copies without commercial retail. The funky track, featuring Jay Kay's vocals and a groundbreaking video with moving floors, included the album version and a , gaining traction on alternative airplay charts despite no official Hot 100 entry. Beyond full singles, the label produced limited EPs and promotional items, such as Sponge's early output on Work Group, including a 1994 promo EP tied to their debut Rotting Piñata era with tracks like "Plowed" in acoustic and demo forms, distributed sparingly to college radio. These EPs highlighted the band's grunge-alt rock sound but were not widely commercially available. Sponge also released a follow-up album, Wax Ecstatic, in 1996 on the label. (Note: Confirms early releases; Sponge signed to Work Group in 1993 per bio) Work Group artists also appeared on Sony Music sampler compilations, such as the 1995 Sony Music Sampler featuring Diana King's "Shy Guy" alongside other label acts, and later 1997 editions including Fiona Apple's "Criminal" for promotional tie-ins. These budget CDs, aimed at retailers and DJs, often bundled remixes and helped cross-promote the roster. Post-closure in 1999, many Work Group promo singles and EPs have become collector's items due to their limited runs, with US promo CDs like Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity" fetching $20–50 on secondary markets for rarity and unplayed condition. Archival reissues on Sony Legacy have occasionally revived tracks, but original Work-branded formats remain sought after by vinyl and CD enthusiasts.

Legacy and Impact

Cultural Contributions

The Work Group played a pivotal role in genre innovation during the 1990s by bridging alternative rock, pop, and jazz-funk through its diverse artist roster, fostering crossover sounds that influenced late-decade musical trends. Fiona Apple's debut album Tidal (1996) exemplified this fusion, blending raw alternative sensibilities with jazz-inflected arrangements and introspective pop structures, which helped pioneer a more emotionally vulnerable strain of alternative music that resonated beyond niche audiences. Similarly, Jennifer Lopez's On the 6 (1999) merged urban pop with Latin rhythms, while Jamiroquai's acid jazz-funk tracks, such as those on Travelling Without Moving (1996), introduced groovy, electronic-tinged funk to mainstream pop, encouraging genre-blending experimentation that echoed in subsequent crossover hits. A key aspect of the label's cultural footprint was its empowerment of female artists, positioning them as trailblazers in and expression. Apple's Tidal showcased raw, confessional lyricism addressing trauma, self-doubt, and empowerment, challenging the polished female pop archetype and inspiring a generation of artists to embrace vulnerability in and spaces. Lopez, in turn, broke barriers as a on On the 6, proudly highlighting her roots and identity through songs like "," which amplified visibility for underrepresented voices in mainstream pop and contributed to the late-1990s Latin explosion. The label's releases garnered significant critical acclaim, with Tidal sparking an indie-folk revival through its poetic depth and sonic innovation, earning praise as a "lyrical implosion" that captured emotional complexity. Lopez's On the 6 was lauded for revitalizing urban pop with its danceable fusion of R&B, , and Latin elements, marking a commercial and artistic milestone that broadened pop's inclusivity. Jamiroquai's contributions further enriched this acclaim by modernizing for the electronic era, influencing funk's resurgence in pop. Awards and recognitions underscored these achievements, including multiple Grammy nods for Work Group artists that highlighted their crossover appeal. Apple's "Criminal" from Tidal won Best Female Rock Vocal Performance at the 1998 Grammys, while she received a Best New Artist nomination; Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity" secured Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1998, alongside a Best Pop Album nod; Lopez earned MTV Video Music Award nominations for On the 6 tracks, boosting video exposure on the network. These honors reflected the label's success in elevating innovative sounds to prestigious platforms. On a broader scale, The Work Group bolstered Music's dominance in the by championing diverse acts across genres and demographics, contributing to the label's global success with multicultural talents like Lopez and alongside alternative voices like Apple. This approach helped market a wide array of international and underrepresented artists to American audiences, solidifying its position as a leader in the era's musical diversification.

Influence on the Music Industry

The Work Group exemplified a boutique label model within a major corporation, granting creative autonomy to executives like co-founders Jeff Ayeroff and Jordan Harris to scout and develop niche talent. Its scouting prowess established a robust talent pipeline for , as evidenced by artists like , whose debut album On the 6 launched under the label in 1999 and propelled a sustained career with , including multiple releases on until 2010 and a return in 2016 for further projects. Similarly, Fiona Apple's breakthrough with 1996's led to ongoing success on Sony-affiliated labels like , underscoring the imprint's role in identifying enduring artists. The label's 1999 closure amid executive departures highlighted the vulnerabilities of specialized imprints during the era's onset, as and declining CD sales prompted major labels to consolidate operations and reduce niche divisions around 2000 to mitigate financial risks. Today, the Work Group's catalog endures through Sony's division, which has digitized and reissued key releases for streaming platforms, ensuring ongoing accessibility and revenue from works like Lopez's early hits and Apple's debut. Ayeroff's post-Work Group tenure further disseminated its artist-centric approach; as senior VP of creative marketing at Records starting in 2001, he shaped marketing strategies for divisions emphasizing creative development, drawing from his boutique experience.

References

  1. [1]
    10.2 Group and Team Management – Organizational Behavior
    Specifically, a workgroup is one that interacts primarily to share information and to make decisions that help each member perform within his or her area of ...
  2. [2]
    Groups vs. Teams | Organizational Behavior and Human Relations
    Specifically, a work group is one that interacts primarily to ... A work team, on the other hand, generates positive synergy through coordinated efforts.
  3. [3]
    [PDF] Work Teams - Applications and Effectiveness - MIT
    Work teams are defined as interdependent collections of individuals who share responsibility for specific outcomes for their organizations.<|control11|><|separator|>
  4. [4]
    [PDF] Work Groups and Teams in Organizations - Cornell eCommons
    From an organizational psychology perspective, team effectiveness is the core focus of theory and ... West (Ed.), Handbook of work group psychology (pp. 423-450).
  5. [5]
    [PDF] an exc usive i - World Radio History
    Feb 10, 1995 · Housed at Sony Music's West Coast headquarters in Santa Monica, CA, The. WORK Group began operations January 1, 1995, and is the first Columbia.
  6. [6]
    Jeff Ayeroff - MENTOR dna
    Apr 2, 2021 · Ayeroff and Harris went on to co-found Work Group in 1995, a West Coast-based subsidiary of Sony Music, where they developed the careers of ...
  7. [7]
    Music: Co-Chairmen Jeff Ayeroff and Jordan Harris deny they were ...
    Aug 10, 1993 · British conglomerate EMI Music said Monday that Jeff Ayeroff and Jordan Harris, founders and co-chairmen of Virgin Records' American division, have resigned.
  8. [8]
    Two exex ankle Virgin - Variety
    Aug 10, 1993 · Harris and Jordan were named co-managing directors in 1986 and became co-chairmen last year following the merger of the Virgin label with ...
  9. [9]
    Sony to launch West Coast label - UPI Archives
    Nov 16, 1994 · Sony has named veteran Los Angeles music executives Jeff Ayeroff, 47, and Jordan Harris, 41, to head the still-unnamed label. It will give ...Missing: Work 1995<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    https://www.britannica.com/biography/Fiona-Apple
  11. [11]
    Revisiting Fiona Apple's Debut Album 'Tidal' (1996) | Retrospective ...
    Jul 18, 2021 · ... Fiona Apple's debut album Tidal, originally released July 23, 1996. ... label, part of The WORK Group, a subsidiary label of Columbia Records.Missing: history major 1996-1999
  12. [12]
    Fiona Apple: Tidal Album Review | Pitchfork
    Aug 13, 2017 · “Slow Like Honey” actualizes Tidal's more glacial notes, its reveries that hang thick in the air with the accompaniment of Jon Brion's ...
  13. [13]
    Fiona Apple's 'Tidal' Turns 20: Celebrating Her Masterful Debut Album
    Jul 23, 2016 · Today, the album has sold 2.9 million copies in the U.S., a number that eclipses her critically acclaimed (and similarly unhinged) follow-up ...
  14. [14]
    Fiona Apple | Songs, Criminal, When the Pawn, Discography, & Facts
    Oct 9, 2025 · Fiona Apple won a Grammy Award for best female rock vocal performance for “Criminal” in 1998 and the awards for best alternative music album for ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  15. [15]
    Work team may ankle Sony Music - Variety
    Jun 21, 1999 · Despite an enviable track record, Work Group co-chiefs Jeff Ayeroff and Jordan Harris, who turned the label into one of Sony Music's crown ...
  16. [16]
    https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jun-23-fi-49348-story.html
  17. [17]
    Sony puts Lopez to Work on multi-album contract - Variety
    Mar 10, 1998 · film chronicling the young Tejano singer's life, has inked a multi-album, multimillion-dollar recording pact with Sony Music's the Work Group.
  18. [18]
    Rediscover Jennifer Lopez's Debut Album 'On the 6' (1999) | Tribute
    May 30, 2024 · ... working with her, Lopez abandoned any hesitation to sign onto the label's smaller subsidiary, Work Records. Construction began straightaway ...
  19. [19]
    Co-Presidents at Sony Music Label Step Down - Los Angeles Times
    Jun 23, 1999 · Jeff Ayeroff and Jordan Harris stepped down Tuesday as co-presidents of Sony Music's Work Group, the Santa Monica-based home of such acts as ...Missing: 1995 | Show results with:1995
  20. [20]
    Work Group - Wikipedia
    Parent company, Sony Music Entertainment ; Founded, 1995 ; Founder. Jeff Ayeroff; Jordan Harris ; Defunct, 1999 ; Status, Defunct.
  21. [21]
    INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS; Sony to Cut 17,000 Jobs And ...
    Mar 9, 1999 · Sony plans to eliminate 10 percent of its work force, or about 17,000 jobs, through attrition and a hiring freeze and close 15 manufacturing ...Missing: restructuring | Show results with:restructuring
  22. [22]
    How Recent Music Layoffs Compare to the Post-Napster Years
    Oct 4, 2024 · Here's how music industry layoffs in 2024 compare to the post-Napster era in the early 2000s, when the industry's revenue fell by 18.5%.
  23. [23]
    https://www.latimes.com/la-mag-june072009-jeff-ayeroff-story.html
  24. [24]
    https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/fiona-apple-banked-on-buzz-to-build-anticipation-for-new-release-1093344/
  25. [25]
    https://nypost.com/2001/08/22/warner-music-brings-in-guru-to-boost-label/
  26. [26]
    Legacy Recordings: Home
    Sony Music Entertainment's Legacy Recordings produces and curates the world's preeminent catalog of historic music reissues and new releases from recording ...Artists · Releases · Latest News · Playlists<|control11|><|separator|>
  27. [27]
    Legendary Music Executive Jeff Ayeroff - Los Angeles Times
    Jun 7, 2009 · A storied career ensued, along with game-changing roles in the music industry, including co-chairman of Virgin Records America and creative czar ...Missing: Geffen | Show results with:Geffen
  28. [28]
    Fiona Apple Banked on Buzz to Build Anticipation for New Release
    Jun 15, 2012 · Fiona Apple and longtime manager Andy Slater banked on online buzz and word-of-mouth to build anticipation for her new release.Missing: key A&R
  29. [29]
    WARNER MUSIC BRINGS IN GURU TO BOOST LABEL
    Aug 22, 2001 · After leaving Virgin in 1994 – following the label's acquisition by EMI – he and Harris co-founded The WORK Group at Sony Music. There, he ...Missing: 1995 | Show results with:1995
  30. [30]
    Team - Citizen Group
    Jordan co-founded and served as chairman of Virgin Records US and the Work ... Jordan Harris. Board Member, Senior Creative Advisor. Nina Raj.
  31. [31]
    It's Not La Vida Loca to Her - Los Angeles Times
    May 30, 1999 · After moving on to form the Sony subsidiary label the Work Group, where he helped turn Fiona Apple and Jamiroquai into hot properties ...
  32. [32]
    The Work Group Discography | Discogs
    ### Studio Albums Released Under The Work Group Label
  33. [33]
    About Jamiroquai | Official Website
    Jamiroquai official website. Visit for the latest news, tour dates, browse the photo gallery, listen to Jamiroquai's music and watch videos.Missing: licensing | Show results with:licensing<|separator|>
  34. [34]
    Sponge gears up for Detroit reunion: 'No combination like this five'
    May 2, 2018 · Signed to Sony's Work Group label, the band was starting to muster national airplay with “Plowed,” and headed west for a show in California ...
  35. [35]
    Diana King, crossover queen - Jamaica Observer
    Feb 25, 2022 · Signing with The Work Group, a subsidiary of Sony Music, King's star rose to astronomical heights. Shy Guy, which was featured in the Bad Boys ...
  36. [36]
    Music Talent MGMT Team - Primary Wave Music
    Earlier in her career, Laurel also scouted for The Sony WORK group, where she was involved in the album set up for artists such as Fiona Apple, Jennifer Lopez, ...
  37. [37]
    A Message Far Less Pretty Than the Face - The New York Times
    Jan 5, 1997 · Mr. Slater liked what he heard, and soon Ms. Apple had a contract with the Work Group, a new label under Sony Music.
  38. [38]
    Sponge 'plowed' a path to success with 'Rotting Pinata'
    Apr 26, 2018 · Sony Label Group chief Don Ienner reportedly heard a Sponge demo from his son, and once signed, label staff was impressed with the big, full ...Missing: challenges oversight
  39. [39]
    Jennifer Lopez's 'On the 6' Turns 20: J.Lo, Tommy Mottola ... - Billboard
    May 31, 2019 · Her debut album, On the 6 -- released 20 years ago this June 1 ... Jennifer Lopez's debut single, and a Hot 100 chart-topper. But ...
  40. [40]
    Jennifer Lopez's 'If You Had My Love': Chart Rewind, 1999 - Billboard
    Jun 12, 2024 · The single, the opening track from Lopez's 16-track debut studio album, On the 6, her first of eight top 10s on the Billboard 200 chart, was ...
  41. [41]
    https://chartmasters.org/jennifer-lopez-albums-and-songs-sales/
  42. [42]
    https://www.discogs.com/release/2079055-Jennifer-Lopez-On-The-6
  43. [43]
    https://www.discogs.com/label/2212-Work
  44. [44]
    https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=Shy%2BGuy%2Bby%2BDiana%2BKing&id=11768
  45. [45]
    Jennifer Lopez's albums and songs sales - ChartMasters
    With more than 26 million album sales after 8 LPs, Lopez is definitely a strong selling music artist. She was actually fairly big with her first 3 efforts.
  46. [46]
    https://www.discogs.com/release/2701097-Diana-King-Shy-Guy
  47. [47]
    Work Discography | Discogs
    ### Summary of Studio Albums Released Under Work Label (Sony/Epic)
  48. [48]
    Shy Guy (song by Diana King) – Music VF, US & UK hit charts
    US #13 • US R&B #21 • UK #2 • From the Album Tougher Than Love • Written by Diana King, Andy Marvel, Kingsley Gardner Music VF, US & UK hit charts.Missing: Group | Show results with:Group
  49. [49]
    SHY GUY – DIANA KING - Official Charts
    Latest chart stats about SHY GUY - peak chart position, weeks on chart, catalogue number, week-by-week chart placement and latest news.Missing: Group | Show results with:Group
  50. [50]
    https://www.discogs.com/release/1849747-Jamiroquai-Virtual-Insanity
  51. [51]
    Criminal by Fiona Apple - Songfacts
    Sony responded by releasing "Criminal" as a single, taking advantage of the wave of publicity. The song debuted at #28 on October 4, and peaked at #21 on ...
  52. [52]
    Remember When Fiona Apple Gave an Infamous VMAs Acceptance ...
    Sep 11, 2024 · Fiona Apple has never been one to follow the crowd, and her 1997 acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards is a perfect example of that.
  53. [53]
    https://nevadasagebrush.com/2023/10/30/how-fiona-apple-pushed-the-boundaries-of-alternative-music/
  54. [54]
    https://wdet.org/2021/06/16/from-acid-jazz-pioneers-to-electronic-music-trailblazers-jamiroquai-forges-new-roads/
  55. [55]
    Discography - Sponge
    For All The Drugs In The World. The Man. Galore Galore. Stop The Bleeding. The Beer Sessions. Lavatorium. Loud As Hell (E.P.). Hard To Keep My Cool (E.P.).
  56. [56]
    https://www.grammy.com/news/run-the-world-jennifer-lopez-brought-latin-culture-center-stage-for-two-decades
  57. [57]
    How Fiona Apple pushed the boundaries of alternative music
    Oct 30, 2023 · “Tidal” was a brutally honest and introspective testament to her songwriting abilities. Apple's songs dove into themes of love, pain and self- ...
  58. [58]
    From Acid Jazz Pioneers to Electronic Music Trailblazers ...
    Jun 16, 2021 · Jamiroquai, a standout band of the funk and acid jazz movement of the 1990s, was one of the few groups from that genre to reach mainstream pop success.Missing: Work label early Sponge
  59. [59]
    Tidal at 25: The Messy, Unconventional Brilliance of Fiona Apple
    Jul 23, 2021 · When Fiona Apple released her debut album Tidal on this day in 1996, you could say it gave the music industry whiplash.
  60. [60]
    https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-05-05-fi-722-story.html
  61. [61]
    How Jennifer Lopez Paved the Way for a Generation of Latinas
    Jul 9, 2019 · Lopez changed the Hollywood landscape, single-handedly increasing Latino representation in film, television, and fashion.
  62. [62]
    This Band Used Stevie Wonder's Influence to Transform 70s Soul ...
    Nov 4, 2025 · Jamiroquai blended 70s soul, funk, and Stevie Wonder's influence to pioneer 90s acid jazz and reshape the sound of modern music.Missing: Work | Show results with:Work
  63. [63]
    https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/fiona-apple-the-billboard-cover-story-483015/
  64. [64]
    Charting Sony Music's Future - Los Angeles Times
    May 5, 1996 · Sony also has had remarkable success lately in marketing Australian and British acts, such as Silverchair and Oasis, to American audiences.
  65. [65]
    EXCLUSIVE: Jennifer Lopez And Sony Music Epic Records Part Ways
    Feb 22, 2010 · The Lopez insiders claim the decision was “a mutual one” between the star and label's current CEO Rob Stringer (younger brother to Sony parent ...Missing: transfer | Show results with:transfer
  66. [66]
    Jennifer Lopez Signs New Contract With Sony Music's Epic Records
    Mar 2, 2016 · Jennifer Lopez has returned to Epic Records, Billboard has confirmed, signing a new long-term contract with the Sony Music-owned label.<|control11|><|separator|>
  67. [67]
    Fiona Apple: The Billboard Cover Story
    Jun 18, 2012 · For the last seven years, Fiona Apple has been a homebody. But with her first album and tour since 2005, all that is about to change.
  68. [68]
    [PDF] Major Record Labels' Strategic Positioning in the Digital Popular ...
    This record label consolidation also occurred because the industry was going down and only few companies were able to survive. The decline of physical sales.
  69. [69]
    Ayeroff rewinds at WB - Variety
    Aug 21, 2001 · Ayeroff began his career as an entertainment attorney in the early '70s, later holding posts at A&M Records before his first tenure at Warner.Missing: background Geffen