CARL SCOTT, 1938-2024

Carl Scott, a longtime Warner Bros. Records artist-relations executive, died Wednesday (4/17) after a protracted illness. He was 85.

Working with Bob Regehr, Scott revolutionized the concept of an Artist Development department. Randy Newman, Ry Cooder, Prince, Bonnie Raitt, Van Halen and k.d. lang were among the artists who benefitted from this innovation, which became the model for other record labels.

“Of all the people from Warner Bros. in the crucial early years of my career, Carl was a warm and human support for me,” Raitt said. “I look back on that era and the person who meant the most in keeping me happy and on an even keel and really guiding me and shepherding me through all those rough waters was Carl.”

Scott, a native of Philadelphia, entered the music business working for the legendary DJ Tom Donahue, first in Philadelphia and then in San Francisco, booking talent for Donahue’s record hops. Their first major show together was 1963’s Cow Palace concert with The Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, The Ronettes, Dionne Warwick and others.

Scott moved to Los Angeles in 1971 and became a fixture at Warner Bros. Records before being formally employed there. A&R chief Lenny Waronker hired him to book new WB rock acts like The Doobie Brothers, Little Feat, Mother Earth and Captain Beefheart. From there, they created the Artist Relations Department; Scott was SVP of Artist Relations and Development until he retired in 2003.

“Carl made us all look good—without ever asking for credit,” Waronker said. “He was incredibly smart, had a gigantic heart and was completely devoted to artistry. He was an extremely important part of the Warner corporate culture.”

After he retired from Warner Bros., Scott and partner Jon Simmons created Simmons and Scott Entertainment, designed to support young actors and manage them in the early phases of their careers.