What do the chairmen of the world’s top record labels, Paul McCartney, Bono and Eminem have in common? They’re power players who have the most muscle (and money) in the music industry. Britain’s Q Magazine rated 50 in its November issue. Here are the top 10:
1. Bono
Politically minded U2 front man.
2. Doug Morris
Chairman of Universal Music, representing artists such as Eminem, Limp Bizkit, U2, Blink-182 and Nelly.
3. Eminem
Rapper and star of soon-to-be-released movie “8 Mile.”
4. Lowry Mays
Founder of radio and entertainment giant Clear Channel Communications.
5. The Kurt Cobain Estate
Late rocker’s “Journal” netted $4 million advance.
6. Thom Yorke
Radiohead singer/songwriter helped steer the band to platinum album sales.
7. Lyor Cohen
President-CEO of Island Def Jam, which boasts artists including Ja Rule, DMX and Ashanti.
8. Clive Calder
Chairman of Zomba Music Group (parent of Jive) with artists including Britney Spears, ‘N Sync and Backstreet Boys.
9. Paul McCartney & Yoko Ono
Beatle legacy still a big business.
10. Simon Fuller
British pop pioneer who gave us reality pop TV (Britain’s Pop Idol morphed into our American Idol) and the Spice Girls.
