Name Al Manerson | ||
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Education Fitchburg State University | ||
Al Moses Manerson is an artist manager, songwriter and producer who specializes in A&R, promotions, marketing, sales and production. He is president and CEO of Red Velvet Entertainment, a Los Angeles and Atlanta-based boutique management and consulting company. Prior to joining Red Velvet in 2003, Manerson was general manager of Real Deal Entertainment, senior vice president of marketing and promotions for Platinum Records, national director of retail for Columbia Records and Northeast regional gospel promoter for A&M Records.
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Throughout his career in the music industry, Al Manerson has overseen A&R and production for multi-Platinum albums and sales for record labels across their pop, rock, urban and gospel divisions, elevating sales figures into the millions.
Manerson’s discography is extensive. He marketed and promoted Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum albums in the pop, gospel, dance, reggae, R&B, hip-hop, rap, Christian and folk genres. Artists he worked with include Mariah Carey, Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Sade, Gloria Estefan, Babyface, Public Enemy, Ghostface Killah, Cameron, Sandy Patty, Michael W. Smith, Shirley Caesar, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Shabba Ranks, Barry White and Luther Vandross.
Personal life
Manerson was born in Roxbury, Mass., and attended the Lee Institute School of Real Estate in Boston. He continued his education at Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, Mass., where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in marketing and labor relations. He was chairman of the board of the Atlanta Entertainment Committee and a member of the National Black Radio Coalition. In 2010 he was awarded a Certificate of Leadership by the UNCF.
Present
In 2009, Al Manerson was involved in securing a distribution deal through Make Entertainment/EMI for R&B artist Kevon Edmonds, whom he represents. With Manerson as A&R for Edmonds’ Who Knew album, the single "Oh" charted in the Adult Contemporary Top 10.
That same year, Manerson supervised the soundtrack for Waiting in Beijing (IMDb credited), was involved in securing a distribution deal with K-tel Records Canada for Billy Blanks, and a distribution deal for The Dream Center through Universal Distribution for Christian rock band Press Play.
In 2010, Manerson was involved in securing a recording contract with Concord Music Group/Universal Records for singer/songwriter Leela James. He is manager and executive producer of her latest album, My Soul. James’ single, "Tell Me You Love Me," was viewed over half a million times on YouTube. Manerson negotiated her position as host of the BET series My Black is Beautiful.
Also in 2010, Manerson began managing Kadis & Sean, Audio Push and Mint Condition.
-Kadis & Sean: Manerson was involved in securing a production deal with Geffen/Interscope for the duo’s Roz Music Entertainment. As their producer, he was involved in securing their publishing deal with Chrysalis Music Group, their first original score as music producers for the movie Honey 2 through Universal Pictures, and song placements with Jesse McCartney, JoJo and T. Mills. He negotiated television and soundtrack placements and oversaw the opening of Roz Music studios.
-Audio Push: Manerson was involved in securing the group’s record deal with Roz Music Entertainment under Geffen/Interscope. He served as executive producer for their upcoming debut album, negotiated song placements for Xbox and the soundtrack to Honey 2, and filming for an upcoming reality show for Toxbox Entertainment.
-Mint Condition: As the group’s manager, Manerson was involved in securing their deal with Shanachie/E1 for their new album, 7. Manerson was executive producer of the album and oversaw the band’s in-store campaigns and marketing brand. He was involved in securing a contract with top booking agency CAA and placed Mint Condition as house band for the television series Way Black When and as hosts of the series’ Best Of episodes.
Manerson also manages Governor, the first male R&B artist signed to G-Note Records, the label founded and owned by 50 Cent.
Manerson is the President and CEO of Red Velvet Entertainment,a Los Angeles and Atlanta-based boutique management and consulting company. The list of the company's management/career direction clients include, Mint Condition, Audio Push, Roxy Montana, The A Team, Bow Entertainment and Grammy Award Nominee Stokely Williams, Producer with Hip Hop Recording sensation Wale, who earned his first #1 album on the national Billboard charts, The Gifted, in 2013. Manerson and Red Velvet, Inc. also consult on music projects for Zendaya, the Disney Pop Queen and "Dancing with the Stars" phenomenon, with her eponymous CD and the first platinum single, "Replay". Prior to joining Red Velvet in 2003, Manerson was Senior Vice President of Marketing and Promotions for Platinum Records, National Director of Retail for Columbia Records and Northeast Regional Gospel Promoter for A&M Records.
Manerson has advised and lent his expertise to super producer Rodney Jerkins's new music venture, Evolve/Capitol Music Group. Artists include actor Evan Ross (currently starring in the "Hunger Games" franchise).
Accomplishments
Achieved over $100 million in sales for Epic/Sony. Tripled sales in A&M Records gospel division. Established Platinum Records artist roster. Secured distribution deal for Real Deal Entertainment and Orpheus EMI.
Career Highlights
General Manager - Real Deal Entertainment, Atlanta, Ga. 2001-2002
Senior Vice President of Marketing and Promotions - Platinum Records, Atlanta, Ga. 1998-2000
Vice President and Interim Vice President of Promotions and Marketing - Epic/550/Sony and Distributive Labels, New York, N.Y. 2001
National Director of Retail - Columbia Records, New York, N.Y. 1990
Northeast Regional Gospel Promoter - A&M Records, New York, N.Y. 1988-1990
Awards
From 1993 -1998, Manerson received multiple Platinum sales awards for artists including Michael Jackson, Babyface, Sade and Celine Dion, and soundtracks including Poetic Justice and Deep Cover.
1997 - Citations from Michael Julian Bond.
1996 - Awarded Key to the City of Atlanta during Olympics by Mayor Bill Campbell.
1995 - Award from Atlanta Chapter of Songwriters Association.
1995 - Sony Distribution Branch Award for Sales.
1992 - Epic/Sony Promotion Man of the Year Award.
1991 - Epic/Sony Promotion Man of the Year Award.