Music executive, Andre Harell dies aged 59

Andre Harrell, founder of Uptown Records and former head of Mo Town Records has died.

The veteran music executive who discovered Sean Combs better known as Diddy and later went on to head Motown Records.

He died aged 59 and the cause of his death is unknown..

DJ D Nice, a DJ for popular Club Quarantine series revealed the sad news on Instagram Live, Friday night and several US media houses have confirmed his passing away

Harrell started his career as an artiste, a member of the rap duo Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde, whose single “Genius Rap” was a hit in 1981.

In 1983, Harrell teamed with Russell Simmons, the founder of Def Jam Records, and became vice president and later General Manager of the label.

In 1986 , he founded Uptown Records, and signed the then young P.Diddy. He later went on to head Mo Town records. Harrell also launched the careers of Mary J.Blige, Al B. Sure and Jodeci.