Gayle Sparrow, the former executive who led MTV's talent and artist lineup during the cable channel's golden years, died Sunday (March 31) after a battle with lung cancer. It was 74.
Born January 20, 1950, Sparrow began her music career at CBS/Epic Records in 1976.
In 1981, he was recruited to join MTV's startup team. MTV opened in August of that year and started a revolution, one that facilitated a change in the way music was consumed and the way artists and labels presented their music.
Sparrow played her part in that sea change, initially as a talent coordinator. As MTV's presence and network grew, so did Sparrow's duties, with a promotion to director of talent and artist relations.
MTV has helped launch and relaunch countless careers. Sparrow worked with all of them. Tina Turner's remarkable solo comeback in the mid-'80s can be attributed, in part, to the late singer's support from MTV and astute guidance from artist manager Roger Davies. Talking to me Advertising sign in 2023 after the Rock Hall legend died on May 24 at 83, Sparrow recalled Turner as the “hottest ticket in town,” who “just blew everybody away” in person. “It was just a flash. She had this spark in her eye,” Sparrow recalled. “Tina gave MTV a kind of second thrill. She was a completely different personality as an artist: She could have been your best friend. Everyone felt comfortable around her. You don't need to thank her.”
As news of Sparrow's death spread, friends and former colleagues paid tribute to Sparrow and her work.
Sparrow was “an integral and passionate part of the original team that launched MTV — and many of these legendary artist moments were directly her contribution,” comments Bob Pittman, former MTV Networks CEO and co-founder and developer who led group that created MTV. “That voice, laugh and sly mischievous smile will be missed… one of a kind.” The 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards “was in her memory,” says Pittman.
“There's no doubt in my mind that they needed someone up there in rock 'n' roll heaven to handle talent and artist relations,” comments MTV co-founder Les Garland. “After all these years, I've never felt closer to Gayle than these last three years. Indeed, we all have Gale Sparrow stories, galore. Let them bring a smile and a feeling of gratitude to your soul. RIP 'Sparrow', I'll miss those phone calls! #Love #Respect.”
Sparrow died peacefully at her home in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, according to spokespeople.
No funeral has been planned at this time per Sparrow's wishes.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/gale-sparrow-former-mtv-director-artist-relations-dead-1235648021/
