Renowned British music executive Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE to receive the distinguished Musexpo 2024 “International Lifetime Achievement Award”

31 July 2023 - Press release

 

Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE, a highly respected figure in both the music and wider entertainment industry, is set to receive the prestigious “International Lifetime Achievement Award” at the esteemed global music business event, MUSEXPO. The ceremony will take place on Monday, March 18th, 2024, in Burbank, California – “The Media Capital of The World.”

This accolade is in recognition of Jonathan’s exceptional career spanning three decades of notable achievements. In addition to the award, he will be presented with official proclamations honoring his remarkable work from the City of Burbank, Los Angeles County, and the State of California assembly representatives during a special luncheon. Jonathan’s significant contributions to the UK entertainment industry were previously acknowledged in 2014 when he received an OBE from Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace. This latest honor further enhances his status as a hugely influential and respected global figure in the music and wider entertainment business.

In 2024, Jonathan marks the 30th anniversary of his first major success, collaborating with the late Sir George Martin on an album celebrating harmonica virtuoso Larry Adler performing Gershwin. This groundbreaking album featured an array of music legends, including Carly Simon, Cher, Elton John, and Sting, earning it a place in the Guinness World Records as the oldest person then to have made the charts.

Sat Bisla, President & Founder, A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO stated, “Jonathan’s remarkable contributions to the music and entertainment industry have earned him well-deserved recognition as the esteemed International Lifetime Achievement Award honoree at next year’s MUSEXPO. Over the course of Jonathan’s illustrious three-decade career, his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on the industry's landscape. As a prominent figure in the music scene, Jonathan possesses an innate ability to identify and nurture exceptional talent, catapulting numerous artists to global stardom.”

Bisla adds, “Jonathan’s astute eye for spotting potential and his relentless pursuit of excellence have not only transformed the careers of individuals but have also significantly contributed to the evolution and continued success of the British music and wider entertainment industry on the world stage. His profound influence will continue to resonate for years to come, serving as a guiding light for future generations of music and entertainment professionals. This well-deserved recognition at MUSEXPO 2024 confirms his status as a true titan of his industry, testament to the lasting impact he has made and will continue to make.”

Jonathan’s career continued to flourish, with notable achievements such as managing the then 12-year-old Welsh soprano Charlotte Church, who became the youngest musician to reach number one in the UK classical charts. Under his guidance, Church sold over ten million albums worldwide and achieved two double platinum albums in the US.

His collaborations extended beyond artist management, as Jonathan again worked alongside George Martin on a tribute album to the iconic producer himself. The album, titled In My Life, featured legendary artists such as Billy Connolly, Goldie Hawn, Jim Carey, and Phil Collins.

Throughout the early 2000s, Jonathan ventured into managing British Black R&B and Hip Hop acts, including Jamelia, Big Brovaz, Terri Walker, N-Dubz, and WSTRN. These groundbreaking artists amassed numerous chart-topping successes, earning BRIT nominations and 16 MOBO Awards collectively.

Jonathan’s influence also reached the classical music sphere, where he has co-chaired the UK Classical BRITs, managed Katherine Jenkins, and Russell Watson for periods of their careers, the two most successful UK artists in this genre, and worked with late Stephen Sondheim to record London’s Royal National Theatre production of A Little Night Music starring Dame Judi Dench.

His acts have graced renowned venues worldwide, including Buckingham Palace, Carnegie Hall, Hollywood Bowl, Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, and even the White House. Jonathan has co-produced stage shows in London’s West End and Las Vegas, as well as television documentaries with ITV and the BBC, and two feature films.

Jonathan continues to thrive in the music industry, celebrating the fifth anniversary of Chosen Music with his newest business partner Alistair Goldsmith. As a fully-fledged 360-degree recording, publishing and management company, Chosen Music focuses on nurturing and developing both cutting-edge young and established talent, working in partnership with Universal, Sony, and Warner music.

Chosen Music’s first records signing, Caity Baser, has garnered significant attention with over 150 million streams with her three 2023 charting songs, being recognized by the BBC, Amazon Music, NME, Rolling Stone UK, and the Independent as “One to Watch.” Chosen published songwriters have written hits for Jason Derulo, Anne Marie, and Joel Corry. 

Saltwives, the songwriting and production duo managed by Chosen have achieved tremendous success, with over 15 billion streams on songs they have written and produced for artists such as BLACKPINK, Zayn, and Sia, and produced the soundtrack for Disney’s Aladdin. 

Emerging artist Solomon has released tracks with Ice Spice and Brockhampton and NEIKED achieved their first Billboard Top 20 with their song “Better Days” with Polo G.

Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE is also Chairman & Founder, of the InterTalent Rights Group, and content creation company Project 30 Studios. InterTalent is the UK’s leading independent talent management company winning best agency for new talent at the Edinburgh International Television Festival “New Voice Awards.” InterTalent represents major international talent and creates intellectual property across Scripted, Unscripted, Broadcast, Digital, Social-Media, Gaming and Comedy.

A passionate and dedicated philanthropist, Jonathan is also Chairman & Chief Barker of Variety, the Childrens Charity, Chairman of the MOBO Charity Foundation (Music of Black Origin), Trustee of ChickenShed (Theatre Changing Lives), and the British Prime Minister’s appointee as Honorable Ambassador of the GREAT Campaign: GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign. 

Awarded an OBE in 2014 for services to the entertainment industry, Jonathan is widely recognised as an innovator and leader in the creative industries in the UK and globally. He was awarded an Honorary Professorship by Henley Business School in 2012 as recognition of his contribution to the Performing Arts and Creative Industries, and in 2018 an Honorary Doctorate by Reading University for changing lives through the creative industries. In recent years, he has been named as London’s most influential agent by the Evening Standard and Britain’s Top Showbiz agent by the Daily Mail and lectured at USC (University of Southern California).

Jonathan has also advised the DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport), hosted the inaugural meeting for Festival UK 2022, following which then British Prime Minister, Theresa May, announced £120 Million of Government funding. He is also recognised as a respected media commentator on the entertainment industry. 

Jonathan lives in London with his beloved wife of thirteen years, Katrina.

Registration is now open for MUSEXPO at www.musexpo.net. 

 

Information on showcase artist submissions, event partnership/sponsorship opportunities, direct flights to Burbank Airport and conference discount hotel room bookings within the Burbank, CA area is available at www.musexpo.net.