Interscope Geffen A&M Names Step Johnson President of Urban Music

The appointment follows news that A&M president Ron Fair is in talks to become chairman of A&M and Geffen, reporting to IGA chairman Jimmy Iovine.

Johnson's successes include artist such as 50 Cent and the G-Unit family of artists, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, The Game, Avant, and Keyshia Cole have joined earlier promotion triumphs he has enjoyed at the label, including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, and Teddy Riley's BLACKstreet.

"Step Johnson has been an enormous part of Interscope's success from the beginning. His hard work has helped make IGA the top urban music label in the business. An achievement like that comes not only from incredible artists but also the dedication of a talented executive like Step," said Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M.

The industry veteran first broke into the music business in the 1970s as a regional promotion executive for ABC Records in New Orleans. In 1981, he moved to A&M in Los Angeles as Sr. VP of Urban Promotion. In the mid-'80s he was appointed Sr. VP and General Manager of Urban Music at Capitol Records, where he remained until Interscope came calling.

"Urban music has become a huge part of Interscope Geffen A&M. That's because of the leadership of Jimmy Iovine and the team he has built at IGA. I'm proud to be part of a company that always looks to the future," Johnson said.