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Charese Fruge Talks To Wendy Goodman
December 10, 2019
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Wendy Goodman started her career in 1995 at Madonna's label, Maverick Records. "She was, and still is, one of the most powerful and influential women in music," according to the record executive. Now as Wendy enters into her 20th year with RCA as SVP of Promotion, she's had successwith the likes of Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson. With almost 25 years in the record business overall, one of the top achievements in her career, according to Wendy, is working with P!nk & delivering her 10 #1 records at Adult Top 40 radio, the most of any solo artist.
Another major Highlight for Wendy's career? "It was a true honor to be included in the Billboard Inaugural Pride Issue this year." She and her wife, Entertainment attorney Dina Lapolt, were also featured in "What It's Like to Be An LGBTQ Executive In the Music Industry."
Wendy's first job at Maverick in '95 was as a promotion assistant in the Alternative Rock format. Since then she has worked with C2 records, joined J Records in 2000 at it's inception as a Regional Promotion Manager in Dallas, moved to Los Angeles in 2004 as National Promotion Manager for adult formats for RCA and has worked her way to the top where she is currently SVP of Promotion.
What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do?
"At the end of the day, it's all about breaking artists for me. Earlier in my career, I am very proud to have been a part of the team that launched Maroon 5 and Alicia Keys," says Goodman. Her passion comes from loving what she does. "I still get excited when I hear our songs on the radio. I am truly blessed to have genuine relationships with artists who appreciate what we do." Goodman adds that she's also lucky to have such an amazing team. "What gets me through tough times is the RCA team, they are an extension of my family. I show up for them, and they show up for me, and that makes it all worthwhile."
Who have been some of the bigger influences in your career?
"Brenda Romano, President of Promotion for Interscope, Geffen and A&M has been a major influence on me. We've never actually worked together," says Goodman. "But she's been a mentor and an incredibly valuable resource to me and my career. She is a woman who is respected by her peers, artists and staff. She continues to lead by example and has accomplished so much in this business. In addition to being a premier executive, Brenda is a mother who never missed a beat. Finding that balance and having family and career success is a great fete."
"In addition to Brenda, I will also be forever be grateful to the woman who first hired me at Maverick: Sheri Trahan. She was the first to recognize my passion and work ethic and gave me a shot even when I had no music business experience."
What advice would you offer to new comers in the business?
"The key to success in the music business is to be prepared to work really hard and never turn down an opportunity to go to a show. I always try to instill in new comers something simple, but so important: be good to people. Relationships are THE most important aspect of what we do at any level, so treat people with respect."
What keeps YOU up at night?
"Besides my kids....I am kept up at night by my own personal high bar of making sure I deliver every single day for our artists. I care A LOT!"
So successful career, marriage and two boys? How do you balance it all?
"We have a great support system around us, it truly takes a village. It also takes a high level of communication with my wife Dina. We do our best to not be out of town on business trips at the same time so one of us is at home at night with our sons. Time is the most treasured commodity. There are never enough hours in the day, but it's all about the quality of time we spend together."
With 2019 coming to an end, What's ahead for you and RCA?
"I'm super excited about our new Kesha campaign, we are at radio now with 'Raising Hell' and we will be releasing her new album in early 2020 - the music is Amazing! Plus we have other super exciting releases to kick off 2020."
Follow Wendy Goodman on Facebook @wdgoody on Instagram and @WendyDG on twitter
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