Tom Morgan

American producer, A&R manager and company executive for Capitol Records from the 1950s to 1970, and for MCA / Decca in the 1970s. Known as Tom "Tippy" Morgan. Born September 11, 1921, in St. Paul, Minnesota; died July 6, 2019, in Ventura, California (age 97). The youngest of five boys, he discovered an early love of music and Oscar Pettiford during teenage jam sessions at their Minneapolis home. After active duty in WWII, he toured with numerous Big Bands, including Claude Thornhill, Sam Donahue, Billy May and Harry James. In 1951, he joined Capitol Records in Hollywood, starting as a record salesman. He worked his way up to A&R and eventually to Vice President of East Coast Operations. He moved to Decca Records in 1972 where he produced the cast album of "Jesus Christ, Superstar" and was nominated for a Grammy. He was an original member of NARAS (1957) and served two terms as national secretary/treasurer. He finished his career working for artists' rights at the L.A. Musician's Union and was nominated for a Grammy for Johnny Otis' "Spirit of the Black Territory Bands."