L.A. Reid Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Height, Net Worth, Mother, Record Label, Songs & Awards
Antonio Marquis Reid, professionally known as L.A. Reid, is an American record executive, songwriter, record producer, musician, and businessman.
He became one of the most influential executives in modern popular music as co-founder of LaFace Records, later leading Arista Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, and Epic Records. He has won three Grammy Awards.
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Antonio Marquis Reid |
| Stage Name: | L.A. Reid |
| Born: | June 7, 1956 (age 70 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Cincinnati, Ohio, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | African American |
| Height: | 174 cm / 5 ft 8½ in |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Emma Reid |
| Siblings: | Bryant Reid |
| Spouse: | Erica Holton |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Children: | Antonio M. Reid Jr., Ashley Reid, Aaron Alexander Reid, 2 children |
| Occupation: | Record executive, A&R executive, songwriter, record producer, musician, businessman, author |
| Net Worth: | $300 million |
Early Life and Education
L.A. Reid was born on June 7, 1956, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was raised by his mother, Emma Reid, who worked as a seamstress and interior decorator.
He grew up alongside Bryant Reid and attended Hughes High School in Cincinnati. Music became an important part of his teenage years, eventually leading him toward professional work as a drummer and musician.
L.A. Reid developed his musical abilities during the 1970s, initially performing as a drummer in the band Pure Essence. He later attended Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program, completing the six-week program in 1997 as he prepared for greater executive responsibilities in the recording industry. His background combines practical music experience, business education, and extensive work in artist development.
Career
L.A. Reid began his professional music career as a drummer before joining The Deele in 1981 alongside Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds.
The partnership eventually expanded into songwriting and production, laying the foundation for Reid’s transition from performer to music executive.
In 1989, Reid and Babyface co-founded LaFace Records, which became an influential home for artists including TLC, OutKast, Usher, Toni Braxton, and Pink.
In 1996, Reid established Hitco Music Publishing, and in 2000 he became president and CEO of Arista Records, succeeding Clive Davis.
During his Arista tenure, he helped advance the careers of artists such as Avril Lavigne, Pink, Ciara, and others.
He later became chairman and CEO of Island Def Jam Music Group from 2004 to 2011, overseeing a roster that included major artists such as Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Kanye West, Jennifer Lopez, and Usher.
From 2011 to 2017, Reid served as chairman and CEO of Epic Records and also appeared as a judge on the American version of The X Factor during its first two seasons.
In 2017, he co-founded Hitco Entertainment, which was later sold to Concord in 2022. His career has included work linked to some of the most commercially successful recordings in R&B, pop, hip-hop, and contemporary music.
L.A. Reid has also worked as a songwriter and producer, earning three Grammy Awards. His credits include Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” and contributions to The Bodyguard soundtrack.
He released his memoir, Sing to Me: My Story of Making Music, Finding Magic, and Searching for Who’s Next, in 2016.
Social Media
- Instagram: @la_reid
Personal Life
L.A. Reid is 70 years old and has been married to Erica Holton since 2000. Before that marriage, he was married to singer and songwriter Perri “Pebbles” Reid from 1989 until their divorce in 1996.
He has five children from different relationships, including Antonio M. Reid Jr., Ashley Reid, and Aaron Alexander Reid, as well as two children from his marriage to Erica.
L.A. Reid family has remained connected to music and entertainment, particularly his son Aaron Reid, who pursued singing and songwriting.
Beyond his executive career, Reid has participated in philanthropic initiatives, including work associated with City of Hope, the Robin Hood Foundation, and cancer-awareness campaigns. His height is 174 cm (5 feet 8½ inches).
In January 2026, Reid settled a lawsuit brought by former Arista executive Drew Dixon, who had alleged sexual assault and harassment dating to the early 2000s.
The settlement occurred on the day the trial was scheduled to begin; Reid had previously faced a separate workplace sexual-harassment claim in 2017.
Net Worth
L.A. Reid’s net worth is approximately $300 million. His wealth has been built across more than four decades of music-industry work, including record-company leadership, songwriting, production, publishing, artist development, executive positions, and ownership interests.
His leadership at LaFace, Arista, Island Def Jam, Epic, and Hitco has been central to his financial success and lasting influence in the entertainment business.
Filmography
- The Deele – Street Beat — 1984, drummer and vocalist
- The Deele – Material Thangz — 1985, musician and producer
- Bobby Brown – Don’t Be Cruel — 1988, producer
- Pebbles – Pebbles — 1988, producer
- Paula Abdul – Forever Your Girl — 1989, producer
- Karyn White – Karyn White — 1988, producer and musician
- The Bodyguard — 1992, soundtrack contributor and producer
- Boomerang — 1992, music contributor
- The X Factor USA — 2011–2012, judge
- Xscape — 2014, executive producer
- Sing to Me: My Story of Making Music, Finding Magic, and Searching for Who’s Next — 2016, memoir
- The Art of Organized Noize — 2016, documentary appearance
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