James LeachSESAC’s vice president of creative services and west coast operations passed away on Thursday (October 17) in Los Angeles. The well-respected music industry executive passed away after a battle with cancer.
Leach began working at SESAC in 2001 as director of author/publisher relations, covering pop, R&B and rock. During his 23 years with the performing rights organization, Leach signed funk legends George Clinton, Lala Hathaway and Ab-Soul, as well as songwriter/producers such as Nate “Danja” Hills, Harvey Mason Jr. (The Underdogs) and John “Jaylien” Wesley. He also established the firm’s Los Angeles office.
In tribute to Leach, SESAC posted this comment on its website in part: “James’ warmth, kindness and zest for life will continue to be a light to those he knew…James was more than just a leader for Los Angeles’ creative services team, Rather, he is a constant source of support and inspiration for SESAC-affiliated songwriters and publishers. In addition to his love for music and his unwavering dedication to cultivating talent, he is an ongoing advocate for culture and DEI. A spirit of service and making things better are the cornerstones of his work.
Originally from Montclair, New Jersey, Leach moved with his family to Los Angeles as a teenager and graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in broadcast management. His lifelong love of music and art laid the foundation for a multi-faceted career that has included television and radio sales, recording studio owner and head of his own music management company, Leach Entertainment. After interning at Famous Music and Michael Jackson’s ATV Music (prior to its merger with Sony), he was appointed Director of Creative Affairs at ATV. During his seven years there, Leach signed writer/producers such as Keith Crouch and Derek Allen, and also worked with the catalogs of The Jacksons, The Beatles and Sly’s Stone.
Leach returned to Famous Music as director of creative affairs/urban music and signed then-unknown songwriter/artist Akon. After leaving Famous, Leach served as musical director and consultant. His work in the field includes the popular 90s series new york undercover and magic johnson’s magic moment.
Leach received the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Award in 2019 and the Entertainment Advocate Award from the Living Legends Foundation in 2015.
Living Legends Foundation president calls Leach ‘consummate professional’ David C. Linton Tell advertising billboard”, “He brings such values to enhance our mission: ‘to serve, to scholarship, and to preserve the legacy of Black music executives.’ His presence will be missed, both professionally and personally. Our prayers go out to his family and all who knew and loved him.
Leach is survived by his mother, Claudia Leach, as well as his siblings and other family members. Family asks for donations in his honor Mr Holland’s Works Foundation.
