From Wikipedia:
Thomas Daniel "Tommy" Mottola (born July 14, 1949) is a music executive. He is the co-owner of Casablanca Records in a joint venture with the Universal Music Group. He headed Sony Music Entertainment, parent of the Columbia label, for nearly 15 years.
Tommy Mottola entered in the music scene in the mid-1960s as a recording artist for CBS Records under the name "T.D. Valentine". After his attempt to become a recording star himself failed, Mottola started working for publishing powerhouse Chappell Publishing and started his own management company, Champion Entertainment Organization. His role at Chappell put him in touch with many artists, and soon he signed his first successful management clients, Hall & Oates.
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