Marc Nathan, a prominent figure in the music industry known for his roles as a promotion and A&R executive, has sadly passed away at the age of 70. Over the span of his remarkable 55-year career, Nathan played a pivotal role in securing record deals for renowned artists such as Barenaked Ladies and 3 Doors Down, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape.
Nathan’s death occurred earlier this week at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, as confirmed by a representative. The statement issued indicated that Nathan had been facing various health challenges for some time and ultimately succumbed to these ongoing afflictions, marking a profound loss for the music community.
At the tender age of 15, Nathan made his first significant connection in the music industry when he wrote a letter to Todd Rundgren. This correspondence led to a response from Paul Fishkin at Ampex Records, concerning a discrepancy he noticed within the track listing of Rundgren’s acclaimed album, Runt. This serendipitous moment marked the beginning of Nathan’s lifelong journey in music.
Nathan reflected on that pivotal moment in a 2019 interview, stating, “He just so happened to open a stack of Todd’s fan mail that day. If he hadn’t opened that stack of mail that day, you know … My life would have been altered forever.” This chance encounter not only set the course of his career but also underscored the unexpected paths that life can take.
Shortly thereafter, Nathan secured his first job in the music business focusing on radio promotion at Ampex. This opportunity paved the way for an extensive career in promotions at several notable labels, including Bearsville, Casablanca, Playboy, Sire, and Atlantic Records. His diverse experiences across these labels shaped him into a respected industry veteran.
Following Nathan’s passing, Fishkin poignantly expressed his grief, stating, “I lost my best friend of 55 years.” He described Nathan as someone who embodied his beliefs and was characterized by his unique personality, which, while sometimes challenging, brought joy and laughter to those around him. Fishkin highlighted their shared disdain for pretentiousness in various realms, particularly within the music industry, and noted Nathan’s unwavering loyalty and support for those he cared about.
Throughout his career, which included significant time spent in New York, Los Angeles, and most recently, Nashville, Nathan also made significant contributions in A&R. He played a vital role in the acquisition of Cash Money Records by Universal and was instrumental in talent development for major labels such as Capitol, Atlantic/ATCO, and their respective imprints.
Among the artists Nathan helped to sign were 3 Doors Down during their time at Universal and Barenaked Ladies at Sire. He later went on to found Flagship Records, which was dedicated to releasing solo projects from Steven Page, a co-founder of Barenaked Ladies. His efforts in promoting innovative music showcased his commitment to artist development.
Following Nathan’s death, Page expressed deep admiration, stating, “Marc was a record person of the highest order.” He highlighted Nathan’s profound passion for music and his remarkable ability to remember intricate details about songs, charts, and artists. Page acknowledged the significant impact Nathan had on his career, noting the crucial role he played in their musical journey and how he understood their artistic vision perfectly.
Page continued, “He was among the first and most persistent of my friends to lend me support, advice, and solidarity. He could be a nudge, but that’s only because he had a huge heart and he really, really cared.” Nathan’s mentorship extended to many others in his life, guiding them through tough times, drawing from his own experiences, and leaving a lasting legacy of loyalty and kindness.
