A Tribute to Jeff Cheen: The Visionary Who Shaped Asia's Music Landscape

The global music industry mourns the loss of a true pioneer, Jeff Cheen, who passed away at the age of 77. A revered veteran music executive, Cheen’s indelible mark on the landscape of Asian music is profound, having spent decades as a transformative force for major labels like Warner Music and EMI, bringing both international superstars and local talents to the forefront.

Cheen's illustrious career spanned over two decades at Warner Music International (WMI), where he ascended to the pivotal role of Senior Vice President of Asia.

During his tenure, he was not merely a manager but a visionary, instrumental in cementing WMI's presence and influence across the continent. His strategic acumen allowed global icons such as Madonna, Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eric Clapton, R.E.M., and countless others to reach vast new audiences in Asian markets, bridging cultural divides through the universal language of music.

However, Cheen's legacy extends far beyond importing Western sounds.

He was an ardent champion of local Asian artists, understanding the immense potential and unique cultural resonance they held. Under his leadership, Warner Music invested significantly in developing and promoting local repertoire, signing and nurturing talent that would go on to define generations of Asian popular music.

This dual approach—global reach and local empowerment—was a hallmark of his successful strategy.

Following his impactful journey at Warner Music, Cheen continued to shape the industry as President of Asia for EMI Music. In this role, he was tasked with a similar yet equally challenging mission: to establish robust Asia-Pacific offices and aggressively expand EMI’s market share in the region.

His leadership once again proved invaluable, solidifying EMI’s standing and further integrating Asian markets into the global music ecosystem.

Beyond his formidable business achievements, Cheen was known for his genuine love of music, particularly jazz, a passion that fueled his professional endeavors.

Colleagues remember him not just as a brilliant executive but as a mentor and a warm, approachable presence. His dedication, foresight, and unwavering belief in the power of music left an enduring impact on countless individuals and the industry as a whole. Many within the music community credit him with laying foundational groundwork that continues to benefit the Asian music scene today.

Jeff Cheen is survived by his beloved wife, Karen, and his children, Noah and Rachel.

His passing marks the end of an era for many, but his extraordinary contributions to the global music tapestry, particularly in Asia, will resonate for years to come. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a true architect of the modern music world.