At Grammy Hall of Fame Event, Aaron Bay-Schuck Recalls the Advice Mo Ostin Gave Him About Running One of the Industry’s Most Respected Labels
Categoria: Musica
Warner artists Teddy Swims and Josh Groban each performed two songs as part of the salute.
Por Billboard | 09/05/2026
Warner Records was the label honoree at the 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame Gala, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Friday (May 8). Accepting the award, Aaron Bay-Schuck, co-chairman and CEO of the Warner Records Group, recalled a lunch he had, shortly before starting the job, with legendary Warner executive Mo Ostin. Related Madonna Announces Return to Warner Records, Teases 2026 Dance Album: ‘Back to Where It All Began’ Dua Lipa Makes Surprise Appearance at Tame Impala's London O2 Show Joey Valence & Brae Turn 'Security' Into Dance-Rap Chaos on 'Like A Version' “I asked him how he so successfully kept Warner as the most exciting label in the world decade after decade, hoping he’d give me a cheat code, but instead he said, ‘There is no secret. Create the environment where your artists feel supported and protected, give them the space to experiment, to succeed and to fail, and create a culture at the company where people feel inspired, collaborative and proud to represent.’ So, to receive this honor tonight feels like confirmation that we have indeed done that, and I can’t tell you how proud and gratifying that is for me and our Warner family.” This is the third year in a row that the Grammy Hall of Fame event has included a label tribute. Atlantic Records and Republic Records were the label honorees at the two previous galas. Warner artists Teddy Swims and Josh Groban each performed two songs as part of the salute. Bay-Schuck opened his remarks by thanking his partner at the label, Tom Corson, co-chairman & COO of Warner Records Group. “Tom my brother. It’s been the greatest gift being on this journey with you as my partner,” he said. Bay-Schuck spoke eloquently about taking over one of the industry’s most respected labels. “When we took over the leadership of Warner Records in 2018 we knew we needed to reposition the company for the future, but we wanted first to approach that by acknowledging the past. After all, this is the home to Prince , Madonna , Jimi Hendrix , Fleetwood Mac , Tom Petty , the Red Hot Chili Peppers , Neil Young and so many more,” he said. “These superstars were fearless, unapologetically themselves. They took risks. They dared to be different, and they stood for something. Whatever shape this new era of Warner Records was going to take, we knew one thing had to remain true. In a time where data and algorithms were sending people in the direction of quick wins and fleeting moments, we were going to demonstrate that talent, quality and vision still mattered the most, that the patience to wait for greatness, rather than settling for good, was the right strategy, and that artist development should still be a top priority, and a value that we as a major label must provide.” Corson, who spoke before Bay-Schuck, also honored the label’s heritage. “This award belongs the entire Warner family, everyone at Warner Records Nashville, War