Legendary music entrepreneur Larry Rosen is coming to Syracuse. Co-founder of the contemporary jazz label GRP Records, Rosen will discuss music entrepreneurship on Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 4 p.m. at CNY Jazz Central (441 East Washington St.). The event is free and open to the public; complimentary parking is provided by the Central New York Philanthropy Center (431 East Fayette St.). For more information, call 315-479-JAZZ.

Rosen’s lecture is sponsored by CNY Jazz; the Janklow Arts Leadership Program in Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences; and the Department of Music and Entertainment Industries in the Rose, Jules R., and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music in SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts.

“We are thrilled to partner with Syracuse University to present one of the music industry’s most extraordinary pioneers,” says Larry Luttinger, founder and executive director of CNY Jazz.  “Larry Rosen has spent his career bringing quality jazz to the masses, while keeping a finger on the pulse of technology and media.”

Rosen’s visit coincides with the 30th anniversary of GRP Records, which he founded with award-winning pianist/composer Dave Grusin, and with the fifth anniversary of Rosen’s “JAZZ ROOTS,” which Quincy Jones calls the “most important new concert and educational jazz series in America.”

A musician, producer, and music entrepreneur, Rosen is chair of Larry Rosen Productions Inc. and ROBA Interactive. Also, he is co-founder and past chair of N2K; creator and producer of the PBS television series “LEGENDS OF JAZZ”; and creator and producer of the multimedia television series “RECORDING: The History of Recorded Music,” co-hosted by Jones and Phil Ramone.

Rosen has served as producer or executive producer of more than 350 albums, of which 80 have been nominated for GRAMMY Awards and 33 have won. He also has produced numerous award-winning film/video productions and television specials.

It is Rosen’s work with GRP for which he is perhaps best known. The self-proclaimed “Digital Master Company,” GRP was the first non-classical label to embrace all-digital recording, thus paving the way for the worldwide CD movement.  

Equally important, says Mark Nerenhausen, professor of practice and founding director of the Janklow Program, is the fact that GRP was the first label to market itself as a lifestyle brand.

“Larry Rosen has a special relationship with music fans,” says Nerenhausen. “This approach pays huge dividends, artistically and financially. Today, GRP is one of a handful of labels that have leaped into the digital age, while making music that is fresh and relevant.”

Rosen’s label is home to some of the biggest names in contemporary jazz, including Chick Corea, Patti Austin, Diane Schuur, Michael and Randy Brecker, Lee Ritenour, Arturo Sandoval, Dave Valentin, George Benson, the Yellowjackets, Gary Burton, Tom Scott, Larry Carlton, Eddie Daniels, Kevin Eubanks, BB King, David Benoit, and the Rippingtons.

Many of these artists are featured on “GRP 30” (Universal Music, 2012) a two-disc retrospective coming out this fall in conjunction with GRP’s 30th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Rosen is also re-mastering 10 classic GRP albums, as well as mounting a series of live shows with label alumni.

Also a champion of music education, Rosen has recently channeled his energies into “JAZZ ROOTS.” To date, the series has featured more than 100 performers, sold over 100,000 tickets, and benefited some 10,000 students nationwide. 

"I believe it is extremely important that young people get to understand the history of America's music and its roots, especially today when music education has been almost eliminated from our public school system,” he says.

Rosen has earned numerous honors and awards, including Ernst & Young's prestigious "Entrepreneur of the Year" Award in New Media and Entertainment and the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences’ Governor's Award. He serves on multiple boards, and with Grusin, established the National Foundation for Jazz Education.

The Janklow Program is a master's-level professional training program for arts leaders and entrepreneurs. It is housed in the Department of Art and Music Histories in SU's College of Arts and Sciences.