Exec Hy Weiss Dies

Hy Weiss, a music executive during rock and roll’s doo-wop era and beyond, died March 20. He was 84.

A native of Romania who was raised in the Bronx, Weiss started the Old Town record label in New York City in the 1950s with his brother, Sam, after working as a salesman for several other small labels that specialized in rhythm and blues.

Among Old Town’s biggest hits in the late 1950s and early 60s were "There’s a Moon Out Tonight" by the Capris, "Let the Little Girl Dance" by Billy Bland, "Remember Then" by the Earls and "We Belong Together" by Robert and Johnny.

Old Town also recorded blues artists like Willie Dixon and the harmonica-guitar duo of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. In the 1960s, the label featured crooner Arthur Prysock.

Weiss sold Old Town in 1996. His son, Barry Weiss, is the president and CEO of the Zomba Label Group, a unit of Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

The New York Times reported Hy Weiss’ death in its Saturday editions, citing an announcement by Zomba. A message left at Zomba’s offices Saturday was not immediately returned.