Steve Popovich Dies

Steve Popovich, 68, founder of Cleveland International Records, died at his apartment in Murfreesboro, Tenn., June 8.

The cause of death was unknown at press time. Popovich is likely best known as the record company exec who had faith in an overweight singer named Meat Loaf, released Bat Out Of Hell on Cleveland and tirelessly marketed the record to radio stations until it became one of the bestselling albums of all time.

Before forming Cleveland International, Popovich was a promotions VP at CBS Records and signed The Jackson 5 to Epic in 1975.

Popovich claimed he was not paid full royalties on Bat Out Of Hell, which was distributed through Epic, and took Sony to court twice to get millions in settlement.