Lasker Quits as President of Motown Music

Motown Music Group President Jay Lasker has abruptly resigned, surprising many of his record industry colleagues and Motown staffers. A brief statement issued late Friday by Motown Chairman Berry Gordy said simply that Lasker was resigning “effective immediately,” but gave no reason. “Over the years, Jay Lasker has made significant contributions to the success of our company. We wish him well,” the statement said.

According to sources close to Lasker, the executive has been in poor health and recently underwent major abdominal surgery. However, according to two sources who claimed to have talked with him in the last two days, he gave no indication that he was planning to leave the company. Lasker could not be reached for comment.

Lasker became president of Motown Records in 1980 and was elevated to president of the music group--which includes its Jobete Music publishing operations--two years ago. Before joining Hollywood-based Motown, he was president of now-defunct ABC Records and of Ariola America Records. Thought to be in his early 60s, Lasker was easily the oldest chief executive in the youth-oriented record business. Lasker’s abrupt leave-taking gave rise to speculation that he was pushed out of the company, which has not fared particularly well in the last two years.