By: Lennard James

Few names in the music industry carry the weight and influence of Dr. Logan H. Westbrooks. A pioneer, executive, philanthropist, and cultural architect, Dr. Westbrooks has played a significant role as one of the first African American executives at major record labels, helping transform the way Black music has been marketed and appreciated both in the United States and abroad. His career, spanning more than five decades, has contributed to the elevation of countless artists and redefined aspects of the cultural landscape of American music.

Breaking Barriers in the Record Industry

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Westbrooks developed his early business acumen while studying at Lincoln University, where he earned a B.A. in Business Administration. After serving in the military and gaining early professional experience at Johnson Publishing and RCA/Victor Distributing Corporation, he entered the music business at a transformative moment in American history.

In 1967, Westbrooks made history as the first African American territory salesman for Capitol Records. At a time when the music industry was still largely segregated at the executive level, he was entrusted with promoting records across genres—from R&B and jazz to country and pop. His portfolio included artists such as Lou Rawls, Nancy Wilson, Nat King Cole, The Beatles, Glen Campbell, Frank Sinatra, and Cannonball Adderley. Westbrooks quickly gained recognition for bridging audiences and genres, helping bring Black music into mainstream spaces while ensuring artists of all backgrounds received more recognition.

Architect of Black Music Marketing

Westbrooks’ lasting impact on the music industry came in 1971, when Clive Davis recruited him to CBS Records as the company’s first Director of Special Markets. In this role, Westbrooks played a key part in developing strategies aimed at reaching Black consumers. At a time when corporate America had largely overlooked this market, Westbrooks recognized its cultural and economic potential.

He oversaw marketing campaigns for hits like “Back Stabbers” by the O’Jays and “Me and Mrs. Jones” by Billy Paul, while also supporting the marketing of artists such as Miles Davis, Earth, Wind & Fire, Patti Labelle, Santana, and Sly Stone. His approach went beyond sales—he viewed music as a cultural force that could connect communities and influence social change.

Westbrooks also co-authored The Harvard Report, which provided insights into how record companies could market Black music to broader audiences. This report has been influential in the development of Black music divisions at major labels, shaping the structure of the industry.

Expanding Global Influence

Not content with reshaping the American market alone, Westbrooks used his expertise to help expand CBS operations into Africa and Europe. As Director of Special Markets for Columbia Records International, he worked with African artists such as Fela Kuti and played a role in organizing the Jackson 5’s 1974 tour of Senegal, which symbolized the cultural exchange between African and African American musical traditions.

By forging relationships with African leaders, including Senegalese presidents Léopold Sédar Senghor and Abdou Diouf, Westbrooks helped strengthen cultural ties that elevated both U.S. artists abroad and African music in America.

Championing Artists, Community, and Education

Throughout his career, Westbrooks leveraged his position to open doors for others. He created opportunities for African American promoters like Al Haymon and Quintin Perry, who later became industry leaders. He also directed advertising dollars into Black-owned media outlets such as Jet and Essence, ensuring representation in spaces that had long been overlooked.

Beyond the industry, Westbrooks invested in community and educational initiatives. Alongside his wife Geri, he operated The Helping Hands Home for Boys for over 15 years in Los Angeles and introduced programs to increase African American enrollment in medical schools. As a professor at California State University, he developed courses like The Anatomy of a Record Company and The Quincy Jones Workshop, providing over 400 students—and neighborhood youth who weren’t enrolled—with direct access to hands-on training in music and stage production.

A Legacy Cemented

Westbrooks’ influence extends far beyond the boardroom. His achievements are enshrined in the Logan H. Westbrooks Collection at Indiana University’s Archives of African American Music and Culture. He has been honored with an Honorary Doctorate from LeMoyne-Owen College, inducted into the HBCU Alumni Hall of Fame, and recognized by organizations including the Living Legends Foundation. His book, The Anatomy of the Music Industry: How the Game Was & How the Game Has Changed, continues to inspire a new generation of artists and executives.

Shaping American Music and Culture

Dr. Logan H. Westbrooks’ story is one of vision, perseverance, and cultural leadership. He redefined how Black music was marketed, helped bring African American artists to global audiences, and ensured that the business of music included space for diverse voices at every level. His career illustrates the power of music not only as entertainment but as a tool for economic empowerment, cultural pride, and social change.

For more than half a century, Dr. Westbrooks has served as a bridge-builder, a mentor, and a trailblazer. His legacy is woven into the fabric of American music, and his contributions will continue to resonate for generations to come.