Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Russell Simmons

Role / Field:

American entrepreneur, record executive, and co-founder of Def Jam Recordings.

Born:

1957-10-04

Century / Era:

1957s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Russell Wendell Simmons (born October 4, 1957) is an American entrepreneur, writer and record executive. He co-founded the hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings, and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris. He has promoted veganism and a yoga lifestyle, and published books on lifestyle, health, and entrepreneurship. Simmons' net worth was estimated at $340 million in 2011.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

After producing or managing artists such as Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, Whodini, and Jimmy Spicer, Simmons joined forces with producer Rick Rubin to found Def Jam Recordings. Under Simmons' leadership as chairman, Def Jam signed acts including Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Jay-Z, DMX, and Kanye West. From 1992 to 1997, he also produced the Def Comedy Jam television program. In 2017, Simmons was publicly accused of sexual assault by multiple women; he denied the allegations. Following these allegations, Simmons stepped down from his various business roles and charities, including his position at Def Jam.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Russell Wendell Simmons was born in the Hollis neighborhood of New York City's Queens borough on October 4, 1957. His father was a public school administrator and his...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Achille Mbembe — Contemporary (Born in 1957) (1957): Cameroonian historian and political theorist known for critiques of colonialism.
• Aga Khan III — Contemporary (Died in 1957) (1957): 48th Imam of the Nizari Isma'ili community and founder of the All-India Muslim League.
• Ai Weiwei — Contemporary (Born in 1957) (1957): Dissident Chinese conceptual artist, documentarian, and activist known for critiquing the CCP.
• Al Smith — Shared historical date (10-04 · Died) (1944): Prominent Democratic politician who served as Governor of New York and presidential nominee.
• Alexandros Papagos — Shared historical date (10-04 · Died) (1955): Greek military leader and politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece (1952-1955).
• Aki Kaurismäki — Historical peer (Born in 1957) (1957): Acclaimed Finnish filmmaker known for minimalist, melancholic, and darkly comedic cinema.
• Albert Anastasia — Historical peer (Died in 1957) (1957): Italian-American mob boss, co-founder of Murder, Inc., and boss of the Gambino crime family.
• Al Davis — Historical peer (Died in 2011) (2011): Pioneering NFL executive and coach, known for building the legendary Oakland Raiders.
• Amy Winehouse — Historical peer (Died in 2011) (2011): Iconic British soul artist blending jazz, R&B, and retro sounds.
• 21 Savage — Historical peer (Born in 1992) (1992): Atlanta-based rapper known for his distinctive style and career evolution.
• 1957 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1957
• October 4 (10-04) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 4

Frequently Asked Questions about Russell Simmons