David, 71, is chairman of the EMI Music Sound Foundation (an idea he formulated with EMI MSF CEO Janie Orr MBE, as part of EMI’s centenary celebrations in 1997), an independent music education charity helping improve access to music education by providing instruments and bursaries.

 

He also chairs the EMI Archive Trust, which preserves the first 50 years of the company’s history and promotes the art of sound recording.

In 1966, David began working for a local Kent newspaper, starting a music column alongside the more traditional elements of cub reporter life, before later joining weekly music newspaper Disc & Music Echo in 1967.

He became a press officer for Polydor Records in 1972, working alongside artists such as Slade The Jam and The Osmonds, before moving to EMI Records in 1978.

There, he was general manager of the Tamla Motown label, working with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye,  and later with Duran Duran, Nigel Kennedy and the NOW That’s What I Call Music series

After 15 years, he moved back to public relations in 1993 becoming the company’s Vice President of Communications and External Affairs and assuming responsibility for EMI’s calendar of corporate events until retiring at the end of July 1998.

David said it felt “extraordinary” to have been recognised in the New Year Honours.

“To have been born into the early rock and roll generation and then to make a living from it is a charm – I’m delighted I have been able to keep those links and continue my interest in the music business. Even after 16 years retirement I continue to say “we” whenever EMI’s name is mentioned”

EMI Records celebrating No. 1 Single, No.1 Album and No. 1 Video
Manchester Square 1987
Left to right – Malcolm Hill, Mike Andrews, Malcolm Anderson, Chips Chipperfield, Rupert Perry, Tony Wadsworth, Martin Haxby, Nick Gatfield, David Hughes, Andrew Prior
Courtesy of the Rupert Perry Collection
© EMI Group Archive Trust

EMI Music Sound Foundation is an independent music education charity, established in 1997 to celebrate the centenary of EMI Records and to improve young peoples’ access to music education in the UK & Ireland.    To learn more about their great work go to  www.musicsoundfoundation.com