Harvey Mason Jr.

Harvey Mason Jr., born June 3, 1968, in Boston, Massachusetts, is an American record producer, songwriter, and film producer whose work spans pop, R&B, television, and musical cinema. He is the son of jazz drummer Harvey Mason Sr., a longstanding studio musician associated with Herbie Hancock, and Mason Jr. grew up around professional recording sessions. He attended the University of Arizona and moved into music production after college. In 1999, Mason and producer Damon Thomas formed the production and songwriting partnership the Underdogs. Their credits include work with artists such as Aaliyah, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Toni Braxton, and Fantasia. Mason was a producer on Aaliyah’s 2001 album Aaliyah, and the Underdogs produced Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown’s 2008 single “No Air,” which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100. He also co-wrote or produced recordings for artists including Jordin Sparks, Brandy, and Luther Vandross. Mason became especially visible in film music through Dreamgirls. He served as music producer on the film, working with its cast and soundtrack; the album reached number one on Billboard’s 200 chart. His screen work has also included music production on the Pitch Perfect films, Straight Outta Compton, Sing, and NBC’s live television production The Wiz Live! In 2021 he was credited as a producer of the soundtrack for Respect, the Aretha Franklin biographical film starring Jennifer Hudson. On January 16, 2020, the Recording Academy named Mason its interim president and chief executive officer. The Academy is the organization that presents the Grammy Awards. In June 2021, its board made him president and CEO on a permanent basis, making him the first Black leader of the Academy. His tenure has included the period in which the organization changed its voting process by ending its nomination review committees, often called secret committees, for most Grammy categories. Mason has been a frequent executive producer of Grammy telecasts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the organization while the 2021 Grammy Awards were postponed from January to March 14, 2021. He has also participated in Academy initiatives concerning music creators and voting membership. Across studio records and screen projects, Mason’s career is defined by his role connecting vocal performances with commercial production and by his later responsibility for an institution whose awards remain a major benchmark for recorded music.