- Music Industry
- Music Business
RCA Relaunches Iconic Jive Records; Mike Weiss and David Melhado Tapped as Label Presidents
The relaunch comes nearly 15 years after RCA folded the label back in 2011.
The Announcement
RCA Records has officially announced the relaunch of Jive Records as a standalone frontline label. In a significant move to revitalize the legendary brand, the company has appointed former UnitedMasters executives Mike Weiss and David Melhado as co-presidents.
Leadership & Operations
Weiss and Melhado will report directly to RCA Records Chairman and CEO Peter Edge and COO John Fleckenstein. The newly revived label will operate out of Sony Music’s headquarters in New York City, leveraging the resources of a major while maintaining an agile approach.
The Vision
The new leadership aims to bring an "artist-first" philosophy to the major label system. Melhado stated that the relaunch is an opportunity to honor Jive's independent spirit while "shaping culture" and doubling down on developing artists from the ground up.
A Storied History
Jive Records was originally founded in 1981 by Clive Calder and became a dominant force in hip-hop and pop. The label launched and housed the careers of iconic artists such as A Tribe Called Quest, Britney Spears, *NSYNC, and Usher, defining the sound of multiple generations.
The Return
The label was folded into RCA Records in 2011 during a corporate restructuring, with its roster absorbed by the parent company. This relaunch marks Jive's return after nearly 15 years of dormancy, signaling a renewed commitment to the brand's legacy of breaking global superstars.
Stay connected to the culture
Artist spotlights, music drops, charts, and editorial — delivered how you want.