In what is described as a major tactical restructuring of the national and regional staffs of the Epic Records Urban Promotion Department, Cynthia Johnson and Cory “Sparks” Johnson have been promoted to Vice Presidents of Urban Promotion, it was announced today by the company’s EVP of promotion, Traci Adams, to whom both will report.
According to the announcement, in their new positions, the two will devise and execute Urban Radio promotion campaigns to obtain airplay that will further expose the current Epic artist roster to a national audience. This will include strategizing with senior management to set weekly airplay goals and delivery of music. They will work closely on a daily basis with the Urban Promotion local and regional team across the U.S., managing and motivating the staff to achieve departmental goals.
At the same time, the restructuring of the Urban Promotion Department of Epic Records sees Maurice Harley newly appointed as Regional Midwest Manager, Urban Promotion, based in Chicago; Stephen Campbell, former Carolinas Regional Manager, Urban Promotion, has been promoted to New York Regional Manager, based in New York; McKayla Sibblies, formerly an assistant, has been promoted to take over the Carolinas Regional Manager spot, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Also, Sylvon Marshall now has picked up the responsibilities of Mixshow & Lifestyle in the country in addition to his current role as West Coast Regional Manager, based in Los Angeles, CA. Mr. Harley, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Marshall and Ms. Sibblies will all report directly to Ms. Adams.
“Over Cory’s past eight years at Epic,” said Adams, “he has proven himself as a team player in the southeast region, from the regional level, to Field National, and now to Vice President. His relationships with our partners in the marketplace are vital to Epic’s continued success in breaking and promoting artists on the roster.”
“It’s an honor to play a small part in the legacy of Epic Records,” said Johnson, “and to continue to work alongside our leader, Traci Adams. I am inspired to be a part of this awesome team.”
“I am excited to have Cynthia join our team,” said Adams. “She has built decades of experience in the music business establishing meaningful relationships and breaking new artists. She also serves as a driving force who elevates established artists to gold, platinum and multiplatinum status, while attaining countless #1’s on the charts.”
“I am extremely happy to accept this position at Epic,” said Ms. Johnson. “It humbles me to work with such a well-respected group of Urban Promotion professionals, led by Traci Adams. I am looking forward to contributing to the growth of the department, working the healthy roster of popular artists, breaking new ones, and making history.”
“With these changes in the Urban Promotion Department,” Ms. Adams concluded, “ranging from regional to national levels, Epic definitely has one of the best radio promotion teams in the business. We will continue the legacy of Epic by breaking new artists in addition to carrying on the success of the established artist.”
Cory Johnson (nicknamed ‘Sparks’) has served as National Director, Promotion, at Epic Records, since 2018. He began his career in music at Interscope/Geffen/A&M in 2006, as Southeast Regional Promotions Director. He moved to eOne in 2008, where he served as Southeast Regional Promotions Manager for two years, prior to joining Epic.
Cynthia Johnson comes to Epic from Columbia Records where she spent nearly a decade, rising to the title of Vice President, Urban Promotion. She began her career in radio promotion in 1986, holding positions in Los Angeles and Chicago with MCA Records, Arista, and Motown, prior to her arrival at Columbia in 1990. She moved to J Records in 2002, as Vice President, Urban Promotion. After two years, she was appointed Senior Vice President, Urban Promotion, Warner Bros. Records. She stayed for three years prior to joining Interscope/Geffen/A&M in 2008, as National Director, Urban Promotion, followed by her return to Columbia in 2011.
