Grammy Award winning musician and producer Don Was has been named Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of seminal Jazz record label Blue Note Records.

Was, who has produced tracks for the likes of BB King, Al Green, and Bob Dylan, will be working closely with the A&R team of Blue Note’s parent company EMI to find develop new talent to be signed to the label, such as Blue Note’s newest signing Ambrose Akinmusire. Was will also have a role in producing a number of records by existing Blue Note artists.

Speaking of the appointment, Don Was said: “It is a profound honor to be a part of this legendary company alongside such prodigious record men as Dan and Ian. We dedicate ourselves to furthering Blue Note’s artistic tradition of unbridled creativity, talent, intelligence and GROOVE!”

The President of Capitol Records also commented: “Don Was has been one of the most talented and in-demand producers for more than twenty years, and his involvement with Blue Note will ensure that we remain at the very top of our creative game. I can’t wait for him to get started and to bring his magic to the label.”

Also speaking of the new appointment, Blue Note president Ian Ralfini said: “Blue Note has such incredible history, and I’m very happy that we can welcome Don Was to the label to help us write the next chapter. This appointment demonstrates our strong commitment to building on Blue Note’s remarkable musical legacy.”

We wish Don well in his new appointment.