A Life Dedicated to Music

Nathan’s journey in the music business began at the young age of 15. It was a pivotal moment when he wrote to Todd Randglen, an artist, and received a reply from Paul Fishkin of Ampex Records. This correspondence led to a review of Randglen’s album, a moment Nathan recalls as life-changing: “He happened to open a stack of Todd’s fan mail that day. If he hadn’t opened the mail that day, you know… my life would have been forever changed,” Nathan said in a 2019 interview.

Career Milestones

Mark Nathan quickly secured his first industry role in radio promotions at Ampex and went on to work with several prestigious labels, including Bearsville, Casablanca, Playboy, Sire, and Atlantic. Throughout his extensive career, he was noted for his contributions to A&R and promotional strategies, significantly impacting the careers of numerous artists.

Legacy and Tributes

In the years following his foundational work, Nathan was involved with major labels such as Universal, Capitol Records, and Atlantic, helping to sign and develop talents like 3 Doors Down and the Barenaked Ladies. He also launched Flagship Records, where he released solo projects from Steven Page, a co-founder of Barenaked Ladies.

“Mark was a record-setting figure of the highest order,” Page commented following Nathan’s death. “He was absolutely and passionately enthralled with music, accumulating memories of songs, charts and artist encyclopedias. He played a major role in my career and my life.”

Fishkin expressed profound sorrow at the loss, stating, “I lost my best friend for 55 years. Mark Nathan walked like he had spoken to anyone he ever knew.”

The Impact of Nathan’s Work

Mark Nathan’s extensive career defined him as a nurturing presence in the music industry. He was recognized not only for his keen industry acumen but also for his deep personal connections with artists and colleagues. His tenacity and heartfelt support were evident in his relationships, with Page noting, “He could be a nudge, but that’s because he had a huge heart and he really, really cared about it.”