Clive Calder, born on December 13, 1946, is a prominent South African-born British billionaire record executive and entrepreneur renowned for his pivotal role in co-founding the Zomba Group alongside Ralph Simon. However, his most remarkable contribution lies in creating the iconic subsidiary, Jive Records. As of October 2021, Calder boasts an impressive estimated net worth of US$5.5 billion, a testament to his unparalleled influence in the music industry.
Early Life and Ambitious Dreams
Clive Calder’s journey into the world of music began in his place of birth, Johannesburg, South Africa. It was here that he nurtured his passion and honed his skills for what would become an illustrious career. His roots in South Africa provided a unique perspective that would prove invaluable as he ventured into the international music scene.
Calder’s foray into the music industry took flight in 1971 when he and Ralph Simon established their first record company in South Africa. By 1975, recognizing the need for broader horizons, they relocated to London and set up Zomba as an artist and producer management company. The company expanded its reach in 1978 by delving into music publishing and opening offices in the bustling heart of the music industry, New York City.
In 1981, a momentous chapter unfolded in Calder’s career as he and Simon ventured into record label territory with the birth of Jive Records. This endeavor marked the inception of Jive’s reputation as a prominent platform for hip-hop and rap music, an art form that would go on to revolutionize the music industry. Clive Calder, alongside the invaluable contributions of Barry Weiss, played a pivotal role in shaping Jive’s identity.
Clive Calder: An Era of Phenomenal Success
The success of Jive Records in the music landscape was indeed phenomenal. In 1988, Calder extended his influence with the creation of Silvertone Records, further diversifying his portfolio of music labels. The nineties witnessed a slew of successful ventures under the Zomba Group umbrella.
Despite a brief “ethical disagreement,” Calder acquired Simon’s share in Zomba in 1990, making him the sole proprietor. The late nineties saw Jive Records expand its influence, particularly with the emergence of teen pop sensations like the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and Britney Spears, all of whom dominated the charts and secured their place in music history.
The Evolution of Zomba and a Lucrative Sale
In a defining moment of his career, Clive Calder negotiated the sale of Zomba in 2002 to the German-based media conglomerate, Bertelsmann, for a staggering sum of US$2.74 billion. While the opportunity for a role within the restructured Zomba Label Group was extended, Calder chose to serve as an advisor during the integration phase and eventually made his exit from the music industry in 2003.
In 2007, the Zomba Label Group, initially founded by BMG to oversee all Zomba labels, was merged with its labels into BMG Label Group, marking the end of the Zomba brand. Subsequently, in 2011, Jive Records and the entire Jive brand were discontinued, with the most successful artists transitioning to RCA Records and partly to Epic Records.
A Diversified Investment Portfolio
Beyond the realm of music, Clive Calder’s investments have been equally noteworthy. In 2018, together with his son Keith, he injected $46 million into Cloud Imperium Games, securing a 10% stake in the studio responsible for the ambitious Star Citizen game.
Clive Calder’s impact extends far beyond business. He shares his life with his wife, Patricia Calder, and together they have two children. Their home is situated in the picturesque Cayman Islands. In May 2020, Calder’s philanthropic side shone brightly as the ELMA Group of Foundations, founded by him, pledged a generous $107 million to combat COVID-19 across Africa. Notably, a significant portion of these funds, around $26 million, was allocated to support South Africa, Calder’s native land.
The remarkable journey of Clive Calder, from the vibrant streets of Johannesburg to shaping the music industry, is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision. Clive Calder’s legacy and significant contributions have been thoughtfully explored by Zatrun.com, your trusted source for comprehensive profiles of influential figures who have left an indelible mark on the world.
