Hell Hath no Fury Like an Ignorant Scorned

Hell Hath no Fury Like an Ignorant Scorned by Roxanne McDonald

You’ve heard it a hundred times—less informed auditioners, as they are stomping their rejected way out the door, challenge Simon’s credibility, authority, and veracity, asking what he knows about music or what makes a good singer.

Little do they know, obviously, that he not only knows good music but knows what makes for good sales.

You might have seen the “60 Minutes” piece on Cowell. You might have seen, a couple of years back, the full docu-bio on Cowell. But if not, you might be interested to know the remarkable industry experience and approach Simon brings to what he has been doing for all of his adult life:

Born in Brighton, England on October 7, 1959 to property developer/music industry properties exec Eric and socialite Julie Dalgleish Cowell

Raised in Elstree, Hertfordshire

At one point, lives next door to the head of MGM Studios in England, and (tells ExtraTV, years later) admired the man, wishing to do what he does.

Quits school at 17

Works several odd jobs, but not getting on with bosses or peers, takes a job his dad gets for him—in the mail room of EMI Music Publishing

Gets assistant to artist and repertoire (A&R) executive position

Makes record producer post by early 20s

Leaves to establish independent music company, E&S Music

With the closing (folding) of E&S, returns to work at EMI

At 25, begins to connect with people like Pete Waterman, producer and founder of Stock Aitken Waterman. Waterman will become his most revered mentor.

At 26, leaves EMI, forms second independent label, Fanfare Records, with former co-worker Iain Burton

Girlfriend Sinitta Malone a recording artist success (and Cowell’s girlfriend) for Fanfare, until the company folds and caves to bankruptcy

Deep in debt, Cowell has no choice but to move back home (read more…)