Music Industry Executive Michael Towns Passes Away at 55
Michael Towns, a celebrated music industry executive affiliated with Kingdom Records and Urban Ideas, has passed away at the age of 55 due to bronchial complications. Known for his transformative contributions to the music industry and his innovative approach to business, Towns leaves behind a legacy marked by dedication, creativity, and a profound impact on those who worked alongside him.
Joan Sullivan, President of Kingdom Records, recalled their long-standing friendship that began through the Inroads program in the late 1980s. “I met Mike through Inroads.
I went on to work for First National Bank of Chicago, and Mike became my intern,” Sullivan shared. “We’ve been dear friends ever since. In 2004, he became my right hand in managing Kingdom Records, and in 2012, he became my partner in Urban Ideas. This is a totally unexpected loss, and Mike will be deeply missed by our entire team, who loved him as family.”
A Transformative Leader in Music and Business
Sullivan recruited Towns to Kingdom Records in 2004 as Director of Finance, Marketing, and Strategy. Under his stewardship, the Chicago-based label flourished, becoming the home for platinum-selling artists like Shekinah Glory Ministry, known for iconic gospel hits such as “Yes” and “Praise is What I Do.”
Towns was pivotal in managing budgets and marketing plans that drove over $12 million in retail sales. His expertise extended beyond gospel music, overseeing projects under secular imprints such as Urban Creed, Chicago Creed, and Indie Chart Music.
In 2012, Towns and Sullivan co-founded Urban Ideas, a boutique consulting practice dedicated to entertainment and entrepreneurship coaching. Their firm became a beacon for innovative strategies, helping clients navigate the complexities of the modern entertainment landscape.
Educational and Professional Foundations
Born and raised in Chicago, Towns demonstrated an early passion for finance and strategy. He earned his Bachelor of Applied Science in Finance and Financial Management Services from DePaul University in 1988. Four years later, he completed his MBA in Finance and Strategy at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, further solidifying his academic credentials.
Towns began his career in finance, holding positions at prestigious institutions such as First National Bank of Chicago, National Equity Fund, Bee Manufacturing, and Salomon Smith Barney. His expertise and vision later transitioned into academia, where he became an instructor at Robert Morris College and Roosevelt University. Since 2015, he served as an adjunct professor at Columbia College in Chicago, inspiring students with his real-world insights and creative approach.
A Visionary Mindset and Personal Philosophy
Towns was widely regarded for his ability to merge analytical rigor with artistic creativity. Reflecting on his professional journey, he once said, “The hardest thing to do is to find someone who understands a problem like it is their very own. Once you start believing in the power people have to change the world, everything becomes clear. My calling is a unique ability to see the beauty and excellence in people and processes.”
He described himself as both an artist and a researcher, approaching challenges with an inventive yet systematic mindset. “I think like both an artist and a researcher. I approach problems with both a rigorous analytical framework and a coloring book. Everyone has a story to tell. The question is, what way best builds and engages an audience?” This philosophy underpinned his success in both the music industry and the classroom.
A Legacy of Love and Inspiration
Michael Towns is survived by his loving wife, Joy; his mother, Pearlie Mae King; and his sister, Janie “Tiny” King. His passing leaves a void in the lives of his family, colleagues, and countless individuals who benefited from his wisdom and generosity.
While his loss is deeply felt, his remarkable contributions to the music industry and his inspiring vision for transformative leadership will endure as a testament to his life and legacy.
