ALLIGATOR RECORDS FURTHER INTEGRATES INTO EXCELERATION MUSIC

Label Founder Bruce Iglauer Continues In Lead Creative/A&R Role
With Core Staff Support

Alligator Records president and founder Bruce Iglauer and Exceleration Music announced a restructuring of the legendary Chicago-based blues and roots label. As Alligator’s day-to-day operations further integrate into Exceleration Music, Iglauer will continue in a critical creative and A&R capacity, driving new signings and furthering artist relations while working closely with the Exceleration team. Of Alligator's 11-person staff, seven longtime members will conclude their celebrated careers, while four will transition to new roles.

Exiting will be Warehouse Manager Bill Wokersin (who started in 1983), Sales Manager Kerry Peace (1987), Director of Publishing Bob DePugh (1988), Non-Commercial Radio Promoter Matt LaFollette (1995), Director Of Tour Publicity Chris Levick (1998), Director of New Media and Retail Josh Lindner (2000) and Art Director Kevin Niemiec (2000).

Director of Radio Promotion Tim Kolleth (1992), Executive Assistant/Tour Publicist Jill Dollinger (2010), and Label Project Manager Eli Martinez (2006) will join the Exceleration team. Director of Publicity Marc Lipkin (1992) has formed Lipkin Media, LLC, and will continue publicizing Alligator's artists and their releases.

According to Iglauer, "The entire staff of Alligator has worked tirelessly to advance the careers of our full roster, both as recording and performing artists. I honor them for their commitment, for their devotion to blues and roots music, and for their deep personal loyalty to the label."

The current Alligator roster includes the recently retired Marcia Ball, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Tinsley Ellis, Coco Montoya, Tommy Castro, Roomful Of Blues, Shemekia Copeland, Selwyn Birchwood, Toronzo Cannon, The Cash Box Kings, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Carolyn Wonderland, The Nick Moss Band featuring Dennis Gruenling, Chris Cain, Chris O’Leary, Southern Avenue, and D.K. Harrell.

Launched from a Chicago apartment in 1971 by Iglauer to record Hound Dog Taylor & The HouseRockers, Alligator Records grew into the world’s premier independent blues and roots label with more than 350 releases, over 120 of them produced or co-produced by Iglauer. Over the course of 55 years, the company garnered 50 Grammy nominations, four Grammy Awards, and over 100 Blues Music Awards. Alligator introduced global audiences to some of the blues' biggest stars including Son Seals, Lonnie Brooks, Albert Collins, Koko Taylor, Shemekia Copeland and Christone "Kingfish" Ingram. The label also reignited the careers of blues heavyweight Luther Allison and the iconic Mavis Staples.

Alligator's historic trajectory was powered by a uniquely stable staff, with some executives at the label for 40 years, many others for more than 30. Reflecting on his departure, Peace notes, “It’s been a privilege to work for four decades with absolute legends of the blues, and to do so alongside Bruce Iglauer (a legend himself!) and my family of Alligator co-workers.”  

"I’m lucky to have been at this historic label for 26 years," says Lindner. "Working with such a dedicated staff to get this incredible music out into the world has been an absolute privilege."

Kolleth states, "It has been my honor to help develop and enhance the careers of Alligator's brilliant artists for 34 years. I'm immensely proud of what we achieved together and the legacies that were built. My deepest appreciation to Bruce Iglauer, who leads us all with passion and love for the music. I look forward to continuing the mission."

Lipkin, who in 2005 became the first publicist to win The Blues Foundation's Keeping The Blues Alive Award, says, “My 34 years with Bruce and my Alligator colleagues have been the defining work of my life. Blues and roots music deserves the gold standard, and that's what we delivered. I'm proud to carry that standard forward, bringing the same relationships, dedication, and love for this music into my next chapter."

"Our 55-year commitment to the artists and the music remains absolute," says Iglauer. “We remain immensely proud of the work we've done, and look forward to continuing our commitment to blues and roots music working in cooperation with Exceleration Music."