AD Washington RIP

Legendary record executive AD Washington passed away while in an Arkansas hospital. AD began his music career at Stax Records and went on to serve as SVP at Capitol, Warner Bros. and MCA Records.

AD Washington and Kevin Fleming circa 2016

Pat Shields shared this insight:

Hi Music family,

I’m saddened to send this news, especially on the holiday, but for those of you who aren’t on Facebook, I wanted you to know that our industry brother, A.D. Washington died Wednesday morning, November 22nd, 2017. All we know at this time is that he was in the hospital for a gall bladder operation, which is usually a simple procedure, but the family hasn’t shared what led to his death. I imagine that they are still in shock at this sudden circumstance.

We’ll keep everyone updated on the funeral arrangements, which will be in his hometown of Little Rock, and if there are any memorial services in L.A. and N.Y.

For those of you in our group who think they didn’t know A.D. personally, believe me, you knew him through the many people who he mentored. No matter if you were at a label, radio, retail, journalism, management, you were just 1 degree of separation from a legend. If you didn’t work with him, someone on your team went to the unofficial A.D. Washington school and brought that wisdom and business acumen with them to their next job. He took the time to help everyone he could and only wanted us to live happy and prosperous lives.

A.D. had been caring for his father, who is very ill, so please keep his dad and the entire family in your prayers. As you’re giving thanks for your many blessings during this holiday, please let this illustrate how things can change in an instant and we never know when our story will end. Celebrate life, appreciate life, respect life and enjoy life. Fix any unresolved issues and hurts. Do that thing that scares you. Take that trip. Learn that new skill. Be an active participant in your life. If you’re unhappy about how things are going, find a way to change it. Get negative people out of your life. Don’t listen to those who say you can’t do something because you’re too (fill in the blanks). Be happy and know that when your time does come, there’s nothing left unsaid or undone. Do you.

A.D. would always say “FAN-tastic!” In his memory, make that your mantra. Live a FAN-tastic life and always tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.

Stay blessed,

Pat Shields