Industry Icon Ruben Rodriguez passed away

The Urban Buzz sends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of music industry icon Ruben Rodriguez. Ruben passed away in his sleep at age 69. He had been battling diabetes.

Ruben was the CEO of The Ruben Rodriguez Company and previously held positions at Electra, Motown and his own Pendulum Records.

Ruben is survived by his daughter Erica. Ruben’s son Xavier passed away in November 2020.

Details for services are below.

Ruben was one of a kind and he will be missed. May he rest in Peace.

Rememberances

“Ruben was a true friend with a caring heart and relentless personality. We shared so many great times together. Prayers to Erica & the family.”

– Ken Wilson

“Ruben was a consummate professional, a successful business owner, former VP of major record labels, a manager for several famous artists, a friend, mentor, father, brother, uncle, brother, husband, along with his many other accomplishments in this business that we all know he loved. His task seems to have been completed. Mic Drop!!!! Peace out- !!!! RIP Ruben”

–Lygia Lott

“During Ruben’s long career in radio promotion, hundreds of artists were very lucky to have had him working hard to help them to reach number one on the charts. Which changed the artist’s life forever.”

–Jesus Garber

“I was saddened to hear of his passing…. Shows us all how fragile this life is. Rueben was well respected by me, and all. We were not close friends but he always had nothing but good to say and goodwill to offer. Watching the tenacity and passion Ruben brought to each project he worked, he often became the measuring stick for me. Sometimes you miss a well respected competitor even more when they are gone. Sleep well Ruben until you hear the call. John 5:28, 29…”

–Michael Johnson

“I knew of Ruben Rodriguez ‘The Record Executive’ long before we ever met. During my college radio days I would see his photo and articles about him in all the trade magazines Billboard, BRE, JTR. To me he was bigger than life. The day came when I finally met Mr. Ruben Rodriguez the record man… just as I saw in those trade magazines he had that NYC Cool, Classy Je ne Sais Quoi that you only see in the movies!!

That day and the brief conversation sealed the deal that one day I would not only be in the business but would work for him. I’ve had the most extraordinary blessed 30 year journey with with him and my memories are endless, conversations about life and family, the dinners, cigars and drinking only the best wines. The townhouse, Holiday party’s and the records and the many artists we developed together. One that will always be top of mind is we started at the bottom with world famous Ms Cardi B’!

In my lifetime, I’ve never met anyone who whenever we spoke, which was almost daily, he would show the same energy and passion for every single project we ever worked good or bad! His ears & eyes for talent was absolutely impeccable from executives to artists. I end here knowing that my life has been truly blessed with an amazing friend, mentor, and business partner for a lifetime. I thank God for sending me to the Ruben Rodriguez University of Life & Radio’s Best Friend. The world and industry has lost one in a million.”

–Abel J. Savage

Ruben Rodriguez’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Saint Cecilia Church, 55 W. Demarest Avenue in Englewood, NJ from 1-3 p.m.

COVID protocols will be followed and anyone attending in person will be required to wear a mask.
A livestream will be available at https://claytonfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/4317/Ruben-Rodriguez/obituary.html#tribute-start

You can also go to the funeral home site now and leave condolence messages for the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be dedicated in his memory at www.tjmartell.org.