Steve Alaimo, the veteran music man, died last week. Condolences to his family.
Anyone who followed Henry Stone’s TK Records in the 1970s knows Alaimo’s name from the record labels. He was the guy who made the all time classic, “Rock Your Baby” by George McRae, into a massive hit. He was also involved with Gwen McRae’s “Rockin Chair” and KC and the Sunshine Band.
Alaimo was also responsible for producing Sam & Dave’s early pre-Atlantic Records. He wrote their first hit, long before “Soul Man” and “Hold On I’m Coming.” It was called “No More Pain,” on Marlin Records. Below you can find his official obit and listen to that Sam & Dave record. Sam Moore tells me Alaimo changed his life before Ahmet Ertegun happened on the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers singing in Miami.
Another great one gone.
Official obit:
Steve Alaimo, the honey-voiced music maverick who helped create the Miami sound, passed away on November 30th, 2024 at the age of 84. Known as much for his mischievous grin as his golden ear for hits, Alaimo lived life like one of his beloved records – with perfect timing and always leaving them wanting more.
From his early days as a teen idol (with hits like “Everyday I have to cry” and “Cast Your Fate to the Wind”) He had nine singles on the Billboard Top 100 Chart and was the host of Dick Clark’s “Where the Action Is” to his later role as music industry kingpin, Alaimo’s career read like a who’s who of American music.
Alongside Howard and Ron Albert, he co-owned Audio-Vision Studios and Vision Records, where his legendary ear and irreverent wit helped shape countless hits. His earlier venture with Henry Stone, TK Records, became the launchpad for disco sensations like KC and the Sunshine Band, George McCrae, Betty Wright and Bobby Caldwell.
A man who could make even a boring industry meeting feel like a party, Alaimo approached life with a wisecrack ready and a twinkle in his eye. He split his time between making music magic and handicapping horses, often suggesting that the latter was the more reliable way to make a buck in the entertainment business.
He is survived by his daughter Lindsey and two grandchildren, Nicholas and Maximo, who were the real platinum records of his life and wife Candy. His distinctive gravelly laugh, sharp wit, and unmatched ability to spot a hit – whether on the track or at the track – will be deeply missed by all who knew him. (Stephen Charles Alaimo: December 6, 1939-November 30th, 2024)
A private celebration of life will be held on December 14th, 2024 for family and friends.”
