Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community

In Memoriam: Phil Quartararo ’77

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, By Genaro Armas
Share
alumniin memoriamNewhouse School of Public Communications

A listener who tuned into a pop radio station at any point over the last 30 years more than likely would have heard a catchy song from stars influenced by Phil Quartararo ’77.

The veteran music executive introduced U2 to the United States in the 1980s and developed the careers of artists like Paula Abdul, Linkin Park and the Spice Girls. And that was only a small number of the big-name performers who worked with someone who became known fondly in the industry as “Phil Q.”

portrait of Phil Quartararo

Phil Quartararo

Just as important to Quartararo was his dedication to Syracuse University and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, and a commitment to helping develop future leaders of the music industry. Quartararo was one of a handful of executives who worked with Martin Bandier ’62 and the University to create the Bandier Program for Recording and Entertainment Industries.

Quartararo died Nov. 22 in Los Angeles of pancreatic cancer. He was 67.

Born in New York City, Philip Michael Quartararo led EMI Records, Virgin Records and Warner Bros. Records during his influential career. Quartararo, a longtime Newhouse Advisory Board member, was also a strong supporter of the Bandier Program’s move to the Newhouse School.

“Phil was an outstanding board member, and one I had come to count upon for wise counsel, especially when it came to the music industry, future opportunities for Newhouse in audio and our growing presence in Southern California,” Dean Mark J. Lodato says.

He recounted last seeing Quartararo in October in California for the celebration of the Kari and Dick Clark Foundation’s Forever Orange Campaign gift to expand the University’s presence in Los Angeles and impact in the entertainment field.

“He was as positive as ever,” Lodato says, “and as he always did, pledged his full support to me and the Newhouse School. I often heard this refrain from Phil: ‘Whatever you need, Mark!’”

Quartararo first began booking acts in high school and took a job as a college representative for A&M Records while studying at Newhouse, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in television, radio and film. He then moved to Buffalo as the local promotional representative for A&M, where he helped break in artists like The Police and Bryan Adams.

It was the start of 46-year career that included leadership positions with nearly every major record label. Quartararo was named Billboard’s Music Executive of the Year Award in 2001.

Bill Werde, director of the Bandier Program, described Quartararo as a “beloved founding father” who was a trusted advisor to many in the program and Newhouse. “A role he clearly cherished was that of helping the next generation of music industry leaders,” Werde says.

A funeral service was held in Santa Monica, California, with a Mass of Celebration being planned in New York City sometime in January. Another celebration of Quartararo’s life is planned for Jan. 29 in Los Angeles, which is the start of Grammy Awards week.

In lieu of flowers, Quartararo’s family has asked for donations to be made in his memory to the Phil Q Memorial Fund at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Donations may be made online at givetosu.syr.edu/philq or sent to Syracuse University, 640 Skytop Road, 2nd Floor, Syracuse, New York 13244. For more information contact Lynn Vanderhoek at Lavander@syr.edu.

  • Author

Genaro Armas

  • Recent
  • Syracuse Stage Announces Cast and Production Team of Musical ‘The Hello Girls’
    Friday, August 8, 2025, By Joanna Penalva
  • Expert Available for New Tariffs on India
    Friday, August 8, 2025, By Ellen Mbuqe
  • Syracuse Views Summer 2025
    Friday, August 8, 2025, By News Staff
  • Sport Management Professor Calls Historic First in MLB ‘Overdue’
    Thursday, August 7, 2025, By Keith Kobland
  • Scott Tainsky’s Research Focus Aligns Perfectly With New Falk College of Sport
    Thursday, August 7, 2025, By Matt Michael

More In Campus & Community

Scott Tainsky’s Research Focus Aligns Perfectly With New Falk College of Sport

The earliest memories Scott Tainsky has involve playing sports and watching the golden age of Big East Conference basketball with stars like Patrick Ewing, Chris Mullin and Syracuse University star Pearl Washington. Now, as a father of two children who play…

Maxwell School Honors Alumnus Elliot Stamler ’60 With Cramer Horizon Award

The latest recipient of the Maxwell School’s Cramer Horizon Award has embodied the ideals of its namesakes, Gerald ’52, H’10 and Daphna Cramer, through his professional endeavors, philanthropy and commitment to engaged citizenship. Throughout his remarkable career, honoree Elliot J….

Whitman School Honored for Mental Health Excellence

The Whitman School received the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight into Academia magazine, a measure of an institution’s individual programs and initiatives that significantly advance the core values of inclusive excellence and belonging through programs,…

Construction Continues at Stadium Place, Center Crosswalk to Close Aug. 8

Campus Planning, Design and Construction, CenTrio Energy, and local contractors are continuing their work on the campus steam distribution system in the West Campus area. To continue necessary sidewalk replacements along the east boundary of the Raynor Avenue lot, the…

Whitman School Celebrates Record Fundraising Year, Builds Momentum for Transformation

As institutions of higher education adapt to rapid changes and evolving student needs across the country, alumni, parents and donors of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management have responded with record-setting philanthropic support and engagement. Their historic commitment continues…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2025 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.