William 'Bill' Cherry, legendary entertainment executive, dead at 71

From EURWeb.com
(June 3, 2007) William "Bill" Cherry, a promotions icon who worked with the best artists, musicians, politicians and comedians for the past fifty years – forcing a nation to recognize blacks and their roles in society and in the entertainment industry – died Thursday, May 24 at his Durham, NC home.

The 71-year-old entertainment icon died doing what he loved - working at his computer to promote entertainers.
 
"He had the ability to make people stars and not get in their spotlights.  He was a master builder," Reverend Al Sharpton said of Bill Cherry's promotions work.  "I've known Mr. Cherry since I was 13-years-old. He has helped me literally all my life: [Bill] believed in people and he believed in the cause of the African-Americans, said Sharpton. "Bill Cherry was a renowned man, an excellent promoter who used 'show business' to organize social justice.  He realized the cause was more important than the money."
 
Reverend Jesse Jackson, a friend for more than forty years said Bill Cherry was a creative genius.  "After Dr. King's assassination there were marches, riots, and a chance for some terrible violence; but, Bill Cherry was on the other side of that. Bill Cherry used his creativity to turn the situation around and to begin building coalitions, to heal wounds and to create warmth and productivity".  Reverend Jackson said Mr. Cherry's work in the entertainment field was unmatchable. 

"Bill had knowledge of the industry.  He worked with the Supremes, the Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Isaac Hayes and the Barkays.  He also had a working relationship not just with the artists, but with their managers and agents.  And his relationships made him a superb communicator and an excellent coordinator.  I thank his family for sharing him with us for so many years.  He meant so much to so many of us!"
 
Born in Manhattan, New York, Mr. Cherry received a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University .  He was the vice president of Richard Pryor Enterprises and he worked with Pryor on at least six films and comedy tours.  He was a publicist for the Negro Ensemble plus On-Off Broadway productions.  Mr. Cherry co-produced the film, "Save the Children" for Operation Push.  And he was the director of publicity and promotions for Campaign/Stax Records, Free Southern Theater and UniWorld Group Advertising out of Newark.

Mr. Cherry was involved in many civic, educational, and church organizations.  In addition, he worked in media entertainment, marketing, video and film production and promotions.  Notably, he produced a documentary for BET (Black Entertainment Television) on the life of the Honorable Louis Farrakhan.  He has also produced a documentary on gospel great Kirk Franklin .  He was the founder of the National Association of Black Promoters.  Mr. Cherry did national marketing and publicity consulting for Columbia Pictures, Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox Films, United Artists Films, and Bill Cosby Productions to name a few.

Durham, N.C. Mayor Bill Bell said Bill Cherry was a trailblazer for Durham and folks around the country.  "It's a tremendous loss.  Bill Cherry ventured in an area where people dared not to go.  He didn't mind taking risks.  Just recently, he had one of our people (UDI) go to Darfur, Africa ; and had it not been for him, they would not be participating in this business trip.

Mr. Cherry's survivors include his wife, Diane Cherry, his children - Kendra Cherry, Kameron Cherry, Leah Watson, Sean Cherry, and William "Bill" Cherry Jr., and two grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 1. Condolences can be sent to Diane Cherry and Family at 1810 Milan Street, Durham, NC 27704.


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