Win Wilford

Entertainment Industry Professional

Win Wilford was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated from the Southern Lab School and attended Southern University. Wilford first responded to the call of the entertainment industry when he became a sideman playing bass guitar with the local R&B band Earl Davis and the Upsetters, touring with the group throughout the south and up the east coast, often playing behind major headliners of the day, such as Roy Hamilton, The Drifters, Bo Diddley, Huey Smith and The Clowns and Larry Williams. Eventually Wilford ended up in Philadelphia as a member of Kenny Gamble & the Romeos. The Romeos was the original studio band for Philadelphia International Records and Wilford became a much valued “session player” for the hit-making production team of Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell. His bass playing is showcased on the hit records,“Cowboys to Girls,” “United” and “Together” by the Intruders and the Soul Survivors “Expressway to Your Heart”.

These early forays into the music world not only strengthened Wilford’s chops as a musician, but also sharpened his ambition, and bolstered his courage to make the decisive move to New York City. Arriving in the city, he soon caught its flow, and with his stylish appearance, became one of the first African American males signed by the Ford Modeling Agency. His modeling career afforded him opportunities to travel extensively, nationally and abroad, and work with early black super models Naomi Sims, Beverly Johnson and Richard Roundtree. Despite the diversity of his skills, music continued to be his first love.

In the early 1970’s when Black Music was experiencing a strong renaissance Wilford was hired by CBS Records as Manager of Press Information and Artist Affairs, Special Markets Department and within a few years was vested with the title of Vice-President of Epic Records Publicity and Artist Affairs, Special Markets. Under his administration the roster of stars that he was personally involved with included Teddy Pendergrass, Luther Vandross, Patti LaBelle, Minnie Ripperton, The O’Jays, The Jacksons, Earth, Wind & Fire, Bill Withers, the list is endless.

With the knowledge of the music industry that he had acquired throughout the many years of involvement, he charted a new course that would take him out of CBS and on his own. At the time his decision was prompted by his affiliation as manager to his then wife, Debbie Allen. He was already beginning to shape her career in directions that would eventually lead to her enormous success. In the late 1980’s Wilford got a call from long time friend Dick Scott. Scott persuaded Wilford to work with him on what was then a new group of five teenage kids from Boston. They had a record out but needed some good press direction while touring with teen star Tiffany. Six months later New Kids On The Block stopped playing second fiddle to anyone and assumed super star status.

Win Wilford is now working at making his own company, Wilford Entertainment a success. He is harvesting a diverse and impressive roster of young performers, producers and writers from an abundance of raw talent from all over the country.

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