Jacqueline Rhinehart
In January, 1997, Jacqueline Rhinehart, the daughter of Maggie Lee Richards Rhinehart and Willie James Rhinehart, born on May 14, 1958, in Columbia, South Carolina, was named Vice President of Marketing, Black Music, for Universal Records. In this capacity she develops and implements all of the label’s marketing strategies for its Black Music roster. Her clients include Grammy Award winner Erykah Badu, Lost Boyz, Monifah, and Rakim. Prior to this position, Rhinehart was Senior Director of Publicity for Arista Records. Jacqueline Rhinehart believes in self-preparedness. She is highly motivated with a strong work ethic and a well-rounded educational background. She firmly believes that you must build on each opportunity as you strive for excellence and accomplishment. Ms. Rhinehart received her B.A. degree in Journalism/Public Relations and Advertising from the University of South Carolina – Columbia (1979). After moving to New York, N.Y., in 1981, she studied graphic design at the New School for Social Research. It was during Rhinehart’s four years as an undergraduate student at USC, however, that she gained valuable experiences in media and government which influenced her life’s work. During this time, she held five positions. They were: radio announcer for WNOK radio, Campaign Coordinator for Richard Riley for Governor, Director of the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion and Staff Writer and Photographer for the South Carolina Forestry Commission. Simultaneously with these four jobs, she was founder and senior partner of her own public relations agency, ‘Jackie Productions/Tryad Services.’ Her company designed special product packaging, image campaigns, video concepts, etc. Her clients included Rick James and the artist formerly known as “Prince”. Rhinehart’s move to New York catapulted her into the music industry. Without a doubt, she was well-prepared. Her varied and stellar positions ranged from an initial job as Advertising Copywriter and Sales Assistant for Fairchild Publications to Product Manager at HUSH Productions where she coordinated production schedules for 15 artists including: Freddie Jackson, Najee, and Melisa Morgan. In 1989, she joined Arista Records as National Director of Publicity. Her roster included Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, and LaFace Records. In 1991, as National Director of Artist Development for Mercury Records, she was in charge of both marketing and publicity. She created many ideas and campaigns for the label. One of them, the Artist Development Manager, has been emulated by many record companies. Her current executive position at Universal Records is a testament to her vision, fortitude, and motivation. Jean Riggins of Universal has said of Ms. Rhinehart, “Jackie is truly a stellar, creative executive. Her sense of strategy and vision, as well as her rich understanding of the urban marketplace, greatly assists us in enhancing Universal’s continued success.”