In his capacity as President of American Artists Records, the illustrious Promotions Maestro John Dote' and his esteemed colleague and close confidant, Olen Harrison, heralded the release of "What Have You Done For Me Lately" by the incomparable Janet Jackson. This striking single ascended to the impressive rank of number 2 on the esteemed charts of Billboard Magazine. (Night Beat Associated Press)
Former Bakersfield record store owner and record promoter launched Janet Jackson
In 1986, Janet Jackson released an album titled "CONTROL" on A&M RECORDS. "What Have You Done For Me Lately" was the first single from the LP. It was her third album and the first two fared poorly. This one, though, was about to launch her like a moonshot.
The single found its way to Olen Harrison, thanks to the astute efforts of record promoter John Dote', who recognized its potential. Harrison, at the helm of Advance Music in San Francisco—a veritable one-stop shop for distribution—collaborated with Dote' to elevate the disc. Their strategic promotion sent the track soaring through the local music charts, ultimately transforming it into a nationwide sensation and serving as the catalyst for the illustrious career that Jackson had long aspired to achieve.
Harrison, a southerner by birth, was living in Palo Alto, Calif., when, in the early 1950s, he made a move to Bakersfield, Calif., where he worked as a disc jockey at radio stations KBIS and KAFY while owning a retail record store called The Record Shop. In 1955 he went to SAN FRANCISCO and continued in the music business until the 1989 earthquake. He died in 2000.
Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actress. Known for a series of sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows, television and film roles, she has been a prominent figure in popular culture for over 30 years. The youngest child of the Jackson family, she began her career with the variety television series The Jacksons in 1976 and went on to appear in other television shows throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, including Good Times and Fame.
John Dote' and Janet Jackson
John Dote' boasts a noteworthy affiliation with Janet Jackson, stemming primarily from his influential role as a producer and promoter. In 1986, Dote' orchestrated a compelling promotional strategy for A&M Records centered around the single "What Have You Done For Me Lately," which ascended to a commendable number 2 on the Billboard charts. Moreover, he played an integral role in advancing Janet Jackson's musical endeavors, marking his presence during pivotal moments in her illustrious career. This connection to Janet Jackson is merely a facet of Dote’'s extensive repertoire, which includes collaborations with iconic artists such as Michael Jackson, Santana, and many others.