Tommy Mottola is a music executive, producer and author. He is currently the Chairman of Mottola Media Group and previously the Chairman & CEO of Sony Music Entertainment, parent of the Columbia label, for nearly 15 years. Tommy Mottola entered the music scene in the mid-1960s as a recording artist for CBS Records under the name "T.D. Valentine". After his attempt to become a recording star himself failed, Mottola started working for publishing powerhouse Chappell Publishing and started his own management company, Champion Entertainment Organization. His role at Chappell put him in touch with many artists, and soon he signed his first successful management clients, Hall & Oates. Mottola helped Hall and Oates land a record deal and several high-profile endorsements. He was also recognized for successfully using new mediums for promotion, like music videos and corporate sponsorship for music tours. Apart from Hall and Oates, Mottola is known as a mentor and former talent manager. His most famous protégés were Carly Simon, John Mellencamp, Diana Ross, and Taylor Dayne in the 1980s, Mariah Carey (whom he married) in the 1990s, Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Anastacia and Jennifer Lopez in the early 2000s. He is married to the Mexican actress and singer Thalía.