The Entertainment Industry Mourns the Loss of Robin Kaye
The entertainment industry is still reeling from the shocking news of the death of Robin Kaye, the long-time music director for American Idol, who was tragically murdered along with her husband Thomas Deluca in their home. Kaye’s contemporaries remember her as a consummate professional with a sharp talent for working with creatives and a passion for advocating for music supervisory professionals.
A Legacy of Excellence
Kaye’s colleagues and friends describe her as a fierce advocate for her clients, a smooth and pragmatic presence, and a calming influence on all those she worked with. According to The Hollywood Reporter, "She was a violent lawyer of superiors, she was a smooth, pragmatic and calming presence for all of us." Jill Meyers, a music leader at The Voice, recalls her close bond with Kaye, saying, "It felt like we had worked for each other, three people from competing shows who loved each other and constantly tried to help and strengthen each other."
Tributes Pour In
Maureen Crowe, the founding president of the Guild of Music Supervisors, called Kaye "a light in our community" and praised her efforts as a board member and vice president. Crowe said, "She had an incredible ability to make great things happen, and she put these skills in the service of others to enable them and help them be successful." Kaye’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence the music industry for years to come.
A Career of Success
Kaye’s work on American Idol gave her a unique influence on the music industry, with her song selections often making or breaking an artist’s career. As Mchugh notes, "If you get the right song, it can be the difference in a career or not." Kaye’s ability to secure iconic songs, such as Led Zeppelin’s "Whole Lotta Love" for Adam Lambert in 2009, was a testament to her skill and dedication. Randy Jackson, an Idol judge, praised Kaye’s meticulous approach to song selection, saying she "consistently went the extra mile and meticulously ensured that the songs for the show were placed and cleared."
A Personal Touch
Kaye’s friends and colleagues remember her as a kind and authentic person who was loved and respected by all. Jacquie Perryman, a consultant for Paul McCartney’s Mpl Music Publishing, recalls Kaye’s ability to advise artists and creatives, saying, "She was particularly good at advising artists and creatives. She could really help find music for the younger kids who might not know the older songs." Perryman adds that Kaye was like a sister to her, and her death is "so devastating… Robin and Tom were in the bloom of their lives, they were beautiful people who were good for everyone around them."
A Lasting Impact
Kaye’s relationships with music publishers and her reputation in the industry gave her an unparalleled advantage in securing amazing songs for the show. As Perryman notes, "She could actually clear amazing songs for the show because her reputation and relationships were not in parallel." Kaye’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence the music industry, and her memory will be deeply felt by all those who knew and worked with her.
