Atlantic ups Mardin to senior veep

By ADAM SANDLER

Legendary producer Arif Mardin, whom many consider one of the fathers of the R&B sound, has been given senior VP stripes at Atlantic Records and has signed a new long-term pact, marking his 30th anniversary with the label.

His love for the work clearly helped Mardin become one of the most versatile producers in the business, having worked with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, the Bee Gees, Bette Midler and Michael Crawford.

"My long association with Atlantic has given me incalculable joy and incredible opportunities," Mardin said.

The venerable producer has scored four Grammys, including a record-of-the-year win for Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings." Mardin also worked with Midler on the recent "Gypsy" soundtrack album. In addition, he will helm the singer's new studio album next year.

Other projects are a collaboration with Franklin on a Curtis Mayfield tribute album and an album by Manhattan Transfer.

The rise to senior VP also gives Mardin, who was brought into the label by founders Ahmet Ertegun and his late brother Nesuhi in 1963, a corporate spot in the Atlantic Records hierarchy.