According to a statement by the Sony music label, Stephen Ferrera, Columbia Records A&R Executive, died on Monday, Jan. 27 due to lung cancer.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, a provided statement said, "Steve fully embraced life and loved spending time with his family, enjoyed good food and all things Italian, and truly respected and appreciated the people he worked with. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him and had the opportunity to make music with him."
Over the years, Ferrera worked with many recording artists at several labels. His work boosted the success of Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Ne-Yo, Rod Stewart, and Bon Jovi, among others. Ferrera was an accomplished musician, songwriter and producer. He worked A&R at Chrysalis Group and RCA Music Group. He was the senior vice president of A&R at Columbia Records. He recorded with his own band for Universal/MCA, and recorded and toured with Suzanne Vega, according to Variety.
Ferrera is survived by his wife Camilla, 14-year-old daughter, Grace, and 10-year-old son, Guy. A memorial service will be held on Monday, Feb. 3.