The music world is mourning the loss of Jeff Cheen, a legendary figure in the industry, who has passed away at the age of 80. His wife, Chunhong, confirmed his death following a prolonged battle with cancer. Cheen was a pivotal force behind the scenes, notably collaborating with icons such as John Lennon, Deep Purple, Rick James, and Pink Floyd.

Chunhong shared that Cheen’s impact was profound, as he helped bridge musical cultures by promoting concerts and introducing genres like reggae, American pop, and jazz to China. Throughout his career, Cheen worked with renowned companies such as Tetragrammaton, Mercury, Capitol, and Far Out Music. He later ventured into the Asian market, advising the Ministry of Culture for the People’s Republic of China and Ausmusic in Australia. His company, InterStar Music, marked a milestone as the first Western firm to partner with Chinese entities to distribute pop and rock music across Asia. Cheen played a significant role in bringing American blues, jazz, and reggae to the region, organizing tours with top acts throughout Asia.

His influence led to a wave of Western-inspired music in China, where Cheen produced two reggae albums, a jazz album, and a country album in the local market.

Following a 13-year stint in Beijing and Hong Kong, Cheen returned to the United States, where he took on the role of Vice President of business development for B.B. King’s blues clubs, managing global corporate licensing.

Later, Cheen’s InterStar Arts Alliance shifted focus to marketing for musicians and relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. There, he continued to share his expertise by teaching the Business of Music at Catawba College.

As well as teaching, Cheen aimed to pass on his knowledge and expertise in other ways, too. He also joined the Pacific Coast Group to assist artists in recouping royalties owed them from streaming, songwriting and publishing in the Far East.

Cheen also founded the Charlotte Music Awards in 2006 and was a founding board member of the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.

He married his wife back in 2015 and also had two sons, Justin and Garrett, and two grandchildren, Henry and Eva. Family of the music legend are asking for donations in his memory can be made to Autism Speaks.