50 Facts About Scooter Braun

Early Life and Family Background

Scooter Braun's journey began in New York City, where he was born into a family with deep roots and a rich history.

1. Birth and Early Life: Scooter Braun was born on June 18, 1981, in New York City to Conservative Jewish parents, Ervin and Susan (née Schlussel) Braun.
2. Family Background: Ervin Braun's parents lived in Hungary until 1956, when they immigrated to the United States. Ervin grew up in Queens and became a dentist, while Susan was an orthodontist.
3. Siblings: Braun has four siblings. He attended Greenwich High School, where he was elected class president.

Education and Early Career

Braun's academic journey and early career choices set the stage for his future success in the music industry.

4. Education: Braun attended Emory University in Atlanta, where he played college basketball until his sophomore year. He dropped out of college in his junior year to pursue a career in music.
5. Early Career: Braun started his career by selling fake IDs to fellow students at Emory University. However, he soon transitioned to becoming a DJ and then a promoter, recognizing that the real money lay in organizing parties.
6. Club Promoter: By the age of 20, Braun had become one of the most formidable club promoters in Atlanta. He understood how to hustle and corner the market by bringing in and sharing the wealth with the right people, while destroying the competition.

Career Management and Discoveries

Braun's knack for discovering talent and managing artists catapulted him to fame.

7. Career Management: Braun is credited with discovering Justin Bieber in 2008, which led to the establishment of his record label RBMG Records, a joint venture with R&B singer Usher.
8. Artists Managed: Braun has managed artists including Kanye West, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, J Balvin, Ozuna, Dan + Shay, and the Kid Laroi, among others.
9. Record Labels: Braun is the founder of Schoolboy Records and co-founder of TQ Ventures and Mythos Studios. He is also the founder of Ithaca Holdings, which acquired Big Machine Records in 2019, leading to a publicized dispute with Taylor Swift.
10. HYBE-America CEO: Braun serves as the CEO of HYBE-America, the North American subsidiary of Hybe Corporation, which is known for managing the K-pop group BTS.

Philanthropy and Awards

Braun's contributions extend beyond music, as he is deeply involved in various charitable activities.

11. Philanthropy: Braun is involved in various charities, including the Braun Family Foundation and Pencils of Promise, a charity founded by his brother Adam.
12. Philanthropic Awards: Braun has received several philanthropic awards, including the Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award in 2018 and the Save the Children’s Humanitarian Award the same year.
13. Grammy Nominations: Braun was nominated for Grammy awards in 2017 and 2022 for his work as a producer and songwriter on Justin Bieber’s albums "Purpose" and "Justice," respectively.
14. Time 100 List: Braun was included in the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world in 2013.
15. Billboard Cover: Braun appeared on the cover of Billboard in April 2013, alongside Guy Oseary and Troy Carter.

Notable Events and Contributions

Braun has organized significant events and contributed to various causes, showcasing his influence and dedication.

16. One Love Manchester: Braun organized the One Love Manchester benefit concert in response to the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, alongside Ariana Grande, Simon Moran, and Melvin Benn.
17. March for Our Lives and Hand in Hand: Braun organized concerts and tours including March for Our Lives and Hand in Hand in support of victims of gun violence and natural disaster relief.
18. Film and Television: Braun is active in film and television, serving as the executive producer of the Kevin Hart and Lil Dicky comedy series "Dave," which became the most-watched show in FX history.

Personal Life and Relationships

Braun's personal life has also been in the spotlight, with his relationships and family life often making headlines.

19. Personal Life: Braun began dating Yael Cohen in 2013, and they married on July 6, 2014, in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. They have three children together but filed for divorce in July 2021, which was finalized in September 2022.

Impact on the Music Industry

Braun's influence on the music industry is undeniable, with his management skills and business acumen shaping the careers of many artists.

20. Music Industry Impact: Braun’s career took off in 2008 with the discovery of Justin Bieber, and he has since become a powerhouse in the music industry, managing numerous high-profile artists and acquiring several entertainment companies.
21. Controversy with Taylor Swift: The acquisition of Big Machine Records by Ithaca Holdings led to a publicized dispute with Taylor Swift, who claimed she was not allowed to buy her own catalog and has since re-recorded nearly all of her songs.
22. Support for Israel: Braun is a supporter of Israel and has emerged as a vocal advocate during the Israel–Hamas war hostage crisis. In December 2023, he spoke at a rally in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square and featured the mother of an Israeli hostage in a video posted to his Instagram.
23. Political Involvement: Braun hosted fundraisers for Hillary Clinton in 2015 and Kamala Harris in 2019. He also supported developer Rick Caruso in the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral election.

Recognitions and Honors

Braun's work has earned him numerous awards and recognitions, highlighting his contributions to both the music industry and philanthropy.

24. ACLU Bill of Rights Award: Braun was awarded an ACLU Bill of Rights award in 2012 for his philanthropic efforts.
25. Midem Hall of Fame Induction: Braun was inducted into the Midem Hall of Fame in 2019.
26. Fortune’s 40 Under 40: Braun was named to Fortune’s "40 Under 40" list in media and entertainment in 2020.
27. Variety’s Music Mogul of the Year: Braun was named Variety magazine’s "Music Mogul of the Year" in 2021.
28. Anti-Defamation League Honor: Braun was honored by the Anti-Defamation League in 2024 for his role in the Nova Festival Exhibit in New York City.
29. Make-A-Wish Foundation: Braun and his companies have granted more wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation than any other organization in the history of the foundation, as reported by Billboard in 2017.

Notable Projects and Collaborations

Braun's involvement in various projects and collaborations has further solidified his status as a key player in the entertainment industry.

30. Charity Single “Stuck With U”: Braun coordinated a charity single, "Stuck With U," by Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande to raise money to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. All net proceeds from the song went to the First Responders Children’s Foundation.
31. Filmography: Braun has been involved in various film and television projects, including producing the documentary "Never Say Never" in 2011, executive producing the TV series "Scorpion" from 2014 to 2018, and co-creating the TV series "Karma" in 2020.
32. Dave TV Series: Braun served as an executive producer for the TV series "Dave," which became the most-watched show in FX history.

Personal Reflections and Growth

Braun's personal journey has been marked by significant growth and self-reflection, shaping his identity and approach to life.

33. Personal Reflections: Braun has spoken about his personal journey, including his decision to reclaim his birth name, Scott, after years of identifying as Scooter. He has also reflected on his early days as a college fake ID merchant and Atlanta party promoter.

Business Ventures and Industry Influence

Braun's business ventures and influence in the industry have had a lasting impact on the entertainment landscape.

34. Business Ventures: Braun has founded several business ventures, including Ithaca Holdings, which acquired Big Machine Records, and TQ Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on entertainment and technology.
35. Music Industry Dominance: Braun’s dominance in the music industry has been marked by his ability to manage high-profile artists and acquire influential record labels. However, recent years have seen a mass exodus of clients from his company, SB Projects, leading to speculation about his future in the industry.

Notable Artist Collaborations

Braun's management has played a crucial role in the careers of many high-profile artists, helping them achieve significant success.

36. Justin Bieber’s Career: Braun’s discovery of Justin Bieber in 2008 marked the beginning of Bieber’s rise to superstardom. Braun’s management played a crucial role in Bieber’s success, including the launch of his debut album "My World" in 2012.
37. Ariana Grande’s Career: Braun also managed Ariana Grande, helping her achieve significant commercial success. However, in recent years, there have been reports of a split between Braun and Grande, with sources confirming that she is no longer working with him.
38. Kanye West’s Career: Braun has managed Kanye West, helping him navigate various projects and controversies throughout his career. Their collaboration has been marked by both success and controversy, including West’s outspoken views on social issues.
39. Demi Lovato’s Career: Braun has managed Demi Lovato, helping her achieve significant success in the music industry. However, their collaboration has also been marred by controversy, including Lovato’s struggles with mental health and addiction.
40. J Balvin and Ozuna’s Careers: Braun has managed J Balvin and Ozuna, helping them achieve international success in the Latin music scene. His management has played a crucial role in their careers, including the launch of their albums and tours.
41. Dan + Shay’s Career: Braun has managed Dan + Shay, helping them achieve significant success in the country music genre. Their collaboration has been marked by numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations.
42. The Kid Laroi’s Career: Braun has managed The Kid Laroi, helping him achieve rapid success in the music industry. Their collaboration has been marked by the release of several hit singles and albums, including "F*ck Love" in 2020.

Philanthropic Efforts and Social Impact

Braun's philanthropic efforts and social impact extend beyond the music industry, showcasing his dedication to various causes.

43. Philanthropic Efforts: Braun’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond the music industry. He has supported various charitable causes, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the First Responders Children’s Foundation.
44. Business Impact: Braun’s business ventures have had a significant impact on the entertainment industry. His acquisition of Big Machine Records and his role as CEO of HYBE-America have reshaped the landscape of record labels and talent management.

Industry Controversies and Client Relationships

Braun's career has not been without controversy, with several high-profile disputes and client relationships making headlines.

45. Industry Controversies: Braun has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, including the dispute with Taylor Swift over the ownership of her master recordings. This controversy has led to a reevaluation of his legacy in the music industry.
46. Client Relationships: Braun’s relationships with his clients have been subject to scrutiny in recent years. The mass exodus of clients from his company, SB Projects, has raised questions about his ability to maintain long-term relationships with artists.

Reputation and Cultural Impact

Despite the controversies, Braun remains a significant figure in the music industry, with his influence extending to popular culture.

47. Industry Reputation: Despite the controversies, Braun remains one of the most influential figures in the music industry. His reputation as a powerful manager and entrepreneur continues to shape the careers of numerous artists.
48. Cultural Impact: Braun’s impact on popular culture extends beyond the music industry. His role in organizing benefit concerts and charity singles has made him a significant figure in social activism and philanthropy.

Personal Growth and Legacy

Braun's personal growth and evolving identity reflect his commitment to authenticity and his lasting impact on the industry.

49. Personal Growth: Braun’s personal journey has been marked by significant growth and self-reflection. His decision to reclaim his birth name, Scott, reflects his evolving identity and commitment to authenticity.
50. Legacy: As Braun continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, his legacy remains a topic of discussion. His impact on the careers of numerous artists and his influence on the industry as a whole ensure that he will remain a significant figure in popular culture for years to come.

Scooter Braun's Impact on Music and Beyond

Scooter Braun's journey from a college dropout to a music industry titan is nothing short of remarkable. His knack for discovering and nurturing talent, like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, has reshaped the music landscape. Beyond managing artists, Braun's ventures into philanthropy, film, and television highlight his multifaceted influence. His role as CEO of HYBE-America and his involvement in high-profile acquisitions, like Big Machine Records, showcase his business acumen. Despite controversies, including the public feud with Taylor Swift, Braun remains a pivotal figure in entertainment. His philanthropic efforts, such as organizing the One Love Manchester concert, underscore his commitment to social causes. As Braun continues to evolve, his legacy in music, business, and philanthropy will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark. His story is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and adaptability in shaping an industry.