Funeral services are pending for 40-year-old Los Angeles native John Atterberry, a music industry executive and entrepreneur who was shot by a crazed gunman randomly firing at motorists in Hollywood Friday.
Atterberry was driving near Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street, when he was shot by 26-year-old Tyler Brehm, who was allegedly despondent over the recent breakup with his longtime girlfriend. Brehm began firing around 10:19 a.m. near the ArcLight Cinemas. He reportedly fired between nine and 12 shots at passing motorists before being killed by police when he ran out of bullets. Witnesses said he screamed, “Kill me. I want to be killed” before being shot by police.
Atterberry, wounded in the face and torso, was taken to Cedars Sinai Hospital in critical condition Friday and succumbed to his wounds Monday at 4:51 p.m., said a hospital spokesperson.
A veteran entertainment executive, Atterberry began his music career in artists and repertoire at Tabu Records, which was founded by Clarence Avant in 1975, and among its noted acts were the SOS band.
From there he moved to Cross Colours and Karl Kani fashion as head of marketing and promotions. He was instrumental in helping the company grow to sales in excess of $100 million.
But music was calling him back, and Atterberry answered, this time joining the nascent Death Row Records, founded in 1991 by Dr. Dre (Andre Romelle Young) and Suge Knight. He worked as a vice president.
Atterberry left Death Row and founded his own company, Mergela Records and Consulting. There he represented Rodney Jerkin and Chris Tucker. He later partnered with Windswept Pacific to create the music publishing company Infusion Music, which featured writers/produces working on albums for artists like Christina Aguilera, Michael Jackson, Brandy, Jessica Simpson and the Spice Girls.
But Atterberry did not confine his business talents to the music world. He also worked in real estate as vice president for A.C.R.E.S. Development, which built condominiums and single-family homes in Los Angeles, Brentwood and Lancaster.
