Remembering Cindy Charles: A Trailblazer in the Music Industry

The sudden and tragic passing of Cindy Charles, the head of music at Twitch, has left a profound impact on the industry she dedicated her life to. Charles, a respected and beloved figure, was killed in a traffic accident in Amsterdam, where she had been attending a panel at the Amsterdam Dance Event. She was 69 years old.

Honoring a Life Devoted to Music and Empowering Women

A Lifelong Passion for Music

Cindy Charles' journey in the music industry spanned decades, marked by her unwavering dedication and her ability to forge strong relationships within the community. She first crossed paths with her husband, Ricky Fishman, 50 years ago at SUNY Buffalo, where they were part of the same social circle, though they didn't date at the time. After college, their paths diverged, with both getting married and having children. It wasn't until a 30-year "friends reunion" that they reconnected and have been together ever since, living between Manhattan and Berkeley.

Championing Women in the Music Business

Charles' impact extended far beyond her personal life. She was an advisor to the Board of Governors of the Recording Academy and co-founded the San Francisco chapter of She Is the Music, an organization dedicated to fostering opportunities for women in the industry. Her commitment to empowering women and promoting diversity in the male-dominated field was a testament to her vision and her desire to create a more inclusive and equitable music landscape.

Navigating the Evolving Music Landscape at Twitch

In her role as the head of music at Twitch, Charles played a pivotal part in shaping the platform's relationship with the music industry. She was instrumental in negotiating unprecedented music licensing agreements, including the recent DJ agreement, which allowed Twitch creators to utilize music in their content. Her expertise and dedication were crucial in establishing the strong relationships that Twitch enjoys with the music community today.

Leaving an Indelible Mark on Those She Worked With

Cindy Charles' impact extended far beyond her professional accomplishments. Her colleagues and friends remember her as a mentor, a confidante, and a dear friend. Kira Karlstrom, one of Charles' colleagues, described her as "the heart and soul of our team, and a force for good in everything she touched." Twitch's CEO, Daniel Clancy, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the profound loss felt by the entire Twitch community and the debt of gratitude owed to Charles' tireless efforts.

A Life Cut Short, but a Legacy That Lives On

Cindy Charles' passing has left a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew her. Her husband, Ricky Fishman, eloquently captured the fragility of life and the profound impact Charles had on those around her. "There will be no filling the hole in the universe left by Cindy's departure from this world," he wrote. "She gave love and she received love, building a network of friends unrivaled by any person I have ever known."As the music industry and the Twitch community mourn the loss of this remarkable woman, her legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who follow in her footsteps. Cindy Charles' unwavering dedication, her passion for empowering women, and her ability to forge meaningful connections will forever be remembered as a testament to the power of one person to make a lasting difference.