Mark Kamis passed away on February 14. Kamis was a DJ and producer who also discovered Madonna. Kamis not only dated Madonna, but was extremely instrumental in the early development of her career. The late producer was suffering from heart conditions for a while and passed away after a major coronary at his home in Mexico at age 57. Kamis also worked with artists such as David Byrne, the Beastie Boys and Sinead O’Connor. Madonna has released a statement about his death, read more below.

Julie A.
Although Madonna hasn’t seen Kamis in years she writes, “I’m very sorry to hear about Marks death. I haven’t seen him for years but if it weren’t for him, I might not have had a singing career. He was the first DJ to play my demos before I had a record deal. He believed in me before anyone else did. I owe him a lot. May he Rest in Peace.” Kamis played Madonna’s demos for Seymour Stein of Sire Records who signed the singer immediately and the rest is history.

Spotted at Billboard.