[1] Steve Kurutz of Allmusic described Magid as an "old-time record hustler [who] held a position in nearly every facet of the industry at one time or another.
"[2] Born in New York City to a Jewish family,[3] Magid started playing trumpet and preparing arrangements in his teens, and worked as a song plugger.
Majid also started producing recordings with musicians such as Big Joe Turner, Charlie Ventura, and the Ward Singers.
[2][4] Feeling that his creative input was constrained by Green's tight budgetary control, Magid moved to Herman Lubinsky's Savoy label, and continued to produce records, working with engineer Tom Dowd.
As producer, songwriter, and A&R man, and working with others including Ralph Bass, Magid found commercial success with Johnny Otis and Little Esther.