Twitch Music Head Cindy Charles Dies in Accident

Cindy Charles, the head of music at Twitch, tragically passed away at the age of 69 due to a traffic accident in Amsterdam on October 17. Known for her pivotal role in establishing Twitch as the first platform where DJs could legally livestream, Charles was in the city to participate in the Amsterdam Dance Event. Twitch CEO Daniel Clancy highlighted her contributions, stating that anyone using music on the platform owes a debt of gratitude to her efforts in negotiating crucial licensing agreements with major record labels. The accident occurred when she was struck by a garbage truck while walking in the city center, leading to the arrest of the truck driver, though he has since been released pending investigation. Colleagues and friends remember her not only as a professional pioneer but as a person with a warm spirit who deeply cared for the music community and her team. Her legacy will be felt across the music and digital streaming industries, as she was a significant advocate for underrepresented artists, particularly DJs.