David Edwin Dexter Jr. (November 25, 1915 – April 19, 1990) was an American music journalist, record company executive, and producer known primarily for his long association with Capitol Records. He worked with many important figures in jazz and traditional popular music, including Count Basie, Peggy Lee, Duke Ellington, and Frank Sinatra. Dexter is also known for his role in Capitol's turning down the early singles by the Beatles as well as his subsequent decisions regarding their packaging, and his sometimes altering their recordings for the American market.