Brian Avnet, Longtime Artist Manager and Music Executive, Dies at 82

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82-year-old Brian Avnet, a well-known talent manager and music industry veteran known for discovering Josh Groban, working alongside David Foster, and contributing significantly to The Manhattan Transfer’s achievements, has passed away.

On May 14, Avnet passed away at his residence in Los Angeles, following a prolonged struggle against Parkinson’s disease, as confirmed by his representative.

Growing up in Baltimore, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some incredible artists throughout my career. I’ve worked side by side with legends like Johnny Mandel, Herb Alpert, Lani Hall, Frankie Valli from The Four Seasons, Cyndi Lauper, Take 6, Jean-Luc Ponty, Eric Benét and the talented Joshua Ledet. It’s been an honor to share stages and studios with these amazing musicians.

In 1979, Avnet started collaborating with The Manhattan Transfer. Two years down the line, this vocal group made history by being the first to win Grammys in both pop and jazz genres in a single year. They were awarded for “The Boy From New York City” and “Until I Met You (Corner Pocket)” respectively.

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Avnet teamed up with The Manhattan Transfer in 1979. Two years later, this group achieved a remarkable feat by winning Grammys in both pop and jazz categories in the same year. They were honored for “The Boy From New York City” and “Until I Met You (Corner Pocket)” at the awards ceremony.

As a gamer, I’d say: “Brian was an exceptional team leader and felt more like a trusted comrade to me. He was smart, truthful, hilarious, and blessed with a golden heart. I haven’t come across anyone, either in my personal life or professional ventures, who didn’t admire him.

Fellow founding member, Janis Siegel, commented, “Brian joined us in the thick of it as we navigated the highs and lows of the music industry. He was unwaveringly loyal, fervent in expressing his views, sharp-witted, and compassionate.

Collaborating with the esteemed composer and producer Foster, I had the privilege of working on numerous recording projects alongside musical legends such as Whitney Houston, Céline Dion, Toni Braxton, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Faith Hill, Brandy, En Vogue, Olivia Newton-John, the Bee Gees, Michael Bolton, All-4-One, Julio Iglesias, and Smokey Robinson. What an incredible journey it was!

Avnet found Groban, after being introduced by vocal coach Seth Riggs, who played a significant role in cultivating his talent and managing his career.

In 1995, Foster established 143 Records under Warner Bros., whereupon he named Avnet as the head of this label. Artists on the roster were Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, The Corrs, and Beth Hart.

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In 1995, Foster initiated 143 Records within Warner Bros., making Avnet its chief executive officer. This label’s artist lineup comprised of Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, The Corrs, and Beth Hart.

Avnet was born on July 16, 1942, in Baltimore. For 54 years, his father, Duke, worked as a lawyer locally. During the McCarthy era, he was blacklisted due to his defense of actor-singer Paul Robeson. His mother, Beatrice, served as a social worker.

At fifteen years old, Avnet secured a position at the recently established Painters Mill Music Fair in Owings Mills, Maryland, and went on to manage the venue, making him the youngest person ever to hold this role. Additionally, he worked alongside Lee Guber at the Westbury Music Fair on Long Island.

Graduating from Gettysburg College, Avnet undertook an internship with Princeton’s dramatic arts department. During the summer months, he worked in a repertory theater, lived in a shared apartment in New York City with Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight, and subsequently produced “A Streetcar Named Desire“, featuring Voight, at the Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo, New York.

Avnet also worked with Bette Midler during a time when she was performing in bathhouses in New York City prior to her success on Broadway in the 1970s. He managed her 19-show run at the Palace Theatre in New York City in December 1973, and she received a special Tony Award for “enhancing the luster of the Broadway season” during that performance.

In 1974, Avnet relocated to Los Angeles to collaborate with Lou Adler on the staging of “The Rocky Horror Show” at The Roxy. The remarkable success of this nine-month performance paved the way for the 1975 movie version. Furthermore, he was responsible for a stage production in L.A. of “Tommy”, and managed “Jesus Christ Superstar” during its inaugural season at the Universal Amphitheatre.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but marvel at Avnet, the extraordinary manager who, back in 2017, was bestowed with the prestigious Manager of the Year award by Pollstar and inducted into the Personal Managers Hall of Fame. Remarkably, this legendary figure never once signed a contract with any of his artists.

His career spanned many years, and he was deeply admired. He always kept his promises, which is not common in show business,” said his wife of 26 years, Marcia. Besides his wife, survivors include his brother, Richard, and his nephew, Evan.

A private remembrance event is scheduled for Los Angeles in September. If you’d like to honor his legacy, consider making a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

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2025-05-28 23:24