As a gamer with a deep appreciation for music and business history, I can’t help but be deeply moved by the passing of Eddie Rosenblatt. His life story is an inspiring testament to the power of determination, hard work, and a keen ear for talent.
Eddie Rosenblatt, a revered music industry figure and co-founder of Geffen Records alongside David Geffen, passed away at the age of 89.
A representative for the Rosenblatt family confirmed that Rosenblatt passed away on Tuesday due to pneumonia at a hospital in Santa Barbara.
Around ten years passed with Nickname “The Chief” Rosenblatt at Warner Bros. Records before he assumed the presidency role at Geffen Records upon its establishment in 1980.
In the beginning, the record label experienced great achievements through noteworthy albums such as John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Double Fantasy.” It also managed the releases of renowned artists including Don Henley, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young. Furthermore, it played a crucial role in launching the careers of emerging acts like Peter Gabriel, Quarterflash, and Whitesnake.
In 1990, Geffen sold his record label to MCA for $550 million and established DGC Records, with Rosenblatt serving as its president. Notable alternative rock and grunge releases from Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Weezer, Hole, and Beck made DGC a household name in this genre.
As a passionate fan, I’d express it like this: In the mid-90s, Geffen Records was truly on fire! With acts like Guns N’ Roses and Counting Crows under their wing, they dominated the music scene. And get this – in just one year, 1994, Geffen and its sister label DGC raked in an impressive $500 million from album sales alone! That’s right, more than a quarter of MCA’s music division’s global revenue came from these two labels! Wow, talk about success!
In 1995, David Geffen resigned from his position as chairman of Geffen Records to co-found DreamWorks SKG and appointed Rosenblatt to take over for him.
“David is the creative force behind Geffen Records, according to Mo Ostin, his ex-boss at Warner. But Eddie is more than just a key player; he’s the bond that keeps this successful label vibrant and relevant with its unique style and energy.”
Born on November 6, 1934, in Far Rockaway, Queens, Rosenblatt was raised and later studied at Brooklyn College. After completing his military service, he joined the music industry in Ohio in 1958, first with Cosnat Distribution and then Mainline Distribution. During this time, he forged significant relationships with rock ‘n’ roll pioneers Phil and Leonard Chess.
I made the decision to relocate to Los Angeles in 1967, driven by the opportunity to assume the role of sales director at A&M Records. Later on, in partnership with Steve Binder, I established TA Records as an independent label. Our company went on to sign Seals & Crofts and released their debut album.
In 1971, Rosenblatt began working at Warner Bros., initially serving as the director of sales. During his tenure, he significantly contributed to the company’s shift from independent distribution by establishing WEA Distribution. Later on, in his role as vice president for sales and radio promotion, he collaborated with music icons such as Young, Alice Cooper, Van Morrison, Fleetwood Mac, and James Taylor, among others.
During the mergers of Seagram’s acquisition of PolyGram in 1998 and the subsequent fusion of PolyGram with Universal Music Group, he chose to step down from the business. After retiring, he and his late wife, Bobbi, relocated to Montecito to focus on charitable work.
During his professional journey, Rosenblatt guided the careers of numerous executives including Johnny Barbis, Bill Bennett, Dennis Dennehy, Al Coury, Tom Zutaut, Gary Gersh, John Kalodner, Bryn Bridenthal, Marko Babineau, Peter Baron, David Berman, Mark DiDia, Larry Solters, and Wendy Goldstein.
Among the ones who made it through are his kids, Michael, Steven, Peter, and Gretchen, in addition to six grandkids and one great-grandchild. Sadly, his partner of 68 years passed away in March 2023.
A memorial event is being organized. Those who wish to pay tribute through donations may send them to the Sansum Clinic, where he was once a dedicated board member of the esteemed non-profit healthcare organization.
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2024-07-18 18:54