Eddie Rosenblatt, longtime president of Geffen Records, dies at 89
As a movie reviewer with a deep appreciation for the history of the music industry, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss upon hearing about the passing of Eddie Rosenblatt. The image of him that comes to mind is not just that of a successful record executive, but of a dedicated and passionate individual who played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of popular music over several decades.
Eddie Rosenblatt, the long-standing president of Geffen Records, passed away from pneumonia on Tuesday at a hospital in Santa Barbara. Surrounded by loved ones, he was 89 years old. (Eddie Rosenblatt, who had been the president of Geffen Records for a long time, died of pneumonia on Tuesday at a hospital in Santa Barbara. He was surrounded by his family when he passed away at the age of 89.)
In the 1970s, the executive, known as “The Chief,” began building his reputation during a ten-year tenure at Warner Bros. Records under the guidance of industry legend Mo Ostin. Later, he teamed up with David Geffen to establish Geffen Records in 1980 and was promoted to the position of president. This new label quickly left an indelible mark on the industry.
Around six weeks prior to my hero John Lennon’s untimely passing, Geffen Records brought forth into the world Lennon and Yoko Ono’s collaborative album, titled “Double Fantasy.” Simultaneously, they extended warm welcomes to Elton John and Donna Summer, both of whom joined their esteemed roster.
In the beginning stages of the business, Geffen and Rosenblatt experienced great achievements by releasing albums from artists such as Peter Gabriel, Don Henley, and Neil Young. Additionally, they were responsible for introducing the world to the emerging bands Asia and Quarterflash during this time.
When Geffen Records expanded, I was in awe of how they curated a robust hard-rock collection with acts like Guns N’ Roses and Whitesnake. Not to mention, their DGC imprint became my go-to for alternative sounds with bands such as Nirvana, Hole, Weezer, Beck, and Sonic Youth.
Ten years after Geffen Records was established and then sold for $550 million to MCA in 1995, Rosenblatt stayed on as the company’s president, and additionally took on the role of chairman.
“I have complete trust in Eddie leading the company now that I’m stepping down,” Geffen shared with The Times. “Eddie has been my business partner since we founded Geffen Records, and it brings me immense joy to hand over this successful company we built together to him.”
The company made half a billion dollars in album sales in 1994.
“According to Ostin’s perspective as shared with The Times, David represents the creative force behind Geffen Records. But if we consider David as the vision, then Eddie is the emotional core. The label isn’t just successful financially, but also culturally relevant and vibrant. And it’s Eddie who has kept everything cohesive throughout the years.”
In 1998, Rosenblatt retired after 40 years in the industry.
Growing up in Queens, New York, I attended Brooklyn College and earned my bachelor’s degree. After serving in the U.S. Army, I completed Macy’s management training program. In 1958, I made a shift from retail to the music industry, starting my long career at Cosnat Distribution and Mainline Distribution in Ohio.
After some time, he relocated to Los Angeles and took up the role of sales director at A&M Records. Subsequently, in collaboration with filmmaker and movie director Steve Binder, he established TA Records. Notably, they released Seals and Crofts’ first album through this record label.
Rosenblatt is mourned by his four kids: Michael, Steven, Peter, and Gretchen; six grandkids; and one great-grandchild. Sadly, his beloved spouse, Bobbi, passed away last year.
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2024-07-19 03:01