Charles Koppelman, whose vision of publishing and talent development propelled him to become one of the record industry’s top executives, has died at the age of 82.
No reason was given by his son Brian, the showrunner of billion, and daughter Jenny Koppelman Hutt. “He spent his last days surrounded by those he loved the most,” his son wrote on social media.
Koppelman saw the potential of releasing music early in his career.
He began his career as a singer and songwriter and was part of Aldon Music’s legendary team under CEO Don Kirshner, which included Carole King, Neil Sedaka, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.
In the 1970s he joined CBS Records where he rose to VP/GM of worldwide publishing. Realizing the potential of owning songwriting rights, he started his own business with CBS CEO Martin Bandier and Bandier’s father-in-law, NY real estate mogul Samuel LeFrak. The company managed song catalogs for Barbra Streisnd, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross and Cher, among others.
In 1986, Koppelman, Bandier and Stephen C. Swid founded SBK Entertainment World, Inc. formed to buy CBS Songs’ 250,000 titles for $125 million, the highest price paid for a music publishing portfolio at the time.
This deal made SBK the largest independent music publisher in the world, including Michael Bolton and New Kids on the Block.
They sold SBK to EMI Music in 1989 for $300 million. This agreement enabled the formation of SBK Records, where Koppelman served as chairman and CEO. The label was an instant hit, with Technotronic’s “Pump Up The Jam” being the first platinum seller, followed by major albums by Wilson Phillips and Vanilla Ice.
In 1991, Koppelman and Bandier sold their interest in SBK Records to EMI Music. But Koppelman became chairman and CEO of the newly consolidated EMI Records Group North America. Koppelman was CEO until 1997.
Koppelman was chairman of Steve Madden, Ltd from 2000 to 2004. and ran that company while Madden served prison time for securities fraud. He then became president of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. He moved on in 2011 and joined various entertainment industry boards.
No memorial plans have been announced.
Author: The Deadline Team
Source: Deadline
Joseph Fearn is an entertainment and television aficionado who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for what’s hot in the world of TV, Joseph keeps his readers informed about the latest trends and must-see shows.
