FOCUS ON...DON KIRSHNER

One of the greatest promoters in the history of rock and roll has passed away. Don Kirshner, the "man with the golden ear" died in Boca Raton, Florida yesterday. He was 76. I have some fond memories of Don Kirshner. As a matter of fact, he may have been responsible for my life long love affair with rock music. I can remember staying up late to watch Don Kirshner's Rock Concert every week. The guests performing on the show were a who's who of music legends.

Kirshner was admired and respected by many in the music industry. Neil Diamon, upon hearing of Kirshner's passing, said, "ll always be grateful to him for pairing 'I'm A Believer' and other songs of mine with the Monkees. The music business never had better supporter." Billy Joel said, "Don Kirshner gave new, young musicians the opportunity to showcase their performances for a huge audience during the 'golden age' of the popular music business."

Normally I would say Rest In Peace, but I think the following would be more appropriate:

ROCK ON DON KIRSHNER!!!

1. Biography. [History-Of-Rock.com]
2. Kirshner, Legendary Music Executive, dead at 76. [Billboard]
3. Don Kirshner interview: Monkees maestro lends perspective on retrospective. [The Star-Ledger]
4. Don Kirshner, rock-and-roll impresario. [Post Mortem on The Washington Post]



5. The 360 degrees of Don Kirshner’s Legacy. [Forbes]
6. Paul Shaffer on Don Kirshner: 'He loved the impression'. [Pop & Hiss on the Los Angeles Times]
7. Remembering Don Kirshner, who influenced Pop from the Brill Building to Bubblegum. [Rolling Stone]
8. If your newspaper was late in the '70s, blame Don Kirshner and Uriah Heep. [Washington City Paper]

Discover Don Kirshner's Lasting Influence On Pop Music By Reading:
Always Magic in the Air: The Bomp and Brilliance of the Brill Building Era