Post by deke on May 21, 2008 9:39:40 GMT 1
The top five managers worldwide according to recent research carried out by ‘Billboard’ Magazine are:
Colonel Tom Parker: 148 million records sold
Dutch-born Svengali who masterminded the career of Elvis Presley from 1955 onwards after persuading RCA to buy out the King's record deal with Sun. He was instrumental in every major move in Elvis's career, especially his controversial decision to concentrate on making films rather than music after leaving the army.
Irving Azoff: 122.5 million records sold
Along with David Geffen, Azoff, pictured third from left with The Eagles, was the biggest noise in the West Coast music scene throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s. He began promoting bands while still at the University of Illinois, including The Eagles, Steely Dan, REO Speedwagon, Stevie Nicks, Van Halen, Guns N' Roses and later Christina Aguilera.
Simon Fuller: 116 million records sold
Started out promoting gigs on Hastings Pier before joining Chrysalis where he made his name signing Paul Hardcastle, whose Vietnam-inspired single "19" sold three million copies worldwide. Despite long-time associations with Cathy Dennis and Annie Lennox, it was as manager of the Spice Girls, below left, and then creator of the television talent show Pop Idol and later American Idol for which he is best known.
Bob Doyle: 116 million records sold
Fired by an impassioned belief in the American Dream, the former music business executive mortgaged his home to promote the career of the then unknown country singer Garth Brooks. It was a gamble that paid off handsomely as Brooks became one of the biggest selling US recording artists of all time. Doyle served with the Tennessee Air National Guard during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
Peter Grant: 110.5 million records sold
Former sheet metal worker and bit part actor, Grant, pictured left with Led Zeppelin, was shrewd and ruthless in equal measure. His first break came with the Yardbirds, later charting the fortunes of Led Zeppelin. He worked tirelessly to safeguard the financial interests of his charges, retiring from the scene following their split in 1980.
Brian
Colonel Tom Parker: 148 million records sold
Dutch-born Svengali who masterminded the career of Elvis Presley from 1955 onwards after persuading RCA to buy out the King's record deal with Sun. He was instrumental in every major move in Elvis's career, especially his controversial decision to concentrate on making films rather than music after leaving the army.
Irving Azoff: 122.5 million records sold
Along with David Geffen, Azoff, pictured third from left with The Eagles, was the biggest noise in the West Coast music scene throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s. He began promoting bands while still at the University of Illinois, including The Eagles, Steely Dan, REO Speedwagon, Stevie Nicks, Van Halen, Guns N' Roses and later Christina Aguilera.
Simon Fuller: 116 million records sold
Started out promoting gigs on Hastings Pier before joining Chrysalis where he made his name signing Paul Hardcastle, whose Vietnam-inspired single "19" sold three million copies worldwide. Despite long-time associations with Cathy Dennis and Annie Lennox, it was as manager of the Spice Girls, below left, and then creator of the television talent show Pop Idol and later American Idol for which he is best known.
Bob Doyle: 116 million records sold
Fired by an impassioned belief in the American Dream, the former music business executive mortgaged his home to promote the career of the then unknown country singer Garth Brooks. It was a gamble that paid off handsomely as Brooks became one of the biggest selling US recording artists of all time. Doyle served with the Tennessee Air National Guard during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
Peter Grant: 110.5 million records sold
Former sheet metal worker and bit part actor, Grant, pictured left with Led Zeppelin, was shrewd and ruthless in equal measure. His first break came with the Yardbirds, later charting the fortunes of Led Zeppelin. He worked tirelessly to safeguard the financial interests of his charges, retiring from the scene following their split in 1980.
Brian
