Gil Friesen Explained
Gil Friesen (March 10, 1937 - December 13, 2012) was an American music and film executive known for being chairman of A&M Records from 1977 until its sale for $500 million in 1990, co-founder of the Classic Sports Cable Network and executive producer of The Breakfast Club in 1985.
Biography
Born into a musical family in Pasadena, California, Friesen was a student at UCLA when he began his show-business career in the mail room at Capitol Records[1] in California and later became a senior member of Kapp Records.[2] He served as a promoter to Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, The Carpenters, The Police and to Janet Jackson.[3] [4] [5] [6]
He also produced the documentary 20 Feet from Stardom, which was released after he died and went on to win the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. The film also won the 2015 Grammy Award for Best Music Film, with the award being presented to the featured artists as well as the production crew.[7]
Death
Friesen died of leukemia on December 13, 2012.
Notes and References
- News: Vitello. Paul. Gil Friesen, 75, Record Executive Who Also Struck Gold in Films. 24 December 2012. The New York Times. 23 December 2012.
- Web site: Gil Friesen, the 'ampersand' in A&M Records was 75. LA Observed. 18 December 2012.
- Web site: Legendary A&M Records Exec Gil Friesen Dies at 75. 14 December 2012. The Hollywood Reporter. 18 December 2012.
- Web site: Legendary A&M Records President Gil Friesen Dead at 75. 17 December 2012 . Ultimate Classic Rock. 18 December 2012.
- Web site: Gil Friesen, Influential Music Mogul, Dead at 75. 15 December 2012. Rolling Stone. 18 December 2012. 18 December 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121218153215/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gil-friesen-influential-music-mogul-dead-at-75-20121214. dead.
- Web site: Gil Friesen dies at 75; longtime president of A&M recording label. The Los Angeles Times. 14 December 2012. 18 December 2012.
- Web site: Grammys 2015: And the Winners Are… . . Billboard . February 8, 2015 . 12 June 2018.
