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Obituaries
Don Kirshner dies
By CMU Editorial | Published on Thursday 20 January 2011
Don Kirshner, the American music industry player once dubbed “the man with the golden ear” by Time magazine, has died aged 76.
Kirshner began his music business career in the late fifties as co-owner of New York-based music publishing company Aldon Music. Dabbling in songwriting, music production and talent management as well as more conventional music publishing, Krishner worked with all sorts of singers and songwriting talent, and helped launch the careers of Carole King, Neil Diamond and Bobby Darin. He also ran three record companies in the 60s, including London Records imprint Chairman Records.
One of his most high profile projects was his involvement in the early musical output of The Monkees. He was hired by the makers of the American TV show to provide the songs that the show’s band would perform, and in doing so was behind the group’s early hits, including ‘I’m A Believer’.
It wasn’t his only TV project, he later worked on the animated musical show ‘The Archies’ and in the seventies appeared on screen himself as presenter of his own music programme ‘Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert’. His rather flat delivery style when hosting the show was later lampooned on ‘Saturday Night Live’ by Paul Shaffer.
Kirschner continued to work on music projects until his death, most recently consulting for Rockrena on a new online music venture. He died on Monday in a hospital in Florida after being treated for an infection. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, two sons and five grandchildren.
