Jerry Weintraub

News

'Jerry Weintraub Presents...' Exhibit Coming To The GRAMMY Museum

Facebook Twitter Email
The exhibit honoring the famed artist manager and concert promoter will open on Aug. 15 and run through early Dec. 2019
Rachel Brodsky
GRAMMYs
Jul 18, 2019 - 6:00 am

One of the key players behind the most memorable concert tours of the 1970s, Jerry Weintraub recognized the potential for great artists to play for larger audiences and to create one-of-a-kind events.

Now, the GRAMMY Museum, with support from the Weintraub Family Foundation, is honoring the music industry vet with an exhibit called Jerry Weintraub Presents…

As an artist manager and concert promoter, Weintraub famously worked with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, John Denver, The Carpenters, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Rick James, Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, The Commodores, the Bee Gees, The Moody Blues, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.

To showcase Weintraub's business acumen, moxie, and sense of showmanship during his decades focusing on artist management and concert promotion, the exhibit will showcase original items from Weintraub's most notable tours, including personalized jackets, tour documents, contracts, and more.

Opening on Aug. 15 and running through early Dec 2019, the exhibit will kick off with Jerry's son, Michael Weintraub, Bob Finkelstein (Former President of Management 3 and Concerts West and Co-Chairman of Frank Sinatra Enterprises), John Meglen (Co-CEO Concerts West), Claire Rothman (General Manager and Vice President of the Forum), Sims Hinds (Tour promoter for John Denver, Neil Diamond, The Eagles and The Beach Boys) and Peter Jackson (Tour Management for The Moody Blues and Eric Clapton) discussing the stories behind the exhibit in a panel moderated by music industry analyst and critic, Bob Lefsetz, at the Clive Davis Theater.

"Jerry was one of the greats, and he had clout," said Diamond, who has previously had his own GRAMMY Museum exhibit. "After I had taken a hiatus from the music business for four years in the early 1970s, he used that clout as a manager and concert promoter to bring me back into the homes and hearts of my audience via concerts and TV specials. He was great at what he did and he gave me the courage to take on new challenges. It's fitting that the GRAMMY Museum is recognizing him in this way."

Peter Grant, Led Zeppelin's longtime manager, once said, "We take this for granted now, but Weintraub's ability to organize these massive concerts made show business history." 

Jerry Weintraub Presents… will offer an inside look at how Weintraub, his management company, Management 3 and his partners at Concerts West, forever changed the concert business by taking the presentation of music to a never-before-seen size and scale. Until 1970, the business of presenting concerts was in the hands of regional promoters working in clubs and theaters.

Beginning with Elvis Presley’s 1970 tour, Weintraub's impact on the concert business allowed audiences to experience music in-person on a grander scale. He moved his artists in to large arenas, sports stadiums and other venues never before used for music tours.  

"Jerry Weintraub was a prolific force in the music industry, conceptualizing and creating the arena tours and large-scale concerts that we know and take for granted today," said Michael Sticka, GRAMMY Museum Executive Director. "As a music museum, we look to recognize not just the artists, but those working hard behind the scenes to make art accessible to the public. Many thanks to Jane Weintraub and The Weintraub Family Foundation for letting us feature items from this important moment in music history."

GRAMMY Museum Members can RSVP for free tickets starting July 25 at 10:30 a.m. PST, and tickets will go on sale to the general public at www.grammymuseum.org starting July 27 at noon PST.  

Michael Sticka 

Photo: Rebecca Sapp/WireImage via Getty Images 

News

Michael Sticka Named GRAMMY Museum President

Facebook Twitter Email
Sticka, who first joined the organization in 2014 and formerly held the position of Executive Director at the GRAMMY Museum, will continue to lead the museum's growth and strategy
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
Jul 30, 2019 - 2:14 pm

The GRAMMY Museum has promoted Michael Sticka to President as the Recording Academy and the Latin Recording Academy make the largest conributions to the museum in either organization's history.

Sticka, who first joined the organization in 2014 and formerly held the position of Executive Director at the GRAMMY Museum, will continue to lead the museum's growth and strategy. He will also "oversee all aspects of Museum operations, including curatorial, development, marketing, grants and awards, public and education programs, and more," a statement said. His contract will extend through 2022. 

“As Executive Director, I’ve witnessed our team’s incredible passion, hard work, and dedication, which has strengthened our impact and presence in the Los Angeles music and education communities,” said Sticka. “I’m honored that the Board has entrusted me in the role as President, allowing me to continue leading this extraordinary team with the purpose of driving our social good within the community and uphold the Museum's mission to educate, inspire, cultivate creativity, and share the significance of music."

Sticka, who created the museum's Community Engagement Department as executive director, said the museum will continue to invest in its community engagement, curatorial mission and education program. Sticka said the museum's goal is to reach 100,000 over the next five years. 

The Recording Academy contributed $5 million for museum renovations and technology updates, while the Latin Recording Academy will donate more than half a million dollars in a three-year period to grow the Latin music exhibits, education programs and the hiring of a Latin music curator. Both presidents of each organization shared their excitement for Sticka's promotion and their investment in the museum's work. 

“Under Michael’s leadership and guidance, the GRAMMY Museum has not only secured substantial new investments from the Recording Academy and the Latin Recording Academy, but has also seen a tremendous increase in visitors, revenue from attendance, merchandise and event sales, and more” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy and Chair of the Board of Directors of the GRAMMY Museum. “The Museum’s growth and path towards cementing its status as ‘the’ steward and place where Music Has A Home, as well as its future financial and business well-being is reflective of and a testament to Michael’s strategic vision, impressive operational skills, and exceptional leadership.”  

“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with the GRAMMY Museum,” said The Latin Recording Academy President/CEO Gabriel Abaroa Jr. “The Latin Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum share the commitment of educating the public about the significant contributions Latin music has made in the world. I look forward to expanding our presence inside the GRAMMY Museum in an impactful way that guides the narrative and preserves the stories of Latin music and its creators."

GRAMMY Camp Inspires Dreams, Not Fantasies

Bruce Springsteen

Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for Bob Woodruff Foundation

News

Bruce Springsteen Historical Exhibit, "Springsteen: His Hometown," Opening In New Jersey

Facebook Twitter Email
The exhibit, hosted by New Jersey’s Monmouth County Historical Association, will be "a comprehensive look at how Monmouth County, NJ has been thematically woven into Bruce Springsteen’s music and art throughout his career"
Rachel Brodsky
GRAMMYs
Jul 17, 2019 - 10:39 am

20-time GRAMMY winner Bruce Springsteen and his music is a vital part of New Jersey history—and now the Garden State's Monmouth County Historical Association, located in Freehold, has announced a new exhibit dedicated to the Boss.

Called "Springsteen: His Hometown," the exhibit will be a "comprehensive look at how Monmouth County, NJ has been thematically woven into Bruce Springsteen’s music and art throughout his career." It opens on Sept. 29, only a few days after Springsteen's 70th Birthday on Sept. 23, as Rolling Stone points out. "His Hometown" is slated to run through the fall of 2020, with proceeds benefiting the historical association.

According to Rolling Stone, the exhibit will feature more than 150 items, many from the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University. Attendees will get to check out early-career items on display, such as an original color poster from Springsteen’s first band the Castiles, a scrapbook from Springsteen's mother, and even family heirlooms like a 19th century Civil War document that includes Bruce's ancestor Alexander Springsteen.

GRAMMY Museum founding director Robert Santelli served as an advisor in curating the exhibit, along with Director of the Archives Eileen Chapman. The exhibit is co-curated by Monmouth University’s Specialist Professor of Public History Melissa Ziobro and Bernadette Rogoff, Director of Collections for MCHA.

"The MCHA is honored to have the opportunity to exhibit some of the most unique, and some never-before-seen items that reflect the unparalleled career and life of Bruce Springsteen,” Linda Bricker, President, MCHA Board of Trustees, said in a statement. "Springsteen remains an essential part of the fabric that comprises the deep history of Monmouth County. We would especially like to thank Eileen Chapman, Melissa Ziobro and the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music for their continued generosity and collaboration."

Tickets to the exhibit are available here. 

Ken Ehrlich Announced As Executive Producer For 62nd GRAMMYs, Ben Winston Named New Executive Producer For 63rd GRAMMYs

ruby_machand_1090745516.jpg

Ruby Marchand

Photo by Dave Kotinsky/WireImage

News

Prominent Music Industry Women Convene, Offer Valuable Career Advice At GRAMMY Museum Panels

Facebook Twitter Email
"You are the future, you are the next generation. You deserve equality. You demand equality," said Recording Academy Vice Chair of Board Of Trustees Ruby Marchand
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
Feb 4, 2019 - 6:09 pm

Women from different areas of the music industry came together for A Celebration Of Women In Music at the GRAMMY Museum on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, where they discussed how music has shaped them, mentorship, their experiences in the industry, and how they got their foot in the door. 

A collaboration between the GRAMMY Museum Foundation and the GRAMMY Museum Education Coalition, Exploring the Building Blocks of a Music Industry Career aimed to inform the audience, which was made up of a predominantly diverse group of students from middle school to college, how women have successfully navigated the various sides of the industry from the creative side to business and beyond. 

"You are the future, you are the next generation. You deserve equality. You demand equality," Recording Academy Vice Chair of Board Of Trustees Ruby Marchand and panel moderator said speaking to the young crowd. "You ... are our future, and we are here to help you in every single way we can."

While the music industry may be vast in size and made of several different career areas, there are gender equality gaps throughout. According to the Women In Music organization, there is roughly a 70 to 30 male to female gender divide across all regions around the world. In the U.S. and Canada, 15 percent of label members are primarily owned by women. 

In 2018, Professor Stacy L. Smith and the University Of California Annenberg Inclusion Initiative released a study that said that just 22.4 percent of the performers across the 600 most popular songs from 2012 to 2017 were female; only 12.3 percent of songwriters of the 600 most popular songs of the last six years were women, and a devastatingly low two percent of producers across 300 songs were female.

Panelists also offered insight on music education, feeling validated in their careers, mentorship and how they found the right job for them. When asked about what role music education played in their lives, Susan Nesbitt from the Member Engagement Lead, World Economic Forum said being in bands taught her how to let others shine. 

"I played in bands my whole life—I learned how to compromise, I learned how to give up the stage, I learned how to make way and support other people. You need to do that for the rest of your life, so find yourself and help others," she said.

Nesbitt also touched on the importance of finding your voice. "That is important for the rest of your life, to find the authenticity that makes every single one of you very different—hang on to it at all costs always," she said. 

Before the panel came to a close, Tina Fasbender in business management and President at Fasbender & Associates had some last words for students regardless of what side of the industry they were interested in:

" Approach every opportunity with an open heart and an open mind, and just get comfortable with yourself. Don't become someone else in order to fill into a role ... be a life-long learner ... and absorb information, take what people have to offer you and don't set any limits for yourself ... and go for what you want," she said. 

Other panelists included Adina Friedman (Artist Manager/Partner, Friends At Work), Anjali Southward (Head of Music Publishing and Business Development, International at Facebook), Brenda Robinson (Director of Business Development, Greenberg and Glusker), Jenny Reader, (President/Chief Creative Officer, Fearless Records), Monika Tashman (Partner/Lawyer, Entertainment, Media & Technology Practice, Fox Rothschild LLP), Neeta Ragoowansi (Board Officer and Former President, Women in Music and SVP, Biz Development & Legal Affairs/Co-Founder, NPREX),  and Brenda Robinson (Entertainment Attorney).

Another panel called How To Create A Collaborative Community To Help Mentor Young Female Artists featured advice and insight from the Airborne Toxic Event's Anna Bulbrook, Linda Perry, Angel Haze, Beatie Wolfe, Willa Amai and Macy Gray. 

Gray spoke about the importance of respect in the industry. "The next day the intern is running the company that you need a favor from, so just when you're out there as much as we tell you to be real and be awesome and be honest, just make sure you always respect your opportunities and the people around you that’s really, really important," she said.

The panel also featured a performance by Amai.

2019 GRAMMY Awards To Air Feb. 10, 2019, From Los Angeles

John Lee Hooker

John Lee Hooker

News

Boom Boom: John Lee Hooker Exhibit To Open At GRAMMY Museum In L.A.

Facebook Twitter Email
Special exhibit continuing the celebration of the bluesman's 100th birthday set to open March 29
Tim McPhate
GRAMMYs
Mar 6, 2018 - 11:59 am

The centennial celebration for John Lee Hooker is getting a special encore. The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live will open John Lee Hooker: King Of The Boogie, a special exhibit dedicated to the legendary GRAMMY-winning blues artist, on March 29.

Presented in conjunction with the John Lee Hooker Estate and Craft Recordings, the exhibit originally opened at GRAMMY Museum Mississippi — Hooker's home state — in 2017, the year of Hooker's centennial.

Situated in the Special Exhibits Gallery on the Museum's second floor through June 2018, the exhibit will feature a collection of memorabilia and artifacts, including the "Boom Boom" singer/songwriter's 1961 Epiphone Zephyr and Gibson ES-335 guitars; Hooker's GRAMMY for Best Traditional Blues Recording GRAMMY for "I'm In The Mood," which he won with Bonnie Raitt at the 32nd GRAMMY Awards; a letter to Hooker from former President Bill Clinton; rare photographs of Hooker with Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Taj Mahal, Roy Rogers, and Carlos Santana; and performance outfits worn by the bluesman.

"We are thrilled to share with our visitors the legendary tale of world-renowned blues great John Lee Hooker," said Scott Goldman, GRAMMY Museum Executive Director. "The King of the Boogie put Mississippi on the map as a blues mecca with a unique guitar style and driving beat that inspired countless artists — from the Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin."

"Required Listening": Listen To The Latest Episode Of The GRAMMY Museum's Podcast

On the night of the exhibit's opening, Diane Hooker-Roan and Zakiya Hooker, daughters of the late bluesman, will appear at the GRAMMY Museum for a special program. The event will feature an intimate conversation with Hooker's daughters, moderated by Goldman, and will conclude with a special performance by Zakiya Hooker.

Tickets to Celebrating John Lee Hooker: King Of The Boogie are $20 and can be purchased at www.grammymuseum.org beginning Thursday, March 8 at noon PST.

Catching Up On Music News Powered By The Recording Academy Just Got Easier. Have A Google Home Device? "Talk To GRAMMYs"