Remembering Elliot Roberts
• Elliot Roberts, who managed the careers of Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Tom Petty and many other legendary artists, died Friday morning, June 21 at the age of 76, as reported by Rolling Stone. No immediate cause of death was given. As Variety noted, Roberts had served as Young’s manager since 1967 in what may be the longest-lasting manager/client relationship in rock.
“It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm the passing of Elliot Roberts. No further details are available at this time,” a rep for Young wrote in a statement on behalf of Roberts’ Lookout Management. “Roberts, among the most respected and beloved music industry figures of all time, leaves an indelible footprint as a pioneer and leader in the business of artist representation. His uncanny intellect, unmatched, sharp wit, larger-than-life charisma along with his keen understanding of the music industry will remain unparalleled. Truly one of a kind, he will be missed always and by many.”
Young called Roberts “the greatest manager of all time” in a tribute he penned on Saturday. “Never one to think of himself, he puts everyone else first,” Young wrote. “That’s what he did for me for over fifty years of friendship, love and laughter, managing my life, protecting our art in the business of music. That’s what he did. When it came to our business, Elliot guided me through every move. We talked every day. Often I would call him multiple times in a day, arguing, discussing, planning and sharing. He was there for me and protected my music with a fierceness.”
Along with his former colleague David Geffen, Roberts, who was born Elliot Rabinowitz on February 22, 1943 in The Bronx, NY, was one of the pivotal figures in the rise of the Southern California and Laurel Canyon music scenes of the ’60s and ’70s, landing record deals for Young and Mitchell, co-managed Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, conceived the idea of Petty and the Heartbreakers backing Bob Dylan in the ’80s and helped launch the careers of Tracy Chapman and The Cars, among many others.
Roberts also had a hand in shaping the live entertainment scene on West Hollywood’s famed Sunset Strip: In 1973, along with Geffen, Whisky a Go-Go owner Elmer Valentine and Lou Adler of Ode Records, he opened the Roxy, with Young as its inaugural attraction. Over the weekend, the Roxy posted this farewell on its famed marquee.
Roberts is survived by his sons Jason, Ethan, Matthew and Zackary, and partner Dana Fineman.
