Condolences: Jeff Backer

• We keep losing legends… the latest, we are sad to report, is Jeff Backer, longtime VP of Promotion at Arista Records, who passed away on Monday, Oct. 30. He would have turned 77 this month.

Former Arista executive Richard Palmese remarked, “Jeff Backer was an all-around great guy, surrounded by a loving family and friends. His charisma, smile and good heart opened many doors of opportunity for the young Arista label. Jeff, a former used car salesman, came onboard in 1977… and remained at Arista until retiring to Florida in early 2000.” Palmese added, “The shock of losing him has hit us hard. We will miss him every day. Arista was our home, and Jeffrey, our brother.”

Backer’s longtime Arista colleague Rick Bisceglia commented, “Jeff was my greatest friend, with a strong bond we shared for 40 years. His loving heart, intuition and genuine kindness was like no other. In business he was the greatest closer I ever witnessed, but his No. 1 priority was always family — his wife, Susan, his children Scott, Jenna and Julie, and his grandchildren! We will miss you, Jeffrey. Thank you for being the greatest. Rest in peace.”

RAMP also spoke with Backer’s son Scott Backer, who said of his father, “The moment he slid that satin Arista jacket on me and took me to see and meet The Kinks at MSG in 1981, I knew I wanted to be just like my dad. When I finally got into the business, I quickly realized the impact he had on so many others over the course of his career. The projects he was involved in are endless. I’m constantly telling my daughter, ‘Papa worked this record.’ Mind boggling.” Scott added, “He was my mentor, my hero and my pal. He was an incredibly caring father and ‘papa’ to his grandchildren, and I will miss him immensely.”

Jeff Backer is survived by his wife, Susan, son Scott, daughters Jenna and Julie, and three grandchildren, Charlotte, Ava and Dylan. Your messages of condolence can be sent to Scott Backer at scott.backer3@gmail.com.