Eddie Rosenblatt, the longtime Geffen Records president who signed John Lennon and assembled a roster of rock and alternative artists that included Guns N' Roses and Nirvana, died of pneumonia Tuesday at a Santa Barbara hospital surrounded by his family, his son Michael told The Times. He was 89.
The executive, nicknamed “The Boss,” first rose to prominence during his decade-long stint at Warner Bros. Records in the 1970s, where he was mentored by industry giant Mo Ostin. He teamed up with David Geffen to launch Geffen Records in 1980 and was named president of the label, which immediately made waves in the industry.
Just weeks before Lennon's death, Geffen Records released Lennon and Yoko Ono's “Double Fantasy.” The label also signed Elton John and Donna Summer.
During the company's early years, Geffen and Rosenblatt had success with records by Peter Gabriel, Don Henley and Neil Young. They also oversaw the debuts of supergroups Asia and Quarterflash.
As Geffen Records grew, the label built up a strong hard rock portfolio with Guns N' Roses and Whitesnake. The company's DGC subsidiary included bands such as Nirvana, Hole, Weezer, Beck and Sonic Youth.
Rosenblatt remained chairman of Geffen Records after it was sold to MCA for $550 million ten years after its creation. When Geffen left the company that bears his name in 1995, Rosenblatt continued as chairman and also became chairman of the board.
“With Eddie at the helm, I know the company is in good hands,” Geffen told The Times upon leaving the post. “Eddie has been my partner since the day we opened Geffen Records, and I am very proud to pass the baton to him and watch him take over this incredible company we created.”
The company earned $500 million in album sales in 1994.
“If you think of David as the vision behind Geffen Records, then Eddie is the heart,” Ostin told The Times. “That label is not just profitable; it has a vibe and enthusiasm, and Eddie is the glue that has held it together all these years.”
In 1998, Rosenblatt retired after 40 years in the industry.
Born in Queens, New York, Rosenblatt earned his bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College, served in the U.S. Army and completed Macy's management training program before entering the music industry in 1958. He began what would be his decades-long career at Cosnat Distribution and Mainline Distribution in Ohio.
He eventually moved to Los Angeles and joined A&M Records as a sales manager. He later co-founded TA Records with producer and film director Steve Binder, notably releasing Seals and Crofts' debut album.
Rosenblatt is survived by his four children, Michael, Steven, Peter and Gretchen; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Bobbi, his wife of more than 60 years, died last year.
