Eddie Rosenblatt, Former Geffen Records President, Dies

Eddie Rosenblatt, the longtime president of Geffen Records who signed John Lennon and built an impressive lineup of rock and alternative acts like Guns N’ Roses and Nirvana, passed away from pneumonia on Tuesday at a Santa Barbara hospital, surrounded by his family, according to his son Michael. Rosenblatt was 89.

Known in the industry as “The Chief,” Rosenblatt first gained recognition during his decade-long tenure at Warner Bros. Records in the 1970s. There, he was mentored by industry heavyweight Mo Ostin. In 1980, he partnered with David Geffen to launch Geffen Records and was appointed the label’s president, quickly making a significant impact on the music scene.

Just weeks before John Lennon’s tragic death, Geffen Records released “Double Fantasy,” an album by Lennon and Yoko Ono. The label also signed major artists like Elton John and Donna Summer, establishing its presence early on.

During its formative years, Geffen Records achieved success with albums from artists like Peter Gabriel, Don Henley, and Neil Young. The label also introduced supergroups Asia and Quarterflash. As the company evolved, it developed a robust hard-rock portfolio featuring Guns N’ Roses and Whitesnake. The DGC offshoot of Geffen Records encompassed influential bands such as Nirvana, Hole, Weezer, Beck, and Sonic Youth.

Rosenblatt continued as president of Geffen Records even after its $550 million sale to MCA a decade after its founding. When David Geffen left the company in 1995, Rosenblatt remained as president and also took on the role of chairman.

“With Eddie at the helm, I know the company is in good hands,” Geffen told The Times upon stepping down. “Eddie has been my partner since the day we opened Geffen Records, and I feel a great sense of pride in passing the torch and seeing him lead this amazing company we built together.”

In 1994, the company achieved half a billion dollars in album sales, reflecting its substantial success.

“If you think of David as the vision behind Geffen Records, then Eddie is the heart,” Ostin told The Times. “The label is not only profitable but also exudes hipness and heat, and Eddie is the glue that has kept it together all these years.”

Rosenblatt retired in 1998 after a remarkable 40-year career in the music industry.

Born in Queens, N.Y., Rosenblatt earned his bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College and served in the U.S. Army. He completed Macy’s management training program before transitioning into the music industry in 1958. Rosenblatt began his storied career at Cosnat Distribution and Mainline Distribution in Ohio.

He later moved to Los Angeles and joined A&M Records as a sales director. Eventually, he co-founded TA Records with film producer and director Steve Binder, where they notably released Seals and Crofts’ debut album.

Rosenblatt is survived by his four children, Michael, Steven, Peter, and Gretchen; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. His wife Bobbi, to whom he was married for over 60 years, passed away last year.

Source: The Times