Artist manager Michael Lippman, who helped shape the careers of Matchbox Twenty and Rob Thomas, George Michael and Elton John’s songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, died at his home on Monday. ROLLING STONE confirms this. He was 79 years old.
Family voices
Family members gathered at Lippman’s longtime home in Santa Ynez, California, on Dec. 29. These include his wife Nancy, to whom he was married for 57 years, and his two sons Nick and Josh. A cause of death was not announced.
“Dad was a tireless advocate for his clients, his friends and his family,” said Josh Lippman. “He was the person you wanted to have at your side in every situation. He effortlessly changed from bulldog type to charming entertainer. Often several times in one conversation. He never knew a challenge that he couldn’t solve.”
Nick Lippman added: “Michael was my mentor and greatest teacher. For more than twenty years we traveled the world together. And developed a bond that only grew deeper over time. We spoke to each other daily. Often finishing each other’s sentences. Our relationship was shaped by working together. And by love, trust and mutual respect.”
Career highlights and clients
As one of the music industry’s defining figures, Lippman’s career has included representing David Bowie in the ’70s during the “Ziggy Stardust” era, Melissa Manchester in the ’80s, George Michael from his start as a solo artist after Wham! until his death in 2016 as well as Matchbox Twenty and frontman Rob Thomas throughout his entire career.
Lippman began his career in the office of legendary attorney Marvin Mitchelson. Which later landed him a position in Columbia Pictures’ soundtrack department. He then headed Arista Records’ West Coast operations in the mid-1970s. And worked there under his mentor Clive Davis.
Collaboration with David Bowie
This was also the beginning of his close collaboration with David Bowie. Both worked on the science fiction film The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) and shared several milestones, including Bowie’s appearance on Soul Train and the number one single “Fame” in 1975.
The two remained friends. Lippman later described Bowie as “incredibly inspiring to talk to. He taught me a lot about fashion, art and photography. All I wanted was to learn from him and help him.”
More milestones
Lippman also played a crucial role in Melissa Manchester’s historic performance at the 1980 Oscars, when she was nominated twice for Best Original Song: “Through the Eyes of Love” from Ice Castles and “I’ll Never Say Goodbye” from The Promise. At Lippman’s urging, the Academy Awards producers allowed Manchester to perform both songs live.
The next two decades were Lippman’s busiest time as a manager, as George Michael took center stage. After “falling in love” with Michael’s 1987 breakthrough album “Faith,” Lippman was determined to “make him the biggest star in the world,” as he said in 2016. “And that’s exactly how it happened.” George Michael died on Christmas Day that year.
Work behind the scenes
Even when Michael wasn’t on tour or releasing new music, Lippman had his hands full – for example with licensing requests. Later that year, “Father Figure” found its way onto Taylor Swift’s Life of a Showgirl project, a testament to the continued demand for Michael’s music.
As his company grew, Lippman also began representing producers and songwriters, including Elton John’s longtime writing partner Bernie Taupin, who lived at a neighboring property in Santa Ynez. An innovator in the negotiation of entertainment contracts, Lippman gave Matchbox Twenty decades of success at Atlantic Records. The band and Rob Thomas scored several number one hits, including “Smooth,” the millennial hit that paired Thomas – with Lippman’s help – with Carlos Santana.
Reputation and legacy
The music industry was a family business for Lippman. His younger brother Terry, now deceased, worked alongside him for many years.
As his career progressed, Lippman developed a reputation for being intimidating – not least because of his powerful 1.85 meter stature. He consciously cultivated this impression. In 2016, he told Billboard: “You’re fighting against ten other managers. I want more time, attention and money for my artists than the nine others. So I created a persona that was respected and a little feared.”
Family and private life
For the past two decades, Lippman and his son Nick ran management mandates and other businesses together under the name Lippman Entertainment. Also in 2016, Lippman said, “I think I’m the luckiest person in the world to have been able to work in the same business as my two sons and my brother.” At the same time, he admitted: “I wasn’t always the best father because I was always on the go.”
Lippman saw Clive Davis as a role model. “I have never seen anyone work so hard and for so long every day,” he said. “He was in the office until nine or ten o’clock and then went out to eat. That inspired me to show this commitment myself.”
Farewell
Outside of work, Lippman knew how to enjoy life. Together with his wife Nancy, he hosted legendary parties attended by guests such as Harry Nilsson, Ringo Starr, Quincy Jones, Dick Clark, Little Richard, George Harrison and Tom Petty.
An avid horse lover, Lippman’s ranch in Santa Barbara County was home to several award-winning breeding lines. He rode as often as possible. He is survived by his wife Nancy, sons Josh and Nick, daughter-in-law Lauren, granddaughters Olivia and Jordan, and grandchildren Zachary and Tucker.