Don Kirshner, who discovered up-and-coming songwriters such as [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Carole King[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Neil Sedaka[/lastfm], Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, and helped launch the careers of [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Bobby Darin[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Neil Diamond[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Tony Orlando [/lastfm]and [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Kansas[/lastfm], died earlier this week in Boca Raton, Florida of heart failure. He was 76.
The Bronx, New York native first made a name in music publishing. Later, he used his contacts to create original material for [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Monkees[/lastfm]. But after a falling out, he created the group that could never fire him in The Archies, adding a musical component to the successful TV cartoon series.
Kirshner finally became a familiar face in the mid-1970s, as the host and producer of the weekly Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert TV series.
CBS Late Show bandleader and longtime New York session musician Paul Shaffer called Kirshner “the Da Vinci of what we now call Brill Building Rock, Kirshner fostered a creative, competitive atmosphere that drew the best out of his wonderful stable of songwriters. He brought live music to network television and even gave some early exposure to my boss David Letterman. He was the first with the idea of a rock-and-roll awards show (Don Kirshner’s Rock Awards). His contributions are lasting… Don loved the impression that I did of him (on Saturday Night Live) because he knew it came out of the love and respect I had for him.”
Former Monkee and CBS-FM morning host Micky Dolenz tells us, “I remember Donnie as one of the ‘suits’ that originally came out the to West Coast from New York and would appear at some of the studio sessions. At first, I really didn’t know what he did. It wasn’t until years later that I realized what a profound influence he had had on the the choice of material that The Monkees produced. And for that, I am eternally grateful.”
Kansas said it owes its 38 year career to Kirshner, who signed them to his label in 1973. The band’s statement begins, “We were six bumpkins from Topeka that wore jeans, t-shirts, overalls, and cowboy boots. Our music was complicated with all kinds of time signature changes. But Don saw and heard something in us that no one else realized. And we as a band, are very grateful that he did.
Neil Sedaka recalled how Kirshner discovered him at age 18. “I walked into his office at 1650 Broadway, played a few songs for him, and he signed me to Aldon Music becoming my first publisher and manager. It was Don’s introduction to Connie Francis, who would [soon] record ‘Stupid Cupid’ [that would] propel my songwriting career… He was a great friend, a pioneer, and a father figure for many of us.
Songwriters Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil tell us, “There’ll never be another publisher like Don. He was the best, gave us our start and we owe our careers to him. We feel terribly sad that he’s gone. An era has come to an end.”
Ron Dante, the voice of The Archies‘ “Sugar Sugar,” adds, “I am in shock about the passing of my lifelong friend and mentor Don Kirshner. Can’t really put the words together that I’d like to.”
Tony Orlando, one of many Kirshner protegees, summed it up, “My dreams came true and he was my genie.” He also remembered Kirshner’s kindness, paying the hospital bill for Tony’s mother — in a time when few companies offered health insurance, and being told, “You’ll earn it back for me, you’ll be a star. I promise.” Orlando is disappointed that Kirshner was ignored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
