Longtime Music Manager Gary Salzman Dies Due to Coronavirus
Gary Salzman, the co-founder of Big Management, has died from complications of COVID-19.
Longtime music manager Gary Salzman has passed away from COVID-19. A statement released by his company, Big Management, announced that Salzman died Tuesday evening (March 31) due to complications from the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
“We here at Big Management join Gary’s family, friends, and loved ones in this great loss,” the statement reads. “For those of you who knew Gary, we ask that you remember and celebrate his smile, hard work ethic, sense of humor, and big heart. We hope that in this tough time you are all able to remember Gary’s passion and love for not only the music industry but for each and every artist he’s worked with throughout his dedicated career.” Read the complete statement below.
Salzman founded Big Management in 1991 with his business partner Joe Koppie. The company focused on management and promotion and worked with many big-name dance acts including David Guetta, Everything But The Girl and Todd Terry.
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Salzman has been mourned online by many clients and friends including Randy Jackson, who tweeted on Wednesday, “Rest in peace to my amazing, long time friend Gary Salzman. COVID-19 took you from us too soon. You were a legend.”
Rest in peace to my amazing, long time friend @salzman_gary #COVID19 took you from us too soon. You were a legend. Love you brotha❤🙏🏾
Y'all please stay inside, wash your hands and be careful!— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) April 1, 2020
Salzman’s Facebook page has also become a tribute site, with hundreds of messages posted since his death. Salzman himself last posted to Facebook on March 27, sharing a song from artist Jennifer Rene.
“You were more than a manager, u were a mentor, a true friend, someone who told it like it is,” Rene tweeted on Wednesday. “U believed in me & pushed me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I am going to miss the heck out of you & your loud GOOD MORNING JENNIFER phone calls.”
I love you @salzman_gary You were more than a manager, u were a mentor, a true friend, someone who told it like it is. U believed in me & pushed me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I am going to miss the heck out of you & your loud GOOD MORNING JENNIFER phone calls 💔
— Jennifer Rene (@JenReneMusic) April 1, 2020
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Good Morning (As Gary would always say),
As we are all facing this difficult time, it is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we send this email today. Our dear friend, Gary Salzman has passed away yesterday evening due to complications battling COVID-19.
We here at Big Management join Gary’s family, friends, and loved ones in this great loss. For those of you who knew Gary, we ask that you remember and celebrate his smile, hard work ethic, sense of humor, and big heart. We hope that in this tough time you are all able to remember Gary’s passion and love for not only the music industry but for each and every artist he’s worked with throughout his dedicated career.
We hope everyone stays healthy and connected with your loved ones. We are all in this together and hope to represent Big Management while continuing Gary’s legacy. Gary has made such an impact on so many people’s lives and it’s hard to imagine a future without his big heart and smile.
We all join together to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Gary’s family, friends, and loved ones.
We will be sure to notify everyone as best as possible regarding future arrangements. Thank you and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
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