Karl Koppelmanwhose vision in publishing and talent development has made him one of the top executives in the record industry has died at the age of 82.
No reason was given by his son Brian, showrunner of billion, and daughter Jenny Koppelman Hutt. “He spent his final days surrounded by those he loved most,” his son wrote on social media.
Koppelman recognized the potential of music publishing early in his career.
He began his career as a singer and songwriter and was part of Aldon Music’s legendary team under CEO Don Kirshner, which included Carole King, Neil Sedaka, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.
In the 1970s he joined CBS Records and rose to VP/GM of worldwide publishing. Realizing the potential of owning songwriting rights, he started his own company with CBS executive Martin Bandier and Bandier’s father-in-law, NY real estate kingpin Samuel LeFrak. The company managed song catalogs for Barbra Streisnd, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross and Cher, among others.
In 1986, Koppelman, Bandier, and Stephen C. Swid formed SBK Entertainment World, Inc. to purchase CBS Songs’ 250,000 titles for $125 million, the highest price ever paid for a music publishing portfolio at the time.
This deal made SBK the largest independent music publisher in the world with a roster that included Michael Bolton and New Kids on the Block, among others.
They sold SBK to EMI Music in 1989 for $300 million. This deal enabled the formation of SBK Records, where Koppelman served as chairman and CEO. The label was an instant hit, with Technotronic’s “Pump Up The Jam” becoming his first platinum seller, followed by major albums by Wilson Phillips and Vanilla Ice.
In 1991, Koppelman and Bandier sold their stake in SBK Records to EMI Music. But Koppelman became chairman and CEO of the newly consolidated EMI Records Group North America. Koppelman was CEO until 1997.
From 2000 to 2004 Koppelman was chairman of Steve Madden, Ltd., ran this company while Madden was serving time in prison for securities fraud. He then became chairman of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. In 2011 he moved on and joined various entertainment industry boards.
No memorial plans have been announced.