Don Kirshner

1
  • Year:
    2012
  • Inducted by:
    Carole King
  • Category:
    Ahmet Ertegun Award
Don Kirshner

Introduction

The commercial genius who laid the foundation of American pop music.

From putting together dynamic songwriting teams to bringing bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd to the mainstream on his television show, Don Kirshner was the ultimate star-maker.

Hall of Fame Essay

2012

Robert K. Oermann

Few people have stamped the music of their era as indelibly as impresario Don Kirshner.

As a music publisher, he discovered some of the greatest rock & roll songwriters in history. The creator of Don Kirshner s Rock Concert, he gave national television exposure to a generation of rock greats. He was one of the first independent record producers.

And long before “cross marketing” and “multiple platforms” were buzzwords, this visionary understood the value of coordinating management, publishing, and production, as well as promoting music via film and television.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Program Cover 2012
1 of 3