LOS ANGELES — Howard Kaufman, head of artist management firm H.K. Management, which represents Aerosmith, Jimmy Buffett, Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Nicks, Def Leppard, Jeff Lynne’s ELO and Chicago, died Jan. 19. He was 79.
“Howard was a giant among men. He never sought the spotlight, but was the best in the business,” said longtime business partner Irving Azoff, in a statement. The two ran Front Line Management in the 1970s and 1980s, representing the Eagles, Steely Dan and Jimmy Buffett, among others. After disbanding in the early 1980s, the company reformed in 2005 before it was purchased by Ticketmaster, who named Azoff CEO, in 2008.
“We worked together for more than 45 years,” Azoff continued. “He was a great influence on me and taught me a lot. Despite his major health issues, he always wanted to work till the end and I’m glad he got his wish. It’s a tragic loss for our industry. He will be missed by me as well as scores of others he touched.”
