Michael Lippman, Manager and Lawyer for George Michael, David Bowie, Rob Thomas and Other Music Stars, Dies at 79

Michael Lippman, a pivotal figure in the music industry as a manager, attorney, and label executive for stars like David Bowie and George Michael, passed away on Monday. He was 79. No cause of death was provided by his family. Lippman first gained significant industry standing during his tenure as Bowie's attorney and manager from 1971 to 1975. A testament to their close working relationship, the iconic artist even lived in Lippman's home while crafting the seminal "Station to Station" album before their partnership ended.

Following his time with Bowie, Lippman moved into the record business, taking a role at Arista Records in the late 1970s as Vice President of West Coast Operations. His connection to Arista's famed founder, Clive Davis—a man known for discovering talents like Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys—was forged during negotiations to sign the influential artist Patti Smith. Lippman often expressed admiration for Davis's work ethic, once joking that while he thought his own job was to expertly take people to meals, Davis showed him the power of relentless dedication. At Arista, Lippman was a staunch advocate for singer Melissa Manchester; in 1980, he successfully persuaded the Academy Awards to let her perform both of her Oscar-nominated songs, "Through the Eyes of Love" and "I'll Never Say Goodbye," permanently altering the ceremony's performance rules.

Lippman was a visionary in recognizing the artistic and commercial value of behind-the-scenes creators. He pioneered the professional management of producers and songwriters, arguing they were too often undervalued. "I realized they're artists in their own right," he explained in a 2010 interview, highlighting a then-novel perspective. He began this practice by managing top producer Ron Nevison in 1980 and soon after took on Bernie Taupin, Elton John's legendary lyricist, for a remarkable 37-year partnership. This comprehensive approach to an artist's ecosystem anticipated the industry's later shift toward 360-degree deals. Furthermore, Lippman broke convention by cultivating direct relationships with international media outlets, a strategic move that bypassed traditional label-controlled channels and gave his clients a global edge.

In 2004, he formalized a business partnership with his son Nick by founding Lippman Entertainment. He frequently cited this collaboration as his most fulfilling achievement, telling Billboard in 2016 that his son was his best friend. According to industry historian Dr. Evelyn Reed, "Lippman's career arc—from legal counsel to label executive to holistic manager—demonstrates a rare adaptability. His early advocacy for songwriter rights, in particular, helped pave the way for the more equitable royalty structures we see today, influencing modern publishing deals."

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and sons Nick and Josh. In statements to Rolling Stone, his sons honored his legacy. Nick Lippman reflected on their profound personal and professional bond, shaped by "love, trust and mutual respect." Josh Lippman remembered his father as a relentless advocate whose unique blend of determination and warmth made him the ideal ally in any circumstance, a sentiment echoing the deep personal connections Lippman fostered throughout his storied career.