Don Kirshner

Full biography Don Kirshner

Don Kirshner, also known as Donald Kirshner, was an American music impresario, talent manager, and songwriter born on April 17, 1934, in the Bronx, New York City. He is best known for his contributions to the music industry, including discovering and launching the careers of many successful musicians and bands, such as the Monkees. Kirshner's influence in the industry was primarily as a publisher, songwriter, and music producer.

Kirshner started his career as a songwriter in the mid-1950s, writing songs such as "Go to School" and "Warm Up to Me Baby." He later joined Al Nevins to form Aldon Music , a publishing company that became the hub of music production and songwriting talent in the Brill Building during the 1960s. Aldon Music is known for producing hits such as "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" by the Shirelles, "Up on the Roof" by the Drifters, and "The Loco-Motion" by Little Eva, among others.

Kirshner eventually became an important figure in the television industry, producing popular music-oriented shows such as "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" and "The Monkees." The latter was a made-for-TV band that Kirshner created and managed, and they became an overnight sensation in the late 1960s, with hits such as "I'm A Believer" and "Last Train to Clarksville."

Kirshner continued his music industry contributions throughout his career, serving as a consultant, producer, and talent manager for various artists. He died on January 17, 2011, in Boca Raton, Florida. Don Kirshner will always be remembered as a music industry titan, who helped shape the sound of popular music in the 1960s and beyond.