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Former Beatles, Stones Manager Allen Klein Dies at 77

A self-professed "shark" who managed the Beatles and the Rolling Stones among others, Allen Klein died Saturday, July 4, in New York City after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Klein was most famous for his vigorous negotiations, unprecedented deals and the bitterness he left behind with some of his clients.

As the founder of ABKCO Records, Klein worked with some of music's biggest names, including Herman's Hermits, Bobby Darin, and legendary soul singer Sam Cooke. But the Newark, NJ native became a music industry titan when he signed the Stones in the mid-'60s, securing them a rich record deal. However, the band became furious with him when he purchased the rights to several of the band's songs from a former manager. Mick Jagger testified against Klein at a 1984 trial over royalties and Keith Richards once described the band's five year relationship with Klein as "the price of an education." In the aftermath, Klein walked away with the rights to many of the band's songs that were written before 1971, including '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' and 'Jumping Jack Flash.'

Despite, or perhaps because of his reputation, Klein signed the Beatles in the late '60s after manager Brian Epstein passed away. Persuading John Lennon to hire him but never Paul McCartney, Klein is often cited as a reason for the breakup of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. As with the Stones, Klein's relationship with the Beatles eventually led to court, with McCartney suing his former bandmates to escape Klein's grip. He went on to co-produce George Harrison's 'Concert for Bangladesh.'

Klein perhaps best summed himself up with an infamous holiday card. Playing off the 23rd Psalm, Klein said, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because I'm the biggest bastard in the valley." He is survived by his wife, Betty, three children, four grandchildren and his longtime girlfriend, Iris Keitel. His funeral will be held Tuesday in New York.

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jimik3567

There you stand with your L.A. tan
And your New York walk and your New York talk
You're mother left you when you were small
But you're gonna wish you wasn't born at all
Steel and Glass, Steel and Glass - John Lennon 1940-1980

July 08 2009 at 3:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
John

you can bet he won't be like he was in front of God. Could you see him walking around with a couple lightning bolts sticking out of his butt?

July 06 2009 at 11:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Willalee324

getesky615-
ever hear of typos??? I'm sure I'm decades older than you and not as proficient on the keyboard--but for your info--I did work for ABKCO, Inc. com--at 1600 Broadway, NYC. NY--met George, Ringo and always had front row seats for the Stones- John and I only had phone contact- but office stories run deep especially from young girls who have first hand knowledge--up front and personal! Doubt it?? Who cares.....

July 06 2009 at 9:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mwriter35

Ummmm....did it ever occur to any of you retarded windowlickers that perhaps he was divorced, or separated, and had a longtime girlfriend?

July 06 2009 at 7:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
milehirye

Macca's doing cart wheels

July 06 2009 at 7:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Hugh

Klein really shouldn't be advertised as the Beatles manager - it lasted five minutes because Paul never accepted him - he saw right through Klein. Try to find pictures of Klein and the Beatles, you night find one - he was never apart of their success, but definitely part of the break-up - McCartney sued the other lads.

July 06 2009 at 7:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
michelle

well i guess he is finding out about now that he is not the biggest bastard in the valley of the shadow of death.

July 06 2009 at 7:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Glenn

If it weren't for this idiot, the Beatles would have been around into the 70's and God knows how much longer, and I'm sure the surviving members of The Rolling Stones didn't care for this jerk either. Too bad he died, but this guy was a bad dude to many in the music industry and who knows who else!

July 06 2009 at 6:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tricia

Allen was my cousin and while his history is riddled with rumor and fiction, and since this community of know it alls will probably disregard my comments about who he was in the family. Everyone should understand that Allen redefined how artists were compensated in the music industry. He secured the highest paying contract per album for the beatles ever in history, and as a consequence every artist recieves a better deal.While the beatles problems came to a head with issues while working with allen the divisiveness was due to personality and artistic differences in addition to disputes over money. Allen was very close to everyone in the beatles except paul, paul wanted his father in law to manage the beatles and the group went with allen. He was a tough businessman who was hated by the industry execs and loved by his clients. The industry treated musicians as hired help and not the true talent they are. Allen stole back much of the control and ownership of the art our musicians create and for this i believe he is a hero. Say what you will about him, but his story will survive in my mind as an inspiration. Allen was an orphan who came from nothing to become one of the toughest and most respected and feared business managers. A true american story and hero, you will live in my mind and heart as an inspiration.
Ian

July 06 2009 at 5:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Poetamelie

Allen Klein WON'T be missed. For all the b.s. that Linda McCartney and Yoko Ono took for "breaking up the Beatles," the real culprit was the dirtbag with the money saavy. Anyone who helps himself to the intellectual property or wealth of his trusting clients is not too many notches above a child molester.

July 06 2009 at 5:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply