Grossman, Albert B.

Grossman, Albert B. (1926–86) popular music manager, impresario, recording executive; born in Chicago, Ill. Best known for managing Bob Dylan (1962–69), Grossman graduated in economics from Roosevelt College and worked for the Chicago Housing Authority before opening the seminal Gate of Horn folk music club in Chicago in the mid-1950s. Moving to New York City, he codirected the first Newport Folk Festival (1959) and created the group Peter, Paul and Mary. During the 1960s he revolutionized personal management, winning major increases in artists' royalties and control of publishing rights and elevating folk singers into the pop field. He managed Janis Joplin to stardom (1968) and, after her death (1970), moved to Bearsville, N.Y., where he established Bearsville Studio and Records and opened two restaurants. The most influential and respected manager of his day, his stable included The Band, Paul Butterfield, the Electric Flag, Gordon Lightfoot, and Richie Havens.