published on in blog

Brett Radin, Music Manager Who Worked With Dave Matthews, Tracy Chapman, American Idol W

Brett Radin, a longtime music manager who recently joined Knitting Factory’s in-house management division, died at his home on Friday, a rep for the company confirms to Variety. Caused of death has not yet been confirmed; he was 53.

Over his career, the Los Angeles-based Radin had worked closely with Dave Matthews, Tracy Chapman, “American Idol” winners Lee DeWyze and Phillip Phillips, the Weepies, Vanessa Carlton and Les Claypool. In January, he took a full-time position at Knitting Factory, bringing with him his Zero Management clients DeWyze, Dave Eggar, D’Arcy and Cut the Kids in Half.

Knitting Factory Management President Brian Long said in a statement, “We are extremely saddened to learn the news of Brett’s passing. He brought a lightning bolt of positive energy. He was passionate for his artists, deeply knowledgeable about the workings of the music industry, and intuitive. He will be missed.”

Related Stories

An Emmy statue with arrows going through it VIP+

‘Hacks’ Post-Emmys Boost Highlights Max’s HBO Problem

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 11: Jennifer Lawrence attends the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards New York on May 11, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for GLAAD)

Jennifer Lawrence Endorses Kamala Harris in Order to 'Protect Reproductive Rights': Don't 'Let Somebody Into the White House Who's Going to Ban Abortion'

Knitting Factory Entertainment CEO Morgan Margolis added, “Brett was a friend first, his passing deeply saddens us all beyond words. A true positive and compassionate spirit on all fronts. Sending love to his family and friends everywhere.”

Popular on Variety

Radin’s connection to “American Idol” dates back to his time at 19 Entertainment, where he served as an artist manager from 2012 to 2014, and also represented alum James Durbin, who competed in 2011 (DeWyze won the contest in 2010; Phillips in 2012). Prior to 19, he launched Ghost Management in 1996, where the roster included Chapman, Matthews, Claypool and Carlton as well as Liz Phair, Grandaddy, Joan Osborne, Minnie Driver and Spacehog. At Ghost, he served in various roles including day-to-day management and tour production.

Knitting Factory began as a downtown New York City venue in 1987 and expanded to additional locations in the decades that followed, launching a record label in 1998. Today, it operates live entertainment spaces in New York, Boise, Idaho, Spokane, Wash. and North Hollywood, Calif. and is a partner in such music events as California’s Desert Days and Nebraska’s Maha Festival.

Radin is survived by his mother, Barbara; stepfather, Gerry; sisters, Robin and Toby; and four nephews, Jackson, Jonah, Emery and Theo.

Read More About:

Jump to Comments

More from Variety

Most Popular

Must Read

Sign Up for Variety Newsletters

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Variety Confidential

A Variety and iHeartRadio Podcast

ncG1vNJzZmiukae2psDYZ5qopV9nfXN%2FjqasrKGTZLyjtdOumKuhlah6sbHOqaOeZZ6axLR7waucraxdp66ltc1mpJqmkZyys3nDopysZZSWw6Z5zJqrraCVrMButcOoo2ajnp7BtbXNoGSfmZOpvLPFjGppbG1laINyfJZo