David Geffen

Early Life and Background

David Lawrence Geffen was born on February 21, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, to Abraham Geffen and Batya Volovskaya, Jewish immigrants from the British Mandate of Palestine (now Israel). His mother, Batya, owned a corset shop in Borough Park, Brooklyn, named Chic Corsets by Geffen, and his father was a relatively quiet man. Geffen grew up in a modest household, and his early life was characterized by a strong work ethic instilled by his parents. He attended Brooklyn's New Utrecht High School, graduating in 1960. His early experiences exposed him to the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City, particularly the burgeoning music scene, which would later become the focus of his illustrious career. Geffen's academic performance was generally poor, and he struggled through various college attempts, enrolling and dropping out of the University of Texas at Austin, Brooklyn College, and Santa Monica City College.

Education

David Geffen's formal education was notably brief and unconventional for someone who would achieve such immense success. After graduating from New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn in 1960, he made several attempts at higher education but never completed a degree. He briefly attended the University of Texas at Austin before dropping out. He then enrolled at Brooklyn College, an institution within the City University of New York system, but also withdrew without earning a diploma. His final attempt at collegiate studies was at Santa Monica City College in California, which he also left prematurely. Geffen often recounts a pivotal moment in his early career when, after being rejected from the William Morris Agency's mailroom for lacking a college degree, he forged a letter from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) stating he was a graduate, enabling him to secure the position. This early display of resourcefulness and determination proved to be a hallmark of his approach to business throughout his life.

Career

David Geffen's career began in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency in New York City in 1964. His ambition and keen eye for talent quickly propelled him from the mailroom to becoming a talent agent. By 1968, he had left William Morris to become a personal manager for musicians, most notably Laura Nyro and Crosby, Stills & Nash. In 1971, alongside Elliot Roberts, Geffen co-founded Asylum Records, which quickly became a haven for singer-songwriters, signing iconic artists such as Jackson Browne, Eagles, Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, and Tom Waits. The label was distributed by Atlantic Records and later merged with Elektra Records to form Elektra/Asylum Records in 1972, with Geffen serving as president. He sold his share of Asylum to Warner Communications for $7 million in 1972.

After a brief retirement due to a misdiagnosis of cancer in 1975, Geffen founded Geffen Records in 1980. This new label rapidly became one of the most successful record companies of the decade, attracting rock legends and emerging stars alike. Its roster included John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Elton John, Peter Gabriel, Cher, Don Henley, and Guns N' Roses. Geffen Records was also instrumental in the grunge movement, signing Nirvana, Sonic Youth, and Hole. In 1990, Geffen sold Geffen Records to MCA for $550 million in stock, a deal that made him one of the wealthiest individuals in the entertainment industry. Following the sale, he remained chairman of Geffen Records until 1995.

Beyond music, Geffen ventured into film production, establishing The Geffen Film Company in 1980. This company produced a number of successful films, including 'Risky Business' (1983), 'Little Shop of Horrors' (1986), and 'Beetlejuice' (1988), as well as the Broadway production of 'Dreamgirls'.

His most significant venture came in 1994 when he co-founded DreamWorks SKG with Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg. DreamWorks was an ambitious, vertically integrated entertainment company spanning film, television, and interactive media. Under DreamWorks, Geffen played a crucial role in producing critically acclaimed and commercially successful films such as 'American Beauty,' 'Gladiator,' 'Saving Private Ryan,' and animated hits like 'Shrek.' The company was eventually sold to Paramount Pictures in 2005 for approximately $1.6 billion, further solidifying Geffen's financial standing and legacy.

Major Achievements

David Geffen's career is punctuated by numerous groundbreaking achievements. He is credited with launching the careers of countless musicians through Asylum Records, including the Eagles, whose 'Hotel California' remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. His foresight in signing John Lennon for his final album, 'Double Fantasy,' which was released just weeks before Lennon's assassination, was a major coup for Geffen Records. The label also achieved massive success with Guns N' Roses' 'Appetite for Destruction' and Nirvana's 'Nevermind,' both multi-platinum, genre-defining albums. His strategic sales of Asylum Records and Geffen Records for substantial sums demonstrated his astute business acumen. Co-founding DreamWorks SKG with two other industry titans established a new major Hollywood studio and produced an array of iconic films and animated features. Geffen's philanthropic efforts have also been significant, donating hundreds of millions of dollars to various causes, including the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Personal Life

David Geffen is openly gay, having publicly come out in 1992. He has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has contributed significantly to organizations supporting the community. He was the Grand Marshal of the Los Angeles Gay Pride Parade in 1992. Geffen has never married and has no children. He is a renowned art collector, possessing an extensive and valuable collection of contemporary art, including works by Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko. His personal residence, particularly his Malibu estate, is frequently cited for its architectural significance and value. Geffen has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his public profile, though his relationships with various celebrities and political figures have occasionally garnered media attention. He is known for his close friendships with influential figures across entertainment and politics.

Legacy

David Geffen's legacy is that of a transformative figure in the entertainment industry. He built two highly successful record labels from the ground up, identifying and nurturing some of the most enduring musical talents of the 20th century. His co-founding of DreamWorks SKG demonstrated his ability to adapt and conquer new frontiers in film and animation. Geffen is celebrated for his independent spirit, his fierce negotiation skills, and his unwavering belief in artistic integrity. His business model, often characterized by giving artists unprecedented creative control, revolutionized the music industry. Beyond his business ventures, Geffen has become one of the most significant philanthropists in the United States, with his donations impacting education, medical research, and the arts. The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, the David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, and the Geffen Playhouse are enduring testaments to his commitment to giving back. His life story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and artists, demonstrating that a lack of formal education can be overcome by drive, intuition, and an unparalleled ability to connect with talent and opportunity.