Nassau's Charles Koppelman, Music Industry 'Starmaker,' Dies At Age 82

ROSLYN HARBOR, NY — A Roslyn Harbor entertainment executive described as the King Midas of the music industry died last week at age 82, the New York Times reported. Charles Koppelman was known as a hit and star-maker during his time in the music industry.

Carnie Wilson of Wilson Phillips once said "everything he touches turns to gold," and Koppelman touched an extensive list of stars, companies and musical acts in his long career. He discovered Tracy Chapman singing at a coffeehouse while visiting his son Brian at Tufts University, signed her, launching her award-winning career. He produced Vanilla Ice's number one hit "Ice Ice Baby," and signed acts like the Lovin' Spoonful.

The Queens naive worked for a time as Michael Jackson's financial advisor. In his later career he headed companies like Steve Madden Ltd. and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

As a student at Adelphi University, he formed The Ive Three which had the 1960 hit "Yogi."

Koppelman is survived by his wife, Gerri Kyhill Koppelman; two daughters, Jennifer Koppelman Hutt and Stacy Koppelman Fritz and his son Brian Koppelman. Brian Koppelman is co-creator of the Showtime series "Billions."

He remembered his father by posting on social media:

“He lived exactly the life he wanted to live. And he spent his last days surrounded by those he loved the most.”