Charles Koppelman was an American musician, music producer, and businessman. He was born on March 30, 1940 and died on November 25, 2022 at age 82.
Koppelman held executive positions at EMI and Steve Madden, was Chairman of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and was the CEO of CAK Entertainment.
For the past five decades, Koppelman cemented his reputation as one of the most formidable industry executives.
Over the course of his outstanding career in the music business, Koppelman worked with a lot of big personalities, including: Barbra Streisand and the Lovin’ Spoonful to Prince and Vanilla Ice.
Koppelman broke into the music business as a member of the musical group The Ivy Three which had a Top 10 hit in 1960 entitled “Yogi”.
Not long after, Koppelman and bandmate and future business partner Don Rubin joined the songwriting staff of Aldon Music under CEO Don Kirshner.
After Columbia Pictures purchased Aldon Music, Koppelman was promoted to director of Screen Gems/Columbia Music, the new company that resulted from the merger.
In 1975, Koppelman formed The Entertainment Company with Martin Bandier and New York real estate developer and Bandier’s father-in-law, Samuel LeFrak.
Koppelman remained in the music business for quite a few years before becoming the chairman of Steve Madden in 2000, leading the company while its founder served jail time for securities fraud.
In 2005, Koppelman moved on to Marth Stewart Living Omnimedia, where he also served as chairman.
In June 2014, Koppelman was appointed Chairman of Medient Studios Inc., replacing Manu Kumaran.
Koppelman is survived by his wife Gerri Kyhill Koppelman, children: Jennifer Hutt, Stacy Koppelman Fritz, Brian Koppelman and grandchildren: Raquel Hutt and Jacob Hutt.
Koppelman’s funeral arrangements will be held announced in due course.
