4 replies to this topic

[SolomanDHBlues]

Michael Klenfner, helped turn Blues Brothers into recording artists, dies at age 62 in NYC
By Associated Press
7:58 PM CDT, July 15, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) — A former Atlantic Records music executive who helped transform the Blues Brothers from a "Saturday Night Live" skit into Grammy Award-nominated recording artists has died in New York City.

Michael Klenfner (KLEHF'-ner) was 62.

Daughter Kate Klenfner says he died Tuesday from complications of congestive heart failure. She describes him as "the famous man in the music business no one had ever heard of."

In the 1970s, Klenfner helped comedians Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi take their "SNL" act about an American blues and soul revivalist band to the top of the charts. The Blues Brothers' songs include "Rubber Biscuit" and "Soul Man."
Klenfner later helped steer Cher's comeback with her 1998 hit "Believe."

He promoted hundreds of other musicians in a career spanning more than 30 years.

[The Soul Man]

Bye, Michael! :-(

[Steam McQueen]

Glad to see this as the top news story here at Blues Brothers Central. Sad to hear about Michael passing at 62 ... too young.

RIP Michael Klenfner.

"Bullsh*t? I don't bullsh*t."

[Cropper Classic]

Too bad...

[gradink]

what a shame! i wrote him a letter about a year or so ago and he signed some photos for me from the movie. he was definetely a memorable character. sorry to see you go.