What was Don Kirshner’s Net Worth?
Don Kirshner, an American music producer, died in 2011 with a net worth of $50 million. He managed popular acts such as The Monkees, Kansas, and The Archies in the 1960s and 1970s. Kirshner co-owned Aldon Music in the late 1950s, which contracted with notable songwriters such as Carole King, Neil Diamond, Paul Simon, and Phil Spector. He also owned three record labels, Chairman Records, Calendar, and Kirshner label, that produced hits during the 60s. Kirshner received the 2007 Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Olman Publishing Award and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Kirshner also became an executive producer and creative consultant for the “In Concert” series and later created his own rock concert show. Kirshner died from heart failure before he could enjoy the accolades.
Early Life of Don Kirshner
Don Kirshner was born on April 17, 1934 in New York City, New York. He grew up in a Jewish family in the Bronx borough of the city. His parents were Gilbert Kirshner, a tailor, and Belle Jaffe. Kirshner attended George Washington High School in Manhattan and then studied at Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey.
Don Kirshner: A Career in Music and Television
Don Kirshner began his career in music publishing at Vanderbilt Music, where he helped launch the hit song “Tears on My Pillow.” He later co-owned Aldon Music, which had contracts with prominent songwriters like Carole King and Neil Sedaka. Kirshner also owned three record labels, including Calendar/Kirshner, where Kansas released much of their music.
Kirshner worked in television, providing hit songs for “The Monkees” and later working on “The Archies” and as a music consultant for shows like “Bewitched” and “I Dream of Jeannie.” In the 1970s, he began producing his own shows, including “Musical Chairs” and “Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert,” which featured live performances from top bands and artists. Although his presentation style was sometimes criticized, Kirshner remained active in the industry until his death in 2011.
His contributions to the music industry were recognized with the Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Olman Publishing Award in 2007 and his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
Death of Don Kirshner
Don Kirshner married Sheila Grod in 1959 and they had two children, Ricky and Daryn. In January 2011, he died of heart failure in Boca Raton, Florida.
