The Rise and Rise of David Geffen [Hardcover]

Stephen Singular (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1997

In this first full-length portrait of David Geffen, the reader will take a remarkable journey through the billionaire's difficult youth, through Asylum Records and Studio 54, and through Geffen Records and Hollywood's power wars. But more than a business story, this book is a personal adventure into the psyche and emotions of one of the most colorful and intriguing executives our nation has produced.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is the latest achievement by Singular, a journalist and notable author in the pop culture and media vein (e.g., Power To Burn: Michael Orvitz and the New Business of Show Business, Carol, 1996). The first major work on Geffen since the mid-1980s, this book is long overdue. Geffen, who is thought to be the wealthiest man in the entertainment industry, began Asylum Records in the late 1960s, started anew with Geffen Records in the 1980s, and became partners with Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg in SKG Dreamworks studios in the 1990s. Despite dropping out of sight periodically, he came back each time to make even more millions, thus the title. He is also a noted philanthropist, donating millions of dollars particularly in support of AIDS organizations. A solid achievement on an imprtant figure, this biography is highly recommended for public libraries.?Regina L. Beach, Mississippi State Univ. Lib, Starkville
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 250 pages
• Publisher: Birch Lane Pr; First Edition edition (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559724307
• ISBN-13: 978-1559724302
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #880,079 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Music Mogals Dramatic Rise to the Top of the Music World, October 3, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Rise and Rise of David Geffen (Hardcover)

Stephen Singular details the meteoric rise of a music moguls rise from a working class Brooklyn family to a major player in the entertainment industry. Personal secrets are shared with the reader including a lost love with Cher and the pain of admitting his sexuality in public. A great read for someone intrested in how the entertainment industry works or just how to claw your way to the top.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Hero Worship from a Distance, August 2, 2000

By 

"justicewriter" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Rise and Rise of David Geffen (Hardcover)

Interesting story about one man's rise from the porch of poverty to the mansions of Beverly Hills. The story is well researched and well reported, but it seems that Geffen is a hero to the author, and there is a positive slant placed on almost all his actions. The actions of his rivals are seen almost always in a negative light.

The choice for references was kind of strange to me, too, including long quotes from "Queer in America."

This shows the work of a hero-worshipping author writing from afar. One who sat down with David Geffen and spent time and effort to interview and understand the man might come up with a much different, and much better, work.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational for future moguls!!!, July 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Rise and Rise of David Geffen (Hardcover)

Rags to riches...David to Mr. Geffen, Sir. This book is a true testament to hard work does have it rewards. David Geffen's rise was phenomenonal but with his work ethic and business savvy it was actually expected. It landmarked Geffen's rivalries and inhibitions and showed how he made the big mergers of the conglomerates in the 90's work for him. A fine road map for future moguls. Slow reading in the beginning but it made up for it in the end. A fine piece.