Music Industry Strategist Behind George Michael and David Bowie Dies at 79
Los Angeles, Thursday, 1 January 2026.
The lawyer-turned-manager who orchestrated George Michael’s Faith era and represented David Bowie passed away Dec 29, leaving a legacy of championing undervalued songwriters and producers.
A Strategic Evolution in Artist Management
Michael Lippman, a pivotal figure who bridged the gap between legal counsel and artist management, died at his home in Santa Ynez, California, on December 29, 2025 [2][5]. He was 79 [1]. Lippman’s career was defined by a unique ability to navigate the complex legalities of the music business while nurturing the creative visions of global superstars. Recognizing a gap in the market where record producers and songwriters were underserved, Lippman transitioned from a traditional legal background to become a formidable manager [1]. His death marks the end of a career that influenced the trajectories of industry titans ranging from David Bowie to George Michael [5].
From Legal Counsel to Industry Titan
Lippman’s entry into the entertainment sector began with a legal foundation, working for the firm Cooper, Epstein, and Hurewitz and later for Marvin Mitchelson [2][5]. His strategic acumen became evident early on when he served as both attorney and manager for David Bowie from 1971 to 1975, a period that saw the release of the film The Man Who Fell to Earth and the chart-topping single “Fame” [2][5]. Following his tenure with Bowie, Lippman moved into the corporate side of the industry, serving as Vice President of West Coast Operations for Arista Records under the tutelage of Clive Davis [1][2]. Reflecting on this era, Lippman noted that while Davis was the boss, he viewed his own role as mastering the art of networking, stating, “I did it very well” [1].
Redefining Representation for Creators
Lippman’s most significant analytical contribution to the industry was his realization that creators behind the scenes were often undervalued. He observed that record producers and songwriters were treated as “low men on the totem pole,” represented by lawyers but lacking dedicated management to ensure their deals were executed properly and their records prioritized [1]. This insight led him to establish a company dedicated to these artists, resulting in a 37-year partnership with Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s longtime writing collaborator, and the management of producer Ron Nevison starting in 1980 [1]. This pivot allowed him to apply high-level management strategy to the creative engines of the music industry.
A Family Legacy
Lippman’s business eventually evolved into a family enterprise. In 2004, he formed an official partnership, Lippman Entertainment, with his son Nick [1]. Lippman described himself as the “luckiest guy in the world” to work alongside his children, acknowledging that while his touring schedule had kept him away during their childhoods, the professional partnership allowed them to build a bond of “love, trust and mutual respect” [1][2]. Rob Thomas, whose career Lippman guided for 30 years, paid tribute to this familial bond on Instagram, describing Lippman as “an ACTUAL rock star” and stating he was “as much of a father to me as he was a manager” [3]. Lippman is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy, and his sons Nick and Josh [1][5].