In Memoriam | Sid Bernstein 1918 – 2013

We’re sad to report that legendary promoter Sid Bernstein died this morning at the age of 95. Bernstein organized The Beatles’ famed Shea Stadium concerts as well as a pair of 1964 Carnegie Hall shows that helped introduce the quartet to America.

Bernstein spokesman Ira Marlowe issued the following statement to The Examiner:

With great sadness, today at around 6AM our friend Sid Bernstein passed away quietly in his sleep. For all the people who had a chance to meet Sid know how warm , friendly and inviting Sid was. His smile was infectious.

For me, Sid was a dearly loved friend and I had the great fortune of being his business manager. I will miss Sid dearly.

Sid is the man who managed The Rascals and brought The Beatles, Rolling Stones into the United States in fact he started the British Invasion, and broke the color barrier for Black and Latino performers and much more.

He presented and or managed a roster of bands and singers that constitute an assemblage of who’s who in jazz, rock and pop music including: Judy Garland, Tony Bennett, James Brown, Ray Charles , John Denver, Joan Baez, Miles Davis, The Rolling Stones, Herman’s Hermits, Moody Blues, The Young Rascals, The Beatles , Eric Burdon and The Animals, Lenny Kravitz , Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Bay City Rollers, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Tito Puente, Fats Domino , the Blues Project , Janis Joplin, The Dave Clark Five , Marvin Gaye, Grand Funk Railroad, Laura Branigan , Sly & the Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix, The Kinks , Jimmy Cliff, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and many others…

Sid was also the booking agent for the 1960’s show Hullabaloo and gave a TV stage for Woody Allen, Gerry & The Pacemakers ,The Zombies, Paul Anka, Lesley Gore, The Cyrkle, Peter & Gordon, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Righteous Brothers, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Everly Brothers, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, The Animals, Marvin Gaye and others.

So with great sadness I say RIP my dear friend. I will always hold you close to my heart.

Ira Marlowe

Bernstein was a fixture at Beatlefan events in his final years and will forever be remembered for his work with The Fab Four.