Bob Lefsetz

Bob Lefsetz
Bob Lefsetz at Canadian Music Week in Toronto, 2009
Born
Robert Scott Lefsetz

(1953-04-22) April 22, 1953 (age 71)
Fairfield, Connecticut, U.S.
EducationMiddlebury College
Southwestern Law School (JD)
Occupation(s)Music industry analyst and critic

Robert Scott "Bob" Lefsetz (born April 22, 1953) is an American analyst and critic. He is the author of The Lefsetz Letter, an email newsletter, and a blog.

Background

Lefsetz grew up in Fairfield, Connecticut and is a graduate of Middlebury College; he majored in art history. He moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s. After earning a J.D. degree from Southwestern Law School, he worked as an entertainment business attorney and briefly as head of Sanctuary Music's American division. He has worked as a consultant to major record labels.[1] and based in Santa Monica, California.

The Lefsetz Letter

The newsletter has tens of thousands of subscribers.[2][3] From April 2013 through December 2015, Lefsetz wrote a weekly column for Variety's weekly print edition and its website.[4]

Controversy

In 2007, Lefsetz and Kid Rock engaged in an email feud but have since reconciled.[5][6][7] In 2009, Lefsetz and Kiss bassist Gene Simmons exchanged insults via e-mail and in person at the Canadian Music Week conference; they had a debate at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto.[8][9]

In 2010, American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift released a song titled "Mean" which is rumored to be about Lefsetz and his critical review about her performance at the 52nd Grammy Awards with rock and roll legend Stevie Nicks.[10]

References

  1. ^ "CelebrityAccess Industry Profiles". Celebrityaccess.com. Archived from the original on 2013-12-19. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
  2. ^ Halperin, Shirley (2012-02-08). "Music Industry Watchdog Bob Lefsetz on the Future of the Biz and 5 Mistakes New Acts Should Avoid". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
  3. ^ DuLac, Josh Freedom (March 27, 2008). "Rage Against The Machine". The Washington Post
  4. ^ "Variety, Bob Lefsetz form alliance". Variety. 2013-04-02. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
  5. ^ Raftery, Brian (March 2012). "Who The Hell Is Bob Lefsetz?". Wired. Retrieved 2013-05-06.
  6. ^ "Kafka, Peter (November 9, 2007)". Alleyinsider.com. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
  7. ^ Maura. "Maura (November 9, 2007)". Idolator.com. Archived from the original on 2009-03-17. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
  8. ^ Thompson, Robert (March 13, 2009). "Simmons, Lefsetz To Debate At Canadian Music Week". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on April 5, 2017. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  9. ^ "Video of Lefsetz in-discussion with Gene Simmons at Canadian Music Week, March 2009". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
  10. ^ Yahr, Emily (November 2, 2017). "If you think Taylor Swift sings only about her exes, then you don't get Taylor Swift". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 7, 2024.