Brian Avnet, Beloved Manager Behind Josh Groban, The Manhattan Transfer & More, Dies at 82
Brian Avnet, the widely respected music executive and longtime artist manager whose influence shaped the careers of some of the most celebrated vocalists of the past half-century, has died. He was 82.
Avnet passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home on May 14 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease, according to a statement released by his publicist.
Though often behind the scenes, Avnet was a powerful presence in the music industry — a man who combined old-school integrity with a visionary’s instinct for talent. Over the decades, he guided the careers of a wide range of artists, from pop balladeers and jazz ensembles to Broadway stars and R&B icons. His roster included everyone from Josh Groban and The Manhattan Transfer to Johnny Mandel, Cyndi Lauper, Herb Alpert and Lani Hall, Jean-Luc Ponty, and even Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
From Baltimore Roots to Broadway Beginnings
Born in Baltimore on July 16, 1942, Brian Avnet grew up in a socially conscious household. His father, Duke Avnet, practiced law for over five decades and was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for defending actor and civil rights activist Paul Robeson. His mother, Beatrice, was a social worker — a background that likely helped shape Avnet’s own deep sense of loyalty, fairness, and compassion.
By 15, Avnet had already entered the live music business, landing a job at the newly opened Painters Mill Music Fair in Owings Mills, Maryland. He would later become the venue’s youngest-ever manager. From there, he began working alongside legendary promoter Lee Guber at the Westbury Music Fair on Long Island, learning the ropes of the industry.
After graduating from Gettysburg College and interning with the Princeton Theological Department, Avnet explored stage production, working in summer stock and even sharing a New York apartment with then-unknown actors Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight. He went on to produce A Streetcar Named Desire — starring Voight — at the Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo.
A Career of Iconic Collaborations
Avnet’s journey took him to Los Angeles in the 1970s, where he worked with Lou Adler on The Rocky Horror Show at The Roxy. The nine-month run proved so successful that it directly led to the cult-classic 1975 film adaptation. Avnet also managed productions like Tommy in L.A. and oversaw Jesus Christ Superstar during its historic run at the Universal Amphitheatre.
But it was in the music world where Avnet made his greatest and most lasting impact.
He began managing The Manhattan Transfer in 1979, guiding the group to its historic Grammy wins just two years later — becoming the first vocal group to win both jazz and pop Grammys in the same year. The awards, for “The Boy From New York City” and “Until I Met You (Corner Pocket),” helped cement the group’s place in music history.
“Brian was an excellent manager and like a brother to me,” said founding member Alan Paul. “He was savvy, honest, funny and gifted with a heart of gold. I never met anyone personally or in business who didn’t like him.”
“He got into the rough and tumble with us,” added fellow member Janis Siegel, “as we all navigated the ups and downs of the music business. He was fiercely loyal, passionate about his opinions, smart and kind.”
The Man Behind Josh Groban’s Breakthrough
One of Avnet’s most impactful contributions came when he discovered a young, classically trained singer named Josh Groban. Introduced to Groban through renowned vocal coach Seth Riggs, Avnet recognized something special and took on the role of manager — helping the young vocalist develop his voice, artistry, and career. The rest, as they say, is history.
When legendary producer David Foster launched 143 Records at Warner Bros. in 1995, he brought Avnet on board to run the label. Under Avnet’s leadership, the roster would grow to include Groban, Michael Bublé, Beth Hart, and The Corrs — a group that would help define the adult contemporary genre in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
Avnet and Foster also collaborated on high-profile recordings for some of the world’s biggest artists — including Whitney Houston, Céline Dion, Toni Braxton, Faith Hill, Brandy, Diana Krall, Olivia Newton-John, the Bee Gees, and Smokey Robinson.
A Gentleman in a Tough Business
Despite his accomplishments, Avnet remained grounded and humble — famously never using contracts to bind the artists he worked with. For him, trust and loyalty were the foundation of a working relationship.
“It was a long career, and he was beloved,” said his wife of 26 years, Marcia Avnet. “His word was his bond. And that’s rare in the entertainment industry.”
His reputation for fairness and kindness earned him widespread respect across the business. In 2017, he was honored as Manager of the Year by Pollstar and inducted into the Personal Managers Hall of Fame — a fitting recognition for someone whose dedication to his artists often went far beyond professional duty.
A Lasting Legacy
Avnet’s influence can be heard in the voices of the artists he nurtured and seen in the integrity with which he operated. His story is a testament to the power of mentorship, instinct, and staying true to one’s word in an industry that often lacks stability.
He is survived by his wife Marcia, his brother Richard, and his nephew Evan.
A private memorial will be held in Los Angeles this September. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research — a nod to both the disease he battled and the cause he supported.