Aaron Russo Freedom Fighter

RIP Aaron Russo February 14, 1943 — August 24, 2007 Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, producer Aaron Russo began promoting rock and roll shows at local theaters while still a high school student. He then worked for his family’s undergarment business, where in 1963, he designed the first ladies bikini under wear. Five years later the twenty four year old entrepreneur opened his own nightclub in Chicago called the Kinetic Playground which became a driving force in the music business, where Aaron helped create the careers of many legendary performers, such as Led Zeppelin. Aaron was responsible for bringing them to America for the first time. He also promoted some of the 60’s most successful rock acts, including The Who, Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. In 1972, Russo began his seven year partnership with Bette Midler, who became a superstar during his management of her career. In 1975 he produced the Tony award- winning “Clams on the Half-Shell Revue,” which starred Bette Midler and Lionel Hampton. At the time it was the most successful ten-week broadway revue in history, grossing more than .8 million. While serving as Midler’s manager, Russo created and managed the Manhattan Transfer. Later his roster would include such personalities as David Keith, Frederic Forest, Susan Sarandon and other notable clients. When Russo turned to producing feature films, his production of “The Rose”, introduced Bette Midler to motion picture audiences …