Some of the most powerful people in entertainment are the the industry's known unknowns, well unless you aren't in the industry that is. The faces of power that are put in front of you are usually the people you know. Like the singer, the rapper, the movie star etc. But the real power sits behind the desk, overseeing the very machine that makes your favorite rapper, singer, movie star, the world's favorite rapper, singer, movie star. Meet Mr. Irving Azoff, the man who sits at the top of Billboard's "Power 100" list, because he sits at the top of the biggest ticketing and live entertainment company, Live Nation, home to Jay Z, Madonna and many others.
To hear the words "I have Irving Azoff on the line" and not experience at least a twinge of anxiety means a pulse check is in order. Azoff helms the world's largest promoter, ticketing company and artist management group from behind one desk. (OK, he probably has several desks, but you get the idea.) He has moved mountains in the worlds of film, TV and music; transformed mere artistry into superstardom; sustained and resurrected careers; and is a force of nature in the world of philanthropy. Music industry careers come and go, but Azoff's sphere of influence is enormous and ever-expanding.
[BB]
