Robert Stigwood (left) discussing a scene with Dee Anthony.In the past few years, Robert Stigwood has become one of the most influential figures in show business and heads a group of companies that encompass films, theatre, television, recordings, personal management, concert tours and music publishing.
Born in Adelaide, Australia in 1934 and educated at Sacred Heart College, Robert Stigwood began his career as a copywrighter for a local advertising agency and then, at 21, left his home on a ship bound for England. A series of first jobs led to his opening a London theatrical agency. He began casting commercials for television and soon was producing records for many of his clients. In time, he became the first independent record producer in Great Britain.
During the middle 1960's, Stigwood joined forces for a while with Brian Epstein, the manager of The Beatles, to become co-manager of NEMS Enterprises. After Epstein's death, Stigwood went on to form his own company and launched the careers of, among others, The Bee Gees and Cream.
Moving into the world of theatre in 1968, Robert chose for his first venture the American rock musical "Hair," a great success which ran for more than five years on London's West End. He followed with highly successful productions of "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Pippin" and "Oh Calcutta."
Robert then entered into film production and produced the motion picture version of "Jesus Christ Superstar," in association with the film's director, Norman Jewison. The Stigwood film production of "Tommy," directed by Ken Russell and starring Ann Margret and Roger Daltrey was one of 1975's most popular films and marked the first truly successful merger of rock music and film to tell a story.
RSO Records, which Stigwood founded in 1973, records the music of The Bee Gees, Eric Clapton, Yvonne Elliman, Paul Nicholas, Player and Andy Gibb, as well as the many other new artists Robert continually adds to te successful label. In addition, the RSO label releases all motion picture soundtrack albums of Stigwood's productions.
Stigwood's most recent dazzler with John Travolta, "Saturday Night Fever," has proved to be one of the biggest all-time money makers in movie history. "Grease" -- which he produced in association with Allan Carr and again starring Travolta -- is yet another winner. Now, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
There are many more Stigwood projects in the works: a stage project titled "Evita" and based on the life of Eva Peron, expansion into television films and series, a motion picture based on the extraordinary life of Uri Gelle, and a new film starring John Travolta and Lily Tomlin called "Moment By Moment."
Born in Adelaide, Australia in 1934 and educated at Sacred Heart College, Robert Stigwood began his career as a copywrighter for a local advertising agency and then, at 21, left his home on a ship bound for England. A series of first jobs led to his opening a London theatrical agency. He began casting commercials for television and soon was producing records for many of his clients. In time, he became the first independent record producer in Great Britain.
During the middle 1960's, Stigwood joined forces for a while with Brian Epstein, the manager of The Beatles, to become co-manager of NEMS Enterprises. After Epstein's death, Stigwood went on to form his own company and launched the careers of, among others, The Bee Gees and Cream.
Moving into the world of theatre in 1968, Robert chose for his first venture the American rock musical "Hair," a great success which ran for more than five years on London's West End. He followed with highly successful productions of "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Pippin" and "Oh Calcutta."
Robert then entered into film production and produced the motion picture version of "Jesus Christ Superstar," in association with the film's director, Norman Jewison. The Stigwood film production of "Tommy," directed by Ken Russell and starring Ann Margret and Roger Daltrey was one of 1975's most popular films and marked the first truly successful merger of rock music and film to tell a story.
RSO Records, which Stigwood founded in 1973, records the music of The Bee Gees, Eric Clapton, Yvonne Elliman, Paul Nicholas, Player and Andy Gibb, as well as the many other new artists Robert continually adds to te successful label. In addition, the RSO label releases all motion picture soundtrack albums of Stigwood's productions.
Stigwood's most recent dazzler with John Travolta, "Saturday Night Fever," has proved to be one of the biggest all-time money makers in movie history. "Grease" -- which he produced in association with Allan Carr and again starring Travolta -- is yet another winner. Now, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
There are many more Stigwood projects in the works: a stage project titled "Evita" and based on the life of Eva Peron, expansion into television films and series, a motion picture based on the extraordinary life of Uri Gelle, and a new film starring John Travolta and Lily Tomlin called "Moment By Moment."
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