Bob Cavallo
Born1939 (age 84–85)
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Alma materGeorgetown University
Occupation(s)Chairman Disney Music Group, chairman (1998–2011), entertainment manager, film producer, business owner
Employer(s)Walt Disney Studios (1998–2011), Atlas Entertainment (1988–1998)
Known forPurple Rain, co-producer, City of Angels, co-producer 12 Monkeys, co-producer and Fallen, co-producer
SpouseJudy Cavallo
Children2, including Rob Cavallo

Bob Cavallo is an American entertainment manager, producer, and business owner. Cavallo worked for Walt Disney Studios from 1998 through 2011, during which time he reorganized the company's recorded music, music publishing and concert operations into one centralized business entity named the Disney Music Group.[1] Cavallo was chairman of the Disney Music Group, which distributes Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels and manages artists Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, Grace Potter, Breaking Benjamin, Miley Cyrus and Plain White T's.[2]

Career

Music management

Cavallo’s career began as a nightclub owner and event producer before becoming a music manager.[2] While attending Georgetown University, Cavallo promoted several ventures, including the first Intercollegiate Jazz Festival at Georgetown University in 1960.[3] Cavallo also booked musicians Dave Brubeck and Dizzy Gillespie.[4] In 1961, Cavallo and business partner Frank Weis invested in The Shadows, which became a successful night club featuring folk singing entertainment in Washington D.C.[5] Cavallo was an entertainment manager for 35 years managing acts such as The Mugwumps, The Lovin' Spoonful, Weather Report, Little Feat, Prince, and Earth Wind & Fire.[6]

Cavallo founded Third Rail, a management firm which had a client list that included Green Day, Seal, the Goo Goo Dolls, Weezer, Kara’s Flowers, Savage Garden and Alanis Morissette.[4] Third Rail earned more than 10 gold and platinum albums and several Grammy Awards.[4]

Film producer

Cavallo produced the films Purple Rain in 1983 and later Under the Cherry Moon in 1985 both starring Prince.[4][7] Cavallo along with business partner Charles Roven produced the films City of Angels, 12 Monkeys and Fallen.[4] Cavallo and Danny Bramson produced the music soundtrack for City of Angels featuring the hits Iris by Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls and Uninvited by Alanis Morissette.[4]

Walt Disney Company

Cavallo worked with Atlas Entertainment from 1988 through 1998.[1] In 1998, he became chairman of the Buena Vista Music Group overseeing Walt Disney Company's recorded music and music publishing operations.[1] During his time with Walt Disney Company's, Cavallo renovated Disney’s music group by reversing the decade-long decline of Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records by building upon the Disney Channel's youthful stars such as Hilary Duff, star of Lizzie McGuire, who released two soundtracks and five solo albums that sold more than 10 million copies since 2002.[8] Disney Music Group success also included Miley Cyrus in Hannah Montana, Raven-Symoné, Jesse McCartney, and Disney Channel movie soundtracks such as High School Musical, Camp Rock, and Lemonade Mouth.[6][8] In 2012, Bob Cavallo retired from Disney Music Group.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c Billboard Staff (June 1, 2011). "Bob Cavallo retiring as chairman of Disney Music Group". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 24, 2014. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  2. ^ a b Nikki Finke (June 1, 2012). "Ken Bunt will run Disney Music Group in 2012 when Bob Cavallo retires". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  3. ^ "Tickets for jazz festival now ready in W-G ,Caf". The Hoya. Vol. XLI, no. 20. Georgetown University, D.C. March 24, 1960.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Roy Trakin (January 12, 2012). "Judy's two chairs: A father and son reunion with Bob and Rob Cavallo". Hits Daily Double. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  5. ^ "Big Hit". Valley Morning Star. Harligen, Texas. January 25, 1963. p. 15.
  6. ^ a b Adam Sandler (October 4, 2007). "Disney's music chairman keeps his head straight". Variety. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  7. ^ Brian Rafferty (July 2009). "Purple Rain: The oral history". Spin. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  8. ^ a b Brian Rafferty (June 1, 2011). "The business behind the show". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
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