Bill Graham (promoter)
German-born American rock music impresario (1931–1991) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Bill Graham (promoter)?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Bill Graham (born Wulf Wolodia Grajonca; January 8, 1931 – October 25, 1991) was a German-American impresario and rock concert promoter.
This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages)
|
Bill Graham | |
---|---|
Born | Wulf Wolodi Grajonca (1931-01-08)January 8, 1931 |
Died | October 25, 1991(1991-10-25) (aged 60) Near Vallejo, California, U.S. |
Cause of death | Helicopter crash |
Other names | Uncle Bobo |
Occupation(s) | Businessman, musical impresario |
Years active | 1960s–1991; his death |
Organization | Bill Graham Presents |
Spouse | Bonnie MacLean (divorced) |
Children | 3, including 1 stepchild |
In the early 1960s, Graham moved to San Francisco, and in 1965, began to manage the San Francisco Mime Troupe.[1] He had teamed up with local Haight Ashbury promoter Chet Helms to organize a benefit concert, then promoted several free concerts. This eventually turned into a profitable full-time career and he assembled a talented staff. Graham had a profound influence around the world, sponsoring the musical renaissance of the 1960s from its epicenter in San Francisco. Chet Helms and then Graham made famous the Fillmore and Winterland Ballroom; these turned out to be a proving grounds for rock bands and acts of the San Francisco Bay area including the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Big Brother and the Holding Company with Janis Joplin,[2] who were first managed, and in some cases developed, by Helms.