Robert Scott "Bob" Lefsetz (born April 22, 1953) is an American analyst and critic. He is the author of The Lefsetz Letter, an email newsletter, and a blog.
Bob Lefsetz | |
|---|---|
 Bob Lefsetz at Canadian Music Week in Toronto, 2009 | |
| Born | Robert Scott Lefsetz April 22, 1953 Fairfield, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Education | Middlebury College Southwestern Law School (JD) |
| Occupation(s) | Music industry analyst and critic |
Background
editLefsetz grew up in Fairfield, Connecticut and is a graduate of Middlebury College; he majored in art history. He moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s. After earning a J.D. degree from Southwestern Law School, he worked as an entertainment business attorney and briefly as head of Sanctuary Music's American division. He has worked as a consultant to major record labels.[1] and based in Santa Monica, California.
The Lefsetz Letter
editThe newsletter has tens of thousands of subscribers.[2][3] From April 2013 through December 2015, Lefsetz wrote a weekly column for Variety's weekly print edition and its website.[4]
Controversy
editIn 2007, Lefsetz and Kid Rock engaged in an email feud but have since reconciled.[5][6][7] In 2009, Lefsetz and Kiss bassist Gene Simmons exchanged insults via e-mail and in person at the Canadian Music Week conference; they had a debate at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto.[8][9]
In 2010, American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift released a song titled "Mean" which is rumored to be about Lefsetz and his critical review about her performance at the 52nd Grammy Awards with rock and roll legend Stevie Nicks.[10]
References
edit- ^ "CelebrityAccess Industry Profiles". Celebrityaccess.com. Archived from the original on 2013-12-19. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
- ^ Halperin, Shirley (2012-02-08). "Music Industry Watchdog Bob Lefsetz on the Future of the Biz and 5 Mistakes New Acts Should Avoid". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
- ^ DuLac, Josh Freedom (March 27, 2008). "Rage Against The Machine". The Washington Post
- ^ "Variety, Bob Lefsetz form alliance". Variety. 2013-04-02. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
- ^ Raftery, Brian (March 2012). "Who The Hell Is Bob Lefsetz?". Wired. Retrieved 2013-05-06.
- ^ "Kafka, Peter (November 9, 2007)". Alleyinsider.com. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
- ^ Maura. "Maura (November 9, 2007)". Idolator.com. Archived from the original on 2009-03-17. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
- ^ Thompson, Robert (March 13, 2009). "Simmons, Lefsetz To Debate At Canadian Music Week". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on April 5, 2017. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
- ^ "Video of Lefsetz in-discussion with Gene Simmons at Canadian Music Week, March 2009". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
- ^ Yahr, Emily (November 2, 2017). "If you think Taylor Swift sings only about her exes, then you don't get Taylor Swift". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 7, 2024.