Marty Erlichman, the talent manager who discovered Barbra Streisand at 19 and helped shape her career for more than 60 years, has died at 97. His representatives said he died Saturday from age-related causes.
Erlichman met Streisand while attending a performance at the Bon Soir nightclub in New York’s Greenwich Village. At the time, she was an aspiring actress who sang because she was not finding acting work. Although she already had a manager, she later turned to Erlichman for help negotiating a performance fee after her representative failed to secure a raise. She hired him soon afterward.
Their professional relationship continued for decades without a written contract. Streisand recalled that their agreement was based on a handshake, describing Erlichman as a constant presence in her life and career. In a statement, she said she was grateful for his friendship, loyalty and unwavering support, adding that he could never be replaced.
Erlichman handled the business side of Streisand’s career, negotiating agreements covering recordings, theater, film, television, licensing and concerts. He helped secure her Columbia Records deal, including unusual control over her repertoire and album-cover designs at her request.
He conceived and executive produced several of Streisand’s concert projects, including her 2000 Millennium Concert and her 2006–07 world tour. He also executive-produced the 1994 HBO special Barbra: The Concert, which earned an Emmy and a Peabody Award.
Before working with Streisand, Erlichman managed the Irish folk group The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. In 1961, he secured the group a performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Their unexpectedly extended appearance helped lead to a recording contract with Columbia Records.
Erlichman also worked as a film producer on titles including Streisand’s 1974 comedy For Pete’s Sake, the 1978 thriller Coma and the 1983 film Breathless. He executive-produced four films featuring Ernest, the comedic character created and played by John R. Cherry III.
His other clients included heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, record producer and songwriter Bob Crewe, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, and actor and comedian Chevy Chase.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on September 13, 1929, Erlichman graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He was married to Miko Mayama Erlichman for 52 years. He is survived by his son, J.J. Erlichman, his daughter-in-law, Talia, and four grandchildren.
The family has requested donations in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the National Kidney Foundation. A private service will be held.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter.