RIP Bob Weinstock

Tuff_Gong

Just read about this online... At first the name was familiar but I didn't remember exactly where in jazz history he fit, but then I read the story and it clicked. Another one bites the dust.Jazz entrepreneur Bob Weinstock dies at 77NEW YORK (Billboard) - Bob Weinstock, founder of the renowned jazz label Prestige, died January 14 in Boca Raton, Fla. He was 77.The New York-born entrepreneur was 16 when he entered the music business with a mail-order operation wholesaling jazz reissues to various stores in New York. He first worked from his family's apartment and then rented retail space for his booming business at the Jazz Record Corner on West 47th Street.In 1949, the 20-year-old Weinstock established his initial imprint, which he called New Jazz. Shortly thereafter he launched Prestige. Weinstock operated the label until May 1971, when he sold the company to Fantasy Records. (Prestige is now part of the Concord Music Group.)Under Weinstock's guidance, Prestige recorded many of the giants of jazz. The label developed an important catalog of jazz classics, including works by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and Thelonious Monk.In the 1960s, Weinstock updated Prestige with the addition of soul jazz artists such as Brother Jack McDuff, Richard "Groove" Holmes and Charles Earland. The label also scored R&B and pop hits with recordings like King Pleasure's "Moody's Mood for Love" and Etta Jones' "Don't Go to Strangers."After selling the company, Weinstock moved to Florida. He is survived by his companion, Roberta Ross; three sons; and three grandchildren.