Pop/Rock Impresario Don Kirshner Passes

Don Kirshner

Songwriter, rock producer and TV impresario DON KIRSHNER died of heart failure in FLORIDA on MONDAY, VARIETY reports. He was 77.

KIRSHNER, whose face may be best known for hosting the late-night "DON KIRSHNER's Rock Concert" in the '70s, also managed songwriting talent such as NEIL SEDAKA and CAROLE KING; and helped to launch the career of fellow BRONX HIGH SCHOOL OF SCIENCE alumni BOBBY DARIN in the 1950s.

Along with partner AL NEVINS, KIRSHNER founded ALDON MUSIC and was a significant part of the hitmaking scene at the BRILL BUILDING. He also helped launch the career of the MONKEES and later "THE ARCHIES." After that, he served as Exec. Producer on ABC-TV's "In Concert" before creating "Rock Concert."

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the DON KIRSHNER SCHOLARSHIP FUND, which is being established by his family for emerging songwriters. Send donations to: 70 West 36 St., Ste. 701, NY 10018 -- (212) 239-0777.

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