Manager of Barbra Streisand Dies

Marty Erlichman, the talent manager who shaped Barbra Streisand's career for over sixty years, has died.

His representatives confirmed he passed away on Saturday at age 97 due to age-related causes. Erlichman discovered Streisand in 1961 when she was a 19-year-old opening act at a New York nightclub. He managed her business affairs for more than six decades, negotiating deals for her recordings, theater work, films, television appearances, and concerts.

Erlichman was born in Brooklyn on September 13, 1929, and graduated from Drake University. Before his long partnership with Streisand, he managed Irish folk group The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. In 1961, he secured them a slot on The Ed Sullivan Show. When fellow guest Pearl Bailey missed her appearance, the group performed for twenty minutes. That performance helped lead to a recording contract with Columbia Records. In May 1961, Erlichman attended a show at the Bon Soir nightclub in Greenwich Village to support comedian Phil Leeds. Streisand was the opening act. She told Erlichman she was an actress who sang only because she had not landed acting roles. Erlichman left his business card, which directed her to a telephone booth on 53rd Street, and advised her to call if she needed advice.

Streisand called him later to help with salary negotiations for a gig in Detroit. Her then-manager failed to secure a raise, and Erlichman could not negotiate one either. He paid the difference in her weekly salary out of his own pocket. Streisand hired him shortly after. Erlichman bought out her contract from her previous manager for $750 using a loan from Streisand. He then secured her a recording contract at Columbia Records. At her request, he negotiated control over her repertoire and the design of her album covers. The two worked together for sixty years without a written contract. Streisand described their relationship as a handshake deal in her 2023 memoir, My Name Is Barbra.

Erlichman conceived and executive produced several major concerts for Streisand. These included her 2000 Millennium Concert and her 2006 to 2007 world tour. He also executive produced her 1994 HBO television special, Barbra: The Concert. That production earned him an Emmy Award and a Peabody Award. He served as a film producer on projects including the 1974 comedy For Pete's Sake, the 1978 thriller Coma, and the 1983 film Breathless. He also executive produced four films featuring the character Ernest, played by John R. Cherry III. Other clients included George Foreman, Bob Crewe, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, and Chevy Chase.

Streisand issued a statement expressing her grief. She said nothing could prepare her for the reality of losing someone so dear. She recalled thinking Erlichman was indestructible and always by her side. She noted that they never had a contract and that she would be forever grateful for his friendship, loyalty, and support. His family described him as a deeply devoted father, husband, grandfather, and rock. They said they feel his loss deeply but are proud of the life he lived. Erlichman was married to Miko Mayama Erlichman for 52 years. He is survived by their son, J.J. Erlichman; his daughter-in-law, Talia; and four grandchildren, Mia, Sarah, Olivia, and Jack. The family has asked for donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the National Kidney Foundation in lieu of flowers. A private service will be held.