Bill Thompson (talent manager)

Last updated
Bill Thompson
BornJune 22, 1944
DiedJanuary 12, 2015(2015-01-12) (aged 70)
NationalityAmerican
Occupationtalent manager
Known formanaging Jefferson Airplane and related bands and performers

William Carl Thompson (June 22, 1944 - January 12, 2015) was an American talent manager, most notable for managing the bands Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship, as well as the careers of their individual performers such as Grace Slick. [1] [2] [3]

Biography

Thompson was born in Oklahoma City on June 22, 1944, [3] and attended high school and college in San Francisco, where he also worked as a copy boy for the San Francisco Chronicle. [3] His roommate was Marty Balin, a founding member of Jefferson Airplane. Thompson initially served as the band's press agent, and eventually became their manager. [1]

Thompson also managed other artists, such as Neal Schon, and served as a consultant to Polygram Records. [1]

He died of a heart attack at his home in Mill Valley, California, on January 12, 2015, at the age of 70. [3]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Gallucci, Michael. "Bill Thompson, Jefferson Airplane Manager, Dies at 70". ultimateclassicrock.com/. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
  2. "Jefferson Airplane: The Official Website » Bill Thompson". www.jeffersonairplane.com/. Archived from the original on 19 February 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Tamarkin, Jeff. "Bill Thompson, Manager of Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship and Hot Tuna, Dies at 70". www.relix.com/. Relix. Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.