Lippman passed away at his longtime home in Santa Ynez, California, on Monday, with family by his side. His wife of 57 years, Nancy, and their two sons, Nick and Josh, were present when he died. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
Known as both a fierce negotiator and a loyal champion of his artists, Lippman left a lasting mark on the music industry. Over his career, he represented acts including Matchbox Twenty, frontman Rob Thomas, George Michael, and songwriter Bernie Taupin, best known for his longtime partnership with Elton John.
“Dad was a relentless advocate for his clients, his friends, and his family,” said Josh Lippman in a statement. “He was the person you wanted in your corner in any situation.”
Nick Lippman described his father as both a mentor and a partner. “For over twenty years, we traveled the world and shared a bond that grew deeper with time,” he said. “We spoke every day and often finished each other’s sentences.”
Lippman began his career working for high-profile attorney Marvin Mitchelson before moving into the entertainment business. He later held a key role at Columbia Pictures and went on to run West Coast operations for Arista Records in the mid-1970s under legendary executive Clive Davis.
Around that same time, Lippman began working with David Bowie during the artist’s Ziggy Stardust era. Their collaboration included the film The Man Who Fell to Earth, Bowie’s groundbreaking appearance on Soul Train, and his first No. 1 single, “Fame.” The two remained close friends for years.
In the 1980s, Lippman helped guide Melissa Manchester through a career-defining moment when she made history at the Academy Awards by performing two nominated songs in the same ceremony.
Lippman’s busiest and most influential years came with the rise of George Michael as a solo superstar. After hearing Michael’s 1987 album Faith, Lippman set out to make him a global icon — a goal he achieved as Michael became one of the biggest pop stars in the world.
As his management firm grew, Lippman expanded his roster to include songwriters and producers. He was widely respected for his skill in negotiating artist-friendly contracts, including long-running deals for Matchbox Twenty at Atlantic Records. He also played a key role in pairing Rob Thomas with Carlos Santana on the hit song “Smooth.”
Though known for an intimidating presence, Lippman admitted he carefully crafted that reputation. In a 2016 interview, he said he wanted industry executives to take him seriously — and fight harder for his artists.
Music was a family business for Lippman. His late brother Terry worked alongside him for years, and in the last two decades, Michael partnered with his son Nick under the banner of Lippman Entertainment. While he acknowledged that constant travel made family life challenging at times, he often described working with his sons as one of his greatest joys.
Outside of music, Lippman was an avid horse lover. His Santa Barbara County ranch was home to several champion horses, and he rode whenever he could. Along with his wife Nancy, he was also known for hosting legendary gatherings attended by artists and icons from across the entertainment world.
Michael Lippman is survived by his wife Nancy; sons Josh and Nick; daughter-in-law Lauren; grandchildren Olivia, Jordan, Zachary, and Tucker.
To the artists he represented and the family he loved, Lippman leaves behind a legacy defined by loyalty, hard work, and an unshakable belief in the people he stood beside.
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