Early Life and Career
Robert Stigwood was born in Adelaide, Australia, on April 16, 1934. He developed a passion for music at a young age and began promoting local bands as a teenager.
In 1957, Stigwood moved to London and worked as a talent agent. In 1963, he co-founded NEMS Enterprises with Brian Epstein, who managed the Beatles. Stigwood played a key role in the early success of the Beatles and helped to promote their first single, "Love Me Do."
The Robert Stigwood Group
In 1967, Stigwood founded the Robert Stigwood Group (RSG),a music management and production company. RSG quickly became one of the most successful in the world, managing artists such as the Bee Gees, Cream, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, and Rod Stewart.
Stigwood also produced a number of hit records for RSG artists, including "Massachusetts" by the Bee Gees, "White Room" by Cream, and "Layla" by Eric Clapton.
Film Production
In the 1970s, Stigwood expanded his empire into film production. In 1977, he produced "Saturday Night Fever," which became one of the most successful films of all time and spawned a soundtrack album that sold over 40 million copies.
Stigwood also produced other hit films, including "Grease" (1978),"The Blues Brothers" (1980),and "Footloose" (1984).
The Really Useful Theatre Company
In 1981, Stigwood founded the Really Useful Theatre Company. The company produced a number of hit musicals, including "Cats" (1981),"Starlight Express" (1984),and "The Phantom of the Opera" (1986).
The Really Useful Theatre Company is still one of the most successful theater companies in the world, and its musicals have been seen by over 100 million people.
Legacy
Sir Robert Stigwood was a visionary impresario who played a major role in shaping the popular culture of the 20th century. He was a pioneer in the music industry and helped to launch the careers of some of the biggest names in pop music.
Stigwood's film productions were also hugely successful and continue to be enjoyed by audiences around the world. His musicals have been seen by millions of people and have become some of the most beloved shows in theater history.
Sir Robert Stigwood died in 2016 at the age of 82. He left behind a legacy of achievement that will continue to inspire generations to come.
"Robert Stigwood was a true showman who had an uncanny ability to spot talent and turn it into gold. He was a visionary who helped to shape the popular culture of the 20th century." - Richard Branson, Virgin Group founder
