David Libert, co-founder of the popular ’60s music group The Happenings, passed away today (February 20, 2024), at the age of 81. The news of his peaceful passing was announced on his Facebook page, where it was mentioned that he was surrounded by people who loved him dearly. David Libert, also known as the “Rock and Roll Warrior,” was best known for his contributions to the music industry as a member of The Happenings and as the road manager for the Alice Cooper Band.
A Journey in Music
David Libert, along with his high school classmates Bob Miranda, Tom Giuliano, and Ralph DiVito, formed the Four Graduates in 1961. Eventually, they changed their name to The Happenings. The group gained popularity with their soaring vocals on cover songs like “See You in September” and “I Got Rhythm,” both of which became RIAA-certified Gold singles, selling over a million copies. These hits were among their nine chart-topping songs.
Embracing Change
After leaving The Happenings, David Libert ventured into the music industry as a booking agent. He soon joined the Alice Cooper Band as their road manager from 1971 to 1975. He even contributed to their #1 album, Billion Dollar Babies, as a backing vocalist. Reflecting on his time with the band, Libert wrote in his memoir Rock and Roll Warrior, “There was no job manual, no job description, and no one telling me what my job was. My initial perception was a collection of about thirty or so crazy-looking people, completely unsupervised and crawling all over everything like giant insects.”
A Trailblazer in the Music Industry
David Libert’s love for music led him to start his own firm, the David Libert Agency, where he represented a diverse lineup of artists, including George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic, as well as the Runaways. His memoir, Rock and Roll Warrior, offered readers a glimpse into the inner workings of the music industry, from his time with Alice Cooper to his experiences with music legends like Prince. It provided an unvarnished, colorful account of life on the road and behind the scenes.
Rock and Roll Warrior is a must-read for music enthusiasts who want to experience the thrilling and sometimes chaotic world behind the stage. The memoir captures the essence of an era of free-spirited, hard-driving rock ‘n’ roll and R&B, with Libert’s hilarious, edgy, and sarcastic wit. It showcases his wisdom, ingenuity, dexterity, psychology, and arm-twisting skills as he managed some of the most influential names in the music industry.
For those interested in exploring David Libert’s legacy further, Rock and Roll Warrior is available for purchase here.
Related: 12 Soaring Vocals of the ’60s
FAQs
What was the cause of David Libert’s death?
David Libert’s cause of death has not been disclosed at this time. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.
How will David Libert be remembered?
David Libert will be remembered as a talented musician, co-founding member of The Happenings, and the road manager for the Alice Cooper Band. He made significant contributions to the music industry and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
Conclusion
David Libert’s passing marks the end of an era in music. As we mourn the loss of this remarkable artist, let us also celebrate his life, his contributions, and the impact he had on the music industry. David Libert’s journey, from his humble beginnings with The Happenings to his role as a trailblazing road manager, serves as a testament to the power of passion and dedication. May his music continue to resonate with us, reminding us of the indelible mark he left on the world.
To explore more celebrity deaths and honor the legacies of extraordinary individuals, visit Celebrity Deaths 2024.
