1896 - 1969
Joe Glaser war eine Schlüsselfigur in der amerikanischen Musikindustrie, ein weißer Agent, der als Präsident der Associated Booking Corp. eine zentrale Rolle spielte. Seine Karriere war geprägt von der Betreuung einiger der größten Namen im Jazz und darüber hinaus, wobei seine Beziehungen zu Künstlern wie Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington und Dizzy Gillespie besonders hervorstachen.
Glaser was widely known for his ability to recognize and promote talent. He managed Louis Armstrong for decades and contributed significantly to his worldwide success. Greats such as Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie were also among his management stable, and according to reports, they always spoke positively about working with him. This speaks volumes about Glaser's professionalism and his relationship with his artists.
Glaser's interest in Mahalia Jackson
A special chapter in Glaser's career was his enduring interest in gospel legend Mahalia Jackson. For years, he tried to sign her, recognizing her immense potential. He called Mahalia Jackson personally and offered her his services. Although Jackson knew him through her connections to Louis Armstrong and others and thanked him for his offer, she initially decided to pursue her career independently. However, she promised to give him a few dates to book.
Later, when Mahalia Jackson sought more television appearances to reduce the strain of touring, she contacted Joe Glaser himself in New York to discuss bookings. Bob Phillips, the West Coast manager of Glaser's agency, Associated Booking Corp., was also interested in connecting Mahalia with Glaser for her bookings. Phillips assured Mahalia that Glaser's office would now take care of her engagements and estimated that he could get her up to $10,000 per concert through Glaser's agency—an impressive sum at the time.
Mahalia Jackson even asked Glaser (and Bob Phillips) for their addresses so she could send telegrams to renowned artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Pearl Bailey, Lou Rawls, Dean Martin, Red Skelton, Jimmy Durante, and Moms Mabley for a planned “Festival of Stars.” Glaser informed Jackson that Pearl Bailey would be unable to attend due to her commitments with “Hello Dolly.”
Joe Glaser's influence extended far beyond pure management; he was an important mediator and strategist in the entertainment industry, whose vision and network paved the way to success for many artists.