About this item
"Famous People Who've Met Me" is an outrageous collection of true stories starring oddball characters, behind the scenes gurus, scoundrels, and brilliant superstars in the music business straight out of Minnesota. The unique memoir does more than just recount tales; it's a true in-depth character study as told through the eyes of musician, agent, concert promoter, and manager Owen Husney. The stories reflect not only his crazy, sometimes dark experiences but also his contributions to the world of music -- from Elvis to Al Jarreau, Richard Harris to Yanni, Hendrix to K-Tel, Prince to The Revolution.
About the Author
As artist manager Owen Husney discovered and signed the artist Prince to Warner Bros. Records. Husney guided Prince's early career and handled all worldwide marketing for the artist's launch. He eventually signed an additional eleven artists to various major record labels, earning him ten gold and platinum certified albums. Additionally, Husney ran several record labels in association with Capitol Records, A&M Records and Sony. He also co-organized music for the John Hughes films, "The Breakfast Club" and "Pretty in Pink," earning gold album awards for each.
As an 18 year old artist, Owen Husney, along with his band The High Spirits, recorded a version of Bobby Bland's, "Turn on Your Love light." The record not only soared to #1 in his hometown of Minneapolis Minnesota, but reached "top 10" in 19 cities around the US.
Husney eventually became a promoter, and through his famed art deco nightclub, "The Marigold" was the first to introduce Midwest audiences to the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Billy Joel, Ry Cooder and Foghat.
By the early 70's Husney became a rock and roll marketer on tour with The Rolling Stones, actor Richard Harris (McArthur Park) , Alice Cooper, and Sonny and Cher.
Husney then opened his own entertainment marketing and advertising company in Minneapolis and took on Warner Bros. Records creating campaigns for their top artists. He brought Wisconsin native and legendary Jazz singer Al Jarreau to California where he was signed to Warner Bros Records by Patrick Rains.
Today, living in Los Angeles, Husney's focus is music publishing and classic record masters. Husney, working with the Beatles publisher, launched "Beatles Reimagined," in honor of the Beatles 50th anniversary in 2013. He currently co-manages the estate of artist, Bobby Darin.
In addition to his business, Husney teaches "The Basics of the Business of Music" at UCLA. He is also on the Valley Advisory Board of Our House Grief Support Center, the largest grief support center in California.
