Date of Birth: October 6, 1940
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: September 2, 2016
Biography
Jerry Heller was a prominent American music manager and businessman, best known for his role in the development of West Coast hip-hop. Born on October 6, 1940, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Heller played a crucial role in the careers of numerous artists, particularly in the hip-hop genre. He started his career in the 1960s, representing artists such as Marvin Gaye, Pink Floyd, and Elton John. However, his most significant contribution to the music industry came in the 1980s when he co-founded Ruthless Records with rapper Eazy-E. This label was instrumental in launching the careers of N.W.A, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and many others. Heller’s business acumen and controversial management style made him a notable figure in the music industry until his passing on September 2, 2016.
5 Interesting Facts about Jerry Heller
1. Jerry Heller served in the United States Army before embarking on his music career.
2. He was co-founder of Ruthless Records with Eazy-E, which played a pivotal role in the rise of gangsta rap.
3. Heller was portrayed by Paul Giamatti in the 2015 biographical film “Straight Outta Compton.”
4. He managed a wide range of artists, from rock bands like Journey to hip-hop legends like N.W.A.
5. Jerry Heller published an autobiography titled “Ruthless: A Memoir” in 2006, detailing his experiences in the music industry.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jerry Heller
1. “I saw the beginning of hip-hop, and it was an incredible time.”
2. “The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs.”
3. “N.W.A changed the world, not just music.”
4. “Eazy-E was one of the smartest people I ever met in my life.”
5. “You have to have a love for the music; otherwise, the business will eat you alive.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, Jerry Heller’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.
Children
Jerry Heller did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Jerry Heller’s Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Heller
2. [Ruthless: A Memoir on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Memoir-Jerry-Heller/dp/1416917947
3. [Jerry Heller’s IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0276429/
