Hans Rudolf Beierlein (April 19, 1929 – August 5, 2022) was a German music journalist and publisher.[1]
Biography
editBeierlein was born in Nuremberg and later resided in Munich.[2] He was involved in the creation of several television programs in Germany, including Eating like God in Germany and Grand Prix der Volksmusik.[2]
Beierlein's career breakthrough came with the discovery of Udo Jürgens in 1963, whose subsequent win at the Eurovision Grand Prix in 1966 with "Merci Chérie" propelled him to stardom.[3] The professional relationship between Jürgens and Beierlein ended in the late 1970s, leading to legal disputes, though they eventually reconciled 17 years later.[3]
Beierlein had a particular interest in folk music, which he considered to be music for the people.[3] Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, he managed the careers of several folk artists, including Stefanie Hertel, and worked with Stefan Mross and Florian Silbereisen.[3] He founded the Grand Prix der Volksmusik in 1986.[3] Beierlein also promoted French musicians like Charles Aznavour and Johnny Hallyday in German-speaking countries and was involved in trading football rights.[3]
Beierlein retired in 2014, selling rights to approximately 5,000 music titles to BMG.[3] was described by Der Spiegel as the "Bavarian Goldfinger" and the "Great White Shark in Wonderland".[3]
After his death, Beierlein's ashes were interred by his adopted daughter, Bizzi Nießlein, in a cemetery in Schliersee, Upper Bavaria, where he owned a villa.[3]
References
edit- ^ "Hans R. Beierlein: Entdecker von Udo Jürgens verstorben". Kleine Zeitung. August 16, 2022.
- ^ a b "Leiser Abgang eines Unterhaltungs-Giganten". Münchner Merkur. August 17, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Musikmanager Hans R. Beierlein starb mit 93 Jahren". Salzburger Nachrichten. August 16, 2022.