Pictured (L-R): Neil Reshen with clients Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.
Neil Reshen, one-time manager for “Outlaw” country artists Willie Nelson and the late Waylon Jennings, died Saturday, Dec. 6 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 75.
Reshen, born March 3, 1939, is known for managing Jennings and Nelson, and urging record companies to give the two entertainers artistic control over their music. The negotiations led to signature albums such as Nelson’s Red Headed Stranger and Stardust albums, Jennings’ I’ve Always Been Crazy, and the collaboration project Waylon and Willie. During his career, Reshen also managed musicians including Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, Linda Ronstadt, Jessi Colter, and others.
Later in his career, Reshen founded Benay Enterprises and managed corporations and individuals with his partner and daughter, Dawn Reshen-Doty, who is currently president of Benay Enterprises.
He is survived by his daughters Dawn Reshen-Doty of Danbury, Conn., and Amber Bezahler of Los Angeles, grandson Justin Slaughter Doty of Danbury, Conn., godson Olufemi Adedeji and former wife Barrie Adedeji, both of New York. He also leaves behind two brothers, Bruce Reshen of Fairfield, Conn., and Mark Reshen, of Hollywood, Fla. He was predeceased by former wife Patricia Reshen.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Jan. 7, 2015 at 3 p.m. at the Plaza Jewish Community Chapel, 603 Amsterdam Ave., New York City.
About the Author
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
