Early Life and Education
David Lawrence Geffen was born on February 21, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish immigrant parents. He attended New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn and later pursued studies at the University of Texas at Austin and Brooklyn College, though he did not complete a degree. Geffen's early academic challenges, which he attributes to dyslexia, did not deter his ambition.
Rise to Success
Geffen's career began in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency in 1964. He quickly ascended to become a talent agent at the Ashley-Famous Agency, and later, an executive vice president at Creative Management Associates. His talent for discovering and managing talent led to significant success with artists such as Laura Nyro and Crosby, Stills & Nash. He co-founded Asylum Records in 1970, signing influential artists like The Eagles, Joni Mitchell, and Linda Ronstadt. He later founded Geffen Records in 1980, which signed artists such as Donna Summer, John Lennon, and Guns N' Roses. The label was sold to MCA in 1990 for $550 million in stock, making Geffen a billionaire.
Key Business Strategies
Geffen's strategy was rooted in identifying and nurturing musical talent. He displayed a keen ability to recognize hits and build strong relationships with artists, providing them with the resources and support to achieve commercial success. Furthermore, Geffen co-founded DreamWorks SKG with Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg in 1994, expanding into the film industry. He sold his stake in DreamWorks in the mid-2000s but remained active as a producer and investor.
Philanthropy
Geffen is recognized for his extensive philanthropic endeavors. His contributions include $200 million to the School of Medicine at UCLA, which was subsequently renamed the David Geffen School of Medicine. He has also donated to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Lincoln Center, and the Yale School of Drama, among others. In December 2023, Geffen and Ken Griffin donated $400 million to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.