Early Life and Education
David Lawrence Geffen was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish immigrant parents. His mother owned a clothing store. He attended New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn. Geffen briefly attended the University of Texas at Austin, Brooklyn College, and Santa Monica College, though he did not graduate from any. He attributed his challenges in school to dyslexia.
Rise to Success
Geffen's career in entertainment began at the William Morris Agency, where he worked in the mailroom and later became an agent. He then founded Asylum Records, signing artists like the Eagles and Joni Mitchell. In 1980, he founded Geffen Records, which became a powerhouse in the music industry, launching or revitalizing the careers of artists such as Donna Summer, John Lennon, Guns N' Roses, Nirvana, and Aerosmith. In 1990, he sold Geffen Records to MCA for stock. In 1994, he co-founded DreamWorks SKG with Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg, a multimedia studio that produced films, television shows, and music.
Key Business Strategies
Geffen's success stems from his ability to identify and nurture musical talent. His strategy included creating record labels that catered to various genres and developing strong relationships with artists. Geffen's keen financial mind led to savvy investments, contributing to his wealth. His sale of Geffen Records and co-founding DreamWorks were key moments. He has made strategic decisions and a deep understanding of the music business to build a successful career.
Philanthropy
Geffen is known for his extensive philanthropic activities. He established the David Geffen Foundation in 1987, focusing on public health, education, arts, culture, and LGBT issues. He has donated millions to UCLA, including the David Geffen School of Medicine, and the Yale School of Drama, which was renamed in his honor. He has also supported the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the New York Public Library, and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.