Happy 87th Birthday, Lou Adler! Born today in 1933 as Lester Louis Adler, this American music executive, talent manager, record producer, songwriter, film producer and film director is also the co-owner of the famous Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California.
Born to a Jewish family in Chicago, Illinois, Adler was later relocated with his family and raised in the Boyle Heights section of East Los Angeles, California.
Years later, Adler's career in music began as co-manager, alongside American jazz musician Herb Alpert, of American rock duo Jan & Dean. Adler and Alpert later transitioned from composing songs, most notably for the King of Soul Sam Cooke.
In 1964, Adler founded Dunhill Records. He was then President and chief record producer of the label from 1964 to 1967.
In June 1967, Adler helped to produce the Monterey International Pop Festival. This was along with the film version, being the 1968 American Eastmancolor documentary/music film 'Monterey Pop'.
During this time, Adler signed The Mamas & the Papas to Dunhill, producing six top-five hits for the group, including "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday".
Dunhill eventually reached #1 on the pop charts. This was through additional efforts from other song artists of the day.
Capitalizing on Dunhill's success, Adler sold the label to ABC in 1967 and founded Ode Records (also known as Ode Sounds and Visuals).
It was here to which he signed (most notably) Cheech & Chong, Peggy Lipton, Carole King and Scott Mckenzie, among others. Adler later produced all of King's albums on Ode.
Adler also formerly managed Jan & Dean Johnny Rivers, Barry McGuire, The Grass Roots, Spirit and The Weaver Temptations.
In the mid-1970s, Adler served as co-producer of Australian director and writer for film and stage Jim Sharman's cult classic. This was the 1975 American sci-fi/comedy horror musical film 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'.
After seeing the The Rocky Horror Show at a theater in London, Adler bought the American rights to the show, presented it live in Los Angeles, and co-produced the film version (adding "Picture" to the title). The film then went on to become the longest-running theatrical film in history.
In 1976, Adler and his administrative assistant were kidnapped. The two men were held for eight hours and released after $25,000 in ransom money was paid.
Three suspects were arrested and sheriff's deputies later recovered $14,900 of the ransom money. Two suspects were later convicted and one suspect was later sentenced to life in prison.
Two years later, Adler co-produced and directed the film of which he is best known. This was the 1978 American comedy/stoner buddy music film 'Up in Smoke', starring Cheech & Chong.
On a budget of $2 million, the film grossed $104 million at the box office. Today, the feature remains a cult hit.
'Up in Smoke' was Cheech & Chong's first feature-length film, of which they had written as well. It stars Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Edie Adams, Strother Martin, Stacy Keach, and Tom Skerritt.
Cheech and Chong had been a counterculture comedy team for about a decade before they started reworking some of their material for their first film.
While negatively received upon its release, 'Up in Smoke' is credited with establishing the stoner film genre, and is now considered a cult classic.
Three years later, Adler co-produced the follow-up to 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'. This was with Sharman's 1981 American independent/dark comedy musical film 'Shock Treatment'.
During this time, Adler fathered his first son, Nikolaj Adler (b. June 1973). This was with Swedish actress and singer Britt Ekland.
In the later 1990s, Peter Fonda ('The Hired Hand') based his character, record producer Terry Valentine in Steven Soderbergh's ('Sex, Lies, and Videotape', 'Traffic') 1999 American crime/drama film 'The Limey' on Adler.
In 2000, Adler recorded a commentary track along for 'Up in Smoke' with Cheech Marin for the DVD release.
In 2006, Adler was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his achievements in music. It is located at 6901 Hollywood Boulevard.
In 2013, Adler was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as the winner, alongside Quincy Jones.
According to his personal life, Adler owns the nightclub The Roxy Theatre with his son Nic. Adler operates the legendary music venue on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.
Adler can also often be seen sitting courtside next to Jack Nicholson at Los Angeles Lakers home games.
Throughout his career, Adler became s a record producer, A&R man, record company executive, music publisher, budding film producer and sometime personal manager who felt compelled to become involved with every musical “trend.”
Adler has been active from 1965–present.
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