Bill Thompson (manager)

William Carl Thompson (June 22, 1944 - January 13, 2015) was an American talent manager, most notable for managing the bands Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship, as well as the careers of their individual performers such as Grace Slick.[1][2][3]

Bill Thompson
Born	June 22, 1944 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Died	January 12, 2015 (aged 70) Mill Valley, California
Nationality	American
Occupation	talent manager
Known for	managing Jefferson Airplane and related bands and performers

Biography

Thompson was born in Oklahoma City on June 22, 1944,[3] and attended college in San Francisco, where he also worked as a copy boy for the San Francisco Chronicle.[3] His roommate was Marty Balin, a founding member of Jefferson Airplane. Thompson initially served as the band's press agent, and eventually became their manager.[1]

Thompson also managed other artists, such as Neal Schon, and served as a consultant to Polygram Records.[1]

He died of a heart attack at his home in Mill Valley, California, on January 12, 2015, at the age of 70.[3]

References

1. Gallucci, Michael. "Bill Thompson, Jefferson Airplane Manager, Dies at 70". ultimateclassicrock.com/. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
2. "Jefferson Airplane: The Official Website » Bill Thompson". www.jeffersonairplane.com/. Archived from the original on 19 February 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
3. Tamarkin, Jeff. "Bill Thompson, Manager of Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship and Hot Tuna, Dies at 70". www.relix.com/. Relix. Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.