Steve Popovich, the music mogul who played a key role in the careers of the Jackson 5, Meat Loaf and Ted Nugent, has died at the age of 68.
The music industry veteran passed away on Wednesday (08Jun11) at his home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. A cause of death has yet to be confirmed, according to his son, Steve Popovich, Jr.
He started his career in the warehouse at Columbia Records in Cleveland, Ohio but worked his way up to management level under the guidance of industry giant Clive Davis. Popovich went on to help launch Meat Loaf as a rock star by agreeing to release his album Bat Out of Hell, which became a major hit.
He also worked with the Jackson 5 after they left Motown Records, and with Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson during his time at Polygram Records. During his career he also helped Boston, Cheap Trick and Ted Nugent.
He is survived by his daughter Pamela Popovich and sister Barb Lemmo, as well as his son.