Marty Erlichman, who managed Barbra Streisand for 60 years, dies at 97

Marty Erlichman, the entertainment executive who discovered and managed Barbra Streisand for more than six decades, died on Saturday. He was 97. The cause of death was listed as age-related. His long tenure with Streisand involved negotiating business agreements and overseeing the commercial side of her career as she moved from New York nightclubs to international stardom.

Erlichman’s career in the entertainment industry began before his work with Streisand. He managed the Irish folk group The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. His client list later expanded to include heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, record producer Bob Crewe, the 1960s pop group Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, and comedian Chevy Chase.

The partnership between Erlichman and Streisand produced several major commercial and creative projects. Erlichman worked on her 2000 Millennium Concert and her world tour that ran from 2006 to 2007. He also served as executive producer for the 1994 HBO special, “Barbra: The Concert.” In addition to his management role, Erlichman worked as a film producer on three specific titles. These included Streisand’s 1974 comedy “For Pete’s Sake,” the 1978 thriller “Coma” directed by Michael Crichton, and the 1983 romantic thriller “Breathless,” which starred Richard Gere.

Streisand issued a statement following the news of his death. “Although Marty lived a long and full life, nothing can prepare you for the reality of losing someone so dear,” Streisand said. “I truly thought he would live forever. In my eyes, he was simply indestructible, always by my side, through everything. He can never be replaced, and I will be forever grateful for his friendship, loyalty, and unwavering support.”

Erlichman’s family also shared a statement describing their feelings. “To the world, he was a giant of Hollywood; to us, he was a deeply devoted and loving father, husband, grandfather, and rock,” the family wrote. “We feel his loss deeply but are endlessly proud of the life he lived and the indelible mark he left on the world.”

Erlichman was born on Sept. 13, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He is survived by his wife, Miko Mayama Erlichman; their son, J.J.; daughter-in-law, Talia; and four grandchildren.

The family suggested that donations in his memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the National Kidney Foundation.