Madison House partner Jesse Aratow dead at 48

“How do you describe a relationship in which you spent five days a week (plus a lot of weekends) with someone for over two decades? »Said Nadia prescher, longtime business partner of Aratow and co-founder of Madison House. “We were rocks for each other. Absolute steadfast support and defense for each other. Who I am and how I am says a lot about Jesse Aratow and his impact on people. Jesse has always given a helping hand. love. The hole Jesse left is a chasm in our community and in my heart and soul. I know I’ll never be the same again, but I know Jesse wouldn’t want it anyway. He would want to. that I’m even better than before. So I’m going to try this and I challenge everyone who loved her to do the same. “

Almost “25 years ago, Jesse and I started our first business in Telluride called Box Canyon Concerts. One of our first shows was with a local bluegrass band called The String Cheese Incident,” says a friend and partner. commercial. Jeremy Stein, President of Madison House Presents. “We’ve never looked back. It’s a rare scenario to be constantly inspired by a close friend for so long. Yet it was always easy with Jesse. Jesse has continually grown his life through genuine connection, clear integrity, love and care to all who crossed his path. I will always be incredibly proud and honored to call myself his friend and brother. “

Kevin morris of Red Light Management, an original partner of Madison House, recounts Billboard, “You will never find a more genuine person in this business. There are no words that can describe the loss we are all feeling right now.” Mike Luba, Founding Partner of Madison House and Senior Vice President of AEG Presents, says: “There were five unique voices at Madison House and without a doubt Jesse has always been the voice of reason. My life will never be the same again. , personally and professionally. “

Michael Travis of The String Cheese Incident said the group feels “deeply saddened by the untimely loss of our incredible brother Jesse. We have no words as tears continue to flow as we sort through this shocking event.” Travis added that Aratow was “our first road manager and our steadfast teammate for 23 years”. Michael Kang of String Cheese Incident adds that Aratow “was and always will be more than our manager and booking agent. He was our hunting companion, connoisseur of great food and libations, amazing father, loving partner, researcher. adventure and through thick and thin he has remained fiercely loyal and true to his principles in all of his affairs. He is part of the family. He will be sorely missed and we hope to honor his legacy and time in our presence. “

JJ Gray describes Aratow as an incredible manager, but noted that their business relationship “pales in comparison to what knowing him has done to me as a human being. The truth is just knowing that Jesse has make me a better man. ” Grey’s agent and longtime friend of Aratow Joshua Chevalier, now vice president at Wasserman Music, says Aratow was “like a brother to me in and out of work and I will miss him dearly. He cared so much about his artists and his Madison House family and fought for them every day. But more than that he was the best human, friend, father and husband. Everyone in our industry should take note of how to prioritize your life Jesse. Devote your time to your family and people that you like first.

Artist Keller Williams remembers the first time he met Aratow. “I believe it was the El Rey Theater in Albuquerque, New Mexico,” he says. “I was opening act for String Cheese and he was the new tour director for them. A warm smile and a handlebar mustache gave him that friendly bodyguard vibe. I think he quickly learned it smelled. better to work in an office. I miss him already. “

Don Strasbourg, co-chair of AEG Presents Rocky Mountains and PNW, says Billboard, “Our community, our family and the music world are suffering. Jesse Aratow was a beacon of kindness. We are all amazed to write these tributes. He was too young, too good a father, husband, friend and lover of music. life. I will carry his love, his commitment and his wisdom forever. “

Pete shapiro of Dayglo Presents describes Aratow as “a good friend to many, and a great champion to his artists. He was ready to fight his friends on behalf of his artists. He would know when to push, and he did so in a way that You really wanted to agree with him. He was fair. He was honest. He was strong. The world needs more of him. I just wish I could book another show with him. “

President of FPC Live Scott leslie Aratow said was “the crazy combination of an agent who always got the best for her clients while being an absolute joy to work with.” Michael sanders with Opus One Productions says that “in 2005, Jesse Aratow was my first and only phone call when I introduced a new artist I was directing, Lotus. Since he started booking the group and guiding their careers , Jesse has been my closest business friend in the music industry. “

Alicia karlin, vice president of world tours and talents at AEG Presents and first assistant to Aratow, recounts Billboard that working with Aratow “was the greatest gift” because “we trained each other to be a team. He showed me that the best way to be successful in this business was to do everything and always have me supported in my journey of touring and working at festivals as an assistant, agent, manager and promoter. He taught me to fight hard while acting with integrity and kindness. “

Agent Cassie Siegel from MINT Talent Group also started him to work for Aratow and was part of his team for 12 years. “He was my mentor and my boss, but more than anything, he was my friend,” she says. “He showed me that patience, kindness and thoughtfulness were the keys to success and that a big bear hug would always help. For 12 years Jesse was only a sliding glass door away from me. I will always remember his nerdy daddy jokes, I will miss our rose birthday lunches and no matter what the weather is, I always promise to ‘keep the dream alive’.

Jon hardage, More Music Group partner, says Aratow “embodying soul and kindness, two characteristics that can sometimes be lacking in the music industry. Jesse was the kind of person who paused whatever he did to listen to what was going on in my life and give thoughtful feedback. ” Bobby Clay to C3 Presents notes that “there was no limit to Jesse’s generosity. He was abundantly generous with his time, his advice and, above all, his wisdom. It’s hard to find words that truly describe what this loss means for the business.

Friends can read more comments on Aratow’s life and leave their own tributes here. Details on a memorial service and celebration of Aratow’s life will be added to this article when details become available.