The little known Brooklyn ‘hustler’ behind the 1970s most iconic acts
nypost.comKiss — that’s a good name,” Bogart said.“Do you really wanna talk business right now?” Biawitz, who was Kiss’ manager, replied.
Soon after, Bogart signed the band to his fledging label, Casablanca Records, based on the demo alone. “My father signed them sight unseen — he signed them because of the music,” said Bogart’s son, Tim Bogart. “Then he discovered the vision and said, ‘Absolutely — let’s go!’”That defining moment is captured in the new biopic “Spinning Gold,” in theaters on Friday and written and directed by Tim.
The film tells the story of how Bogart (played by Jeremy Jordan) went from being a young Brooklyn hustler to a famed music executive who launched some of the era’s biggest talents.
Kiss would become the first of several iconic artists — including disco legends Donna Summer and the Village People and funk godfathers Parliament and Cameo — to strike gold with Casablanca Records in the ’70s. “Neil was certainly a trendsetter,” said Cameo lead singer and founder Larry Blackmon, whose band was signed to record “Find My Way” for the disco-driven soundtrack to 1978’s “Thank God It’s Friday.” Their sound later became more funky, with hits such as “Word Up!” and “Candy.” “I have a lot of respect for him.
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