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Irwin Mazur's life reads like a screenplay, so it is no surprise that the man who discovered Billy Joel as a teenage musician on Long Island has been approached by Jaigantic Studios to participate in a biopic called Piano Man. Mazur discovered Billy Joel in 1966 while attending The University of Pennsylvania dental school. His dad owned a club on Long Island and showcased local bands on the weekends. "I would drive from Philadelphia to New York every weekend to audition new bands. I knew music was going to be my eventual path, not drilling and filling!" When Billy Joel came into the club and auditioned, I knew immediately that he was a unique and special talent. Irwin left dental school to begin his management foray into the world of music, with an undeniable belief that Billy Joel could be a super star,
Mazur spent the years of 1966 to 1972 managing, nurturing, and giving confidence to a singer songwriter whose talent and career has now been applauded for over 50 years. Mazur says, 'although I never had a chance to sit back and bask in Billy's success, I have always taken great pride in recognizing an acorn of talent that would grow to be a giant oak tree" It was an important lesson, as Irwin would come to understand in life.
Mazur's management career continued after Billy, and although he put his formidable management skills behind some very gifted artists, it became apparent that although talent and tenacity are vital, sometimes timing can be most important. His next dip into music business waters was when he was chosen to take the seat of Senior Vice President for April Blackwood Music/C.B.S. Songs. There he championed music for the publishing giant from 1977 to 1982 with great success.
As popular music was playing a great part in the making of movies, Mazur saw a new musical niche and started up a music supervision company, Cine Music. With early success providing contemporary songs into films like, Ghostbusters, and many others, a significant downturn came when movie companies began having in house music supervision that finally led to the beginning of a new career for a man ready for change.
In 1988, at 46 years old Irwin Mazur traded in his musical background for a career that he believed might give him more stability and hopefully less frustration, oddly enough, the "Stock Market". As it turned out his good reputation in the entertainment business attracted many big-name clients and brokerage firms. Finally, Irwin began to thrive in an environment that respected and rewarded honesty, integrity, and reliability. He has spent his second career in an exciting and even though it can be unpredictable, more reliable road. Still a great fan of music, he loves it listens to it, but doesn't depend on it. By the way, Irwin's son Bret Mazur is very much involved in the business of music ....and he loves it! To this day, Irwin, and his wife of 50 years, Jackie, navigate a life that they have built. Enjoying a wonderful family, lots of friends and many good times. As Irwin Mazur approaches 80 years old he smiles and says, "life's ups and downs teach us all a lot about living as best we can while we can."
