Early Life
David Lawrence Geffen was born on February 21, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were Jewish immigrants. Geffen attended Brooklyn College, University of Texas at Austin (dropped out) and Santa Monica College (no degree). He attributed his challenges in school to dyslexia.
Rise to Success
Geffen's career began in the entertainment industry in 1964, working in the mailroom at the William Morris Agency. He rose quickly through the ranks to become a talent agent. He co-founded Asylum Records in 1971, which became a haven for singer-songwriters. In 1980, Geffen founded Geffen Records, signing artists like Donna Summer and John Lennon. The label later became a powerhouse in the music industry. In 1994, Geffen co-founded DreamWorks SKG with Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg, a major multimedia studio. He left DreamWorks in 2008.
Key Business Strategies
Geffen's success stems from his keen ability to recognize and nurture talent. He has a knack for identifying and signing artists with unique musical styles. He also formed strategic partnerships and investments, like those with Warner Bros. Records and MCA. Geffen also made savvy investments in companies like Apple and Activision Blizzard.
Philanthropy
Geffen has made significant philanthropic contributions, primarily in the areas of education, health, and the arts. He donated $200 million to UCLA’s School of Medicine, which was renamed the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He also donated to Lincoln Center, which renamed Avery Fisher Hall to David Geffen Hall.
