Legendary Artist Manager SHEP GORDON on His Client Alice Cooper, Samuel Waxman Honor and “Supermensch”

Shep Gordon is one of the all-time greats when it comes to managers in the music industry. Beyond working with Alice Cooper for nearly 50 years, his client base has included Anne Murray, Luther Vandross, Blondie, Pink Floyd, and George Clinton. Gordon can also be credited for inventing the celebrity chef, as he worked with A-List chefs like Daniel Boulud, Wolfgang Puck, Nobu Matsuhisa and Emeril Lagasse under his Alive Culinary Enterprises agency. Gordon has also produced films, served on charitable boards, and found success as a restaurateur.

In 2013, Gordon’s successes were highlighted in the documentary Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon. Directed by Mike Myers, Supermensch included glowing testimonials from Cooper, Lagasse, Michael Douglas, Willie Nelson, Steven Tyler, Sammy Hagar and Sylvester Stallone. This film also created demand for Gordon to write a proper memoir, which he did with 2016’s They Call Me Supermench: A Backstage Pass To The Amazing Worlds Of Film, Food, And Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Last year, Gordon was honored at the 13th Annual Hamptons Happening in New York, as benefiting the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. In advance of the event, Gordon answered a few questions via e-mail.

Check out an official Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon movie trailer.

You are being honored at this year’s A Hamptons Happening by the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. How did you first become aware of this organization?
Gordon: I have friends in the Maptons who had told me about their great work. I’m a survivor, so it’s very relevant.

Managers are generally kept in the background, but Supermensch put you into the spotlight, as did your recent memoir. Had you often been recognized publicly before the film?
Gordon: Never.

Is there anything from Supermensch that you wish were covered differently? Or got more focus than it did?
Gordon: No, it was Mike Myers’ film and I loved it.

Your client Alice Cooper just released another studio album. Do you have a favorite song on the album?
Gordon: “Genuine American Girl.”

Will the Hollywood Vampires be returning anytime soon with new music or another tour? I had the pleasure of attending the Coney Island show, and was very impressed with how tight the band was in spite of Joe’s on-stage emergency.
Gordon: Yes, next summer.

Samuel Waxman honor aside, what is coming up for you in the coming months?
Gordon: Alice Cooper is on tour. Go see him in Vegas next. I’m doing some public talks. Playing with the great-grandchildren!

When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time? Are you still based in Hawaii?
Gordon: Cooking in Maui.

Finally, Shep, any last words for the kids?
Gordon: Dream big and don’t be scared to fail.

Check this clip with Gordon discussing the moment that changed his life.