Phil Kaufman (producer)

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Phil Kaufman
Born (1935-04-26) April 26, 1935 (age 86)
United States
GenresFolk rock, rock, soul, R&B, blues
Occupation(s)Record producer, tour manager, author
Associated actsJoe Cocker
Etta James
The Rolling Stones
Frank Zappa

Philip C. Kaufman (born April 26, 1935)[1] is an American record producer, tour manager, and author, best known for stealing the body of country musician Gram Parsons, and burning it in Joshua Tree National Monument. This was later chronicled in the film Grand Theft Parsons. He authored the book Road Mangler Deluxe, an autobiography about his experiences in the music business. He worked with Parsons, The Rolling Stones, Emmylou Harris, Joe Cocker, Frank Zappa, Hank Williams III, Etta James, and many more.[2]

Kaufman's first musical role was as the driver and assistant to The Rolling Stones during the recording of Beggar's Banquet, referred to by Mick Jagger as his "executive nanny."[3][4]

Kaufman had previously acted in Hollywood, with bit parts in Spartacus, Riot in Juvenile Prison, and Pork Chop Hill, among others, before a felony marijuana smuggling conviction in the mid 1960s.[citation needed] After getting out of prison (where he befriended fellow inmate Charles Manson), he was offered a job driving for Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull, who were in Los Angeles at the time for the mixing of Beggars Banquet.[2][3][4][5]

Through Keith Richards, Kaufman met Gram Parsons, and agreed to tour manage his group The Flying Burrito Brothers, although he had no prior tour managing experience.[3]

The song "Why Does It Hurt When I Pee?" from Frank Zappa's album Joe's Garage tells the story of Kaufman's "urination problems".[6]

Parsons' death[]

After Parsons' death from an accidental drug overdose, Kaufman borrowed a hearse and drove to Los Angeles International Airport, convincing airline staff to release Parsons' body to him. According to Kaufman, he had made a pact with Parsons prior to his death regarding handling of their remains in the event of either Parsons' or Kaufman's death. The 2003 movie Grand Theft Parsons follows Kaufman taking Parsons' body and burning it in the desert, with Johnny Knoxville portraying Kaufman.[2]

Charles Manson[]

Kaufman met Charles Manson while they were inmates in Terminal Island Prison. According to Kaufman, a guard taunted Manson that he would never get out; Manson calmly responded by looking up from his guitar and saying, "Get out of where?"[7][8]:page74​ Manson aspired to be a successful singer–songwriter and Kaufman found him to be good company. He thought Manson was a bad guitar player, but capable enough as a singer and songwriter to have a chance of getting a record contract. Before Manson's release Kaufman gave him the name of a friend in the film industry, producer Gary Stromberg at Universal Studios. Kaufman advised Manson to wait a few months after he was released to acclimatize to the outside world, and work on his songs, before contacting Stromberg. Manson promised to take the advice.[8]:pages74-75​[9][10]

Months after his release, Manson went to see Stromberg with four female devotees. On the recommendation from Kaufman, the producer authorized a studio recording session. Instead of having been prepared as Kaufman suggested, Manson was unfocused and amateurish, making the recording a disappointment.[8]:page124​ Kaufman was released the next year, and would spend time living with the Manson Family. According to Kaufman, he has "had sex with more murderers than anyone else in show business." Kaufman later left "the Family," claiming it was because he was "too smart".[3]

Manson album[]

Kaufman produced and released Manson's album at the height of his notoriety, but found that he could not get anyone to stock Lie: The Love and Terror Cult.[8]:page314​

Kaufman and the LaBianca murders[]

Manson Family murder victims Leno and Rosemary LaBianca's home was next door to a house where Kaufman once lived. Members of the Manson Family had allegedly attended a party there with Kaufman when still friendly with him.[11][12]

References[]

  1. ^ "Phil Kaufman, renowned road manager, celebrates 75th birthday: updated".
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Road Mangler Deluxe". Amazon. Archived from the original on 2002-04-02. Retrieved 2017-09-08.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "Rock and Roll's Most Infamous Tour Manager". VICE. Archived from the original on 2021-08-09. Retrieved 2017-09-11.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b "Grand Theft Parsons : Phil Kaufman". Archived from the original on 2013-01-26. Retrieved 2013-01-28.
  5. ^ "Phil Kaufman: Executive Nanny, Corpse-Rustler, Road-Mangler Deluxe". Alternatives to Valium. Archived from the original on 2013-05-12. Retrieved 2013-01-28.
  6. ^ "Why Does It Hurt When I Pee + Sofa". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2016-05-16. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
  7. ^ Charles Manson By Simon Wells
  8. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Guinn, Jeff. Manson: The Life and Times of Charles Manson. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9781451645187.
  9. ^ Bugliosi, Vincent; Gentry, Curt (1974). Helter Skelter. Arrow Books Limited. ISBN 0-09-997500-9. p199
  10. ^ London Review of Books, London Review of Books The way out is not through the door Archived 2015-01-10 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ^ Haring, Bruce (October 18, 2020). "Los Feliz House Where Leno And Rosemary LaBianca Were Slain By Manson Gang Back On Market". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
  12. ^ Bruney, Gabrielle (August 25, 2019). "Before orchestrating a series of murders, the cult leader pursued a music career". Esquire. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
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