Legendary Los Angeles Music Venue Manager Claire Rothman Dies at 97
Claire Rothman, a trailblazing manager who revolutionized the live entertainment industry with her innovative approach to venue management, has passed away at the age of 97. Her remarkable career spanned over five decades, during which she played a pivotal role in shaping the music scene in Los Angeles.
Born into a world where women were scarce in leadership positions, Rothman defied conventions and became one of the first women to manage a venue that hosted both an NBA team (the Lakers) and an NHL team (the Kings). Her tenure at the Forum, which began in 1975, marked a golden era for the Los Angeles music scene. During her early years as general manager, Rothman was instrumental in bringing some of the biggest names in music to the venue, including Prince.
Rothman's unrelenting pursuit of talent earned her a reputation as a shrewd and bold negotiator. Her legendary encounter with Barry Manilow, who joked about competing for his services against rival promoters, was famously recounted in a 1985 Los Angeles Times profile on Rothman. "I'm cuter," she quipped in response.
Her legacy extends beyond her own achievements, as she paved the way for future generations of women in the entertainment industry. Jeanie Buss, daughter of late Lakers owner Jerry Buss, has spoken publicly about Rothman's lasting impact on her life and career. "Claire paved the way for women working in live entertainment... She was tenacious, creative, and indomitable."
Rothman's accomplishments have been immortalized in various forms of media, including a 2022 HBO drama series titled Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, where she was portrayed by actress Gaby Hoffman.
A devoted family woman, Rothman is survived by her son, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her remarkable legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of innovation and determination in shaping the entertainment industry.
Throughout her career, Rothman demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, driving the Forum's appeal as a must-stop destination for concerts and ensuring its status as a premier venue on the West Coast.
Claire Rothman, a trailblazing manager who revolutionized the live entertainment industry with her innovative approach to venue management, has passed away at the age of 97. Her remarkable career spanned over five decades, during which she played a pivotal role in shaping the music scene in Los Angeles.
Born into a world where women were scarce in leadership positions, Rothman defied conventions and became one of the first women to manage a venue that hosted both an NBA team (the Lakers) and an NHL team (the Kings). Her tenure at the Forum, which began in 1975, marked a golden era for the Los Angeles music scene. During her early years as general manager, Rothman was instrumental in bringing some of the biggest names in music to the venue, including Prince.
Rothman's unrelenting pursuit of talent earned her a reputation as a shrewd and bold negotiator. Her legendary encounter with Barry Manilow, who joked about competing for his services against rival promoters, was famously recounted in a 1985 Los Angeles Times profile on Rothman. "I'm cuter," she quipped in response.
Her legacy extends beyond her own achievements, as she paved the way for future generations of women in the entertainment industry. Jeanie Buss, daughter of late Lakers owner Jerry Buss, has spoken publicly about Rothman's lasting impact on her life and career. "Claire paved the way for women working in live entertainment... She was tenacious, creative, and indomitable."
Rothman's accomplishments have been immortalized in various forms of media, including a 2022 HBO drama series titled Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, where she was portrayed by actress Gaby Hoffman.
A devoted family woman, Rothman is survived by her son, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her remarkable legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of innovation and determination in shaping the entertainment industry.
Throughout her career, Rothman demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, driving the Forum's appeal as a must-stop destination for concerts and ensuring its status as a premier venue on the West Coast.
I mean, 97? That's like me trying to remember my own jokes from high school – not exactly a challenge anymore! But seriously, Claire Rothman was a total boss lady back in the day 
. She basically made it cool for women to run venues and book artists, so we can all thank her for that 
. And Prince? Yeah, she brought him to the Forum, which is like, totally legendary 
. I'm pretty sure Barry Manilow's ego didn't hurt either when Claire out-joked him (just kidding, sort of). Anyway, it's sad she's gone, but I guess her legacy will keep making waves for years to come 
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Claire Rothman was literally a legend in my eyes!!! I mean, can you even believe this woman managed the Forum at 97?! She was like a rockstar herself! 
Her legacy is not just about what she did but also about who she inspired - women everywhere are gonna be striving for greatness because of her. It's crazy to think about the stories behind Prince and Barry Manilow, I wish we had more female promoters like her back in the day. Rest in peace Claire you will always be remembered 
Claire Rothman was truly a trailblazer & her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of women in the entertainment industry 
. Her innovative approach to venue management helped shape the music scene in LA & paved the way for others like Jeanie Buss to break into leadership roles 
. As a devoted family woman, it's lovely to know she left behind a loving legacy that will be cherished by her loved ones 
. 97 years is an incredible milestone, testament to her remarkable strength of character & determination 
and I cant believe another legend has left us 
idk how anyone survives for 96 years with a bad heart 
anyway its sad that we lost this trailblazer and I'll just be over here mourning the loss of another iconic figure who will never get to see the industry she worked so hard to shape grow even more 
Her way of bringing top artists like Prince to the Forum was pure magic 
. And that joke with Barry Manilow still cracks me up 
Claire Rothman was literally a legend in la music scene she managed the forum and helped bring prince and barry manilow to the stage 
she paved the way for future women in entertainment and inspired ppl like jeanie buss 
can u imagine what la music scene would be like without her?? 
the hbo drama winning time was so good btw did u see it? 
Anyway, it's clear she left a huge mark on LA music scene and I think her legacy will keep inspiring women in the entertainment industry for years to come. RIP Claire 
. At 97, she passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of women in entertainment 
. Her remarkable story has been immortalized in media, including the HBO drama series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty 
. I'm so grateful to have learned about her life and achievements – she truly was a trailblazer 
What a legend Claire Rothman was! I mean, 97 years old is crazy, right? She totally lived up to her name, managing that iconic Forum venue for decades like it was no big deal 
! But what I think is really impressive is the impact she had on the entire music scene in LA and beyond... she basically paved the way for all those female DJs and promoters we see now 
and women in entertainment still look up to her as an inspiration 
! Can you imagine booking Prince at The Forum back in 1975? That's like me trying to book Drake at my grandma's birthday party... not gonna happen 
. Anyways, Claire's legacy is solid – she paved the way for women in entertainment and showed us all that age is just a number (or so I'm told). RIP Claire, may your great-grandkids be rocking out at The Forum forever 
just another oldie die young... 97 is still pretty impressive if you ask me but i guess it's not like she was gonna live forever lol. all this hype about her pioneering days at the forum tho, I mean i get it, she broke barriers and all that 
. anyway, I guess it's nice to know she paved the way for other women in entertainment... good on her 
97?!?! that's crazy old age but also what an incredible legacy to leave behind bringing Prince and Barry Manilow to the Forum lol like who else could say they out-negotiated Barry Manilow 
cant believe claire rothman is gone 
