One of the all-time music industry greats, Jazz Summers, died last night following a long battle with lung cancer.
"Jazz was a one-off - they broke the mould after his creation," reads a statement from the Music Mangers Forum. "A manager since the '70s, Jazz guided the careers of Richard Digance, Wham!, Yazz, The Verve, Snow Patrol and London Grammar amongst many others.
"His style was unique in a world of mavericks and individuals and was outlined in his recently published autobiography Big Life named after his last management company. He was a Board member and Chairman of the MMF and was awarded the prestigious Peter Grant Award in 2003. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched."
Asked a few years ago about their former manager, Gary Lightbody reflected that, "Jazz Summers is a fucking lion. If you're part of his pride he will fight to the death for you. He can make grown men cry and shit themselves. He is, though, essentially a kind man with a big heart with a deep capacity for love. Just don't piss him off!"
"Heartbroken to hear that my friend and ex-manager has passed away," rues Boy George. "He was a formidable force of nature! A fighter till the end."
"Jazz Summers meant the world to the four of us," say another of his charges, The Futureheads. "He had a huge heart and was full of vital energy to always make things happen."
Adds former Dananananaykroyd drummer John Baillie Jr: "Sad to hear about the passing of Jazz Summers, grateful to have felt his passion for music and for the tremendous faith he put in us."