Herbert Breslin

Herbert Breslin is a music industry executive. He has been influential in the careers of several musicians since the 1960s, the foremost of these being the tenor Luciano Pavarotti, with whom he started his career.

Work

Breslin began as a publicist and met Pavarotti when both men were only beginning their careers. Their collaboration resulted in both of them eventually becoming powerful and well known.

Breslin's firm has also represented Plácido Domingo, and in fact at one time he worked for both Pavarotti and Domingo at the same time. When Breslin decided to become an artist's manager, he had to make a choice between the two and chose Pavarotti. At various times, the firm also represented Alicia de Larrocha and many others.

In 2002 Pavarotti split with his manager of 36 years. The breakup was followed with the publication of a book by Breslin, along with Anne Midgette, entitled The King & I (Doubleday, 2004), which was seen by many as sensational and overly critical. The book criticizes Pavarotti's acting (in opera), his ability to read music and learn parts, and his personal conduct. Despite the differences leading to the split, however, Breslin does acknowledge Pavarotti's outstanding voice, magnificent career, and positive influence on his own career.