Burt Sugarman - A Look At His Life And Impact
When you think about the folks who really made a mark on how we watch music on television, one name that surely comes to mind is Burt Sugarman. He's an American film producer and also a businessman who, in a way, helped shape the entertainment scene for many years. It's quite something to consider how his ideas brought live music into so many homes, especially at a time when things were very different on TV.
His work, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, left a lasting impression on what people could enjoy from their living rooms. You know, before the days of endless channels, there was a real hunger for certain kinds of programming, and Burt Sugarman, it seems, had a pretty good sense of what people wanted to see and hear. He managed to put together shows that truly captured the spirit of the times, giving music lovers a regular dose of their favorite performers.
So, if you've ever wondered about the person behind some truly memorable television moments, or perhaps how certain musical acts got into your home, then looking into Burt Sugarman's story is a good place to start. His contributions helped create a special kind of viewing experience, one that people still remember fondly today, and it's almost a little bit amazing how much he accomplished.
Table of Contents
- Who Is Burt Sugarman - A Life Story?
- Burt Sugarman - Personal Details and Bio Data
- What Is The Midnight Special Burt Sugarman Created?
- How Did The Midnight Special Change Television With Burt Sugarman?
- What Famous Artists Did Burt Sugarman Showcase?
- Burt Sugarman and Mary Hart - A Public Interest
- How Has Burt Sugarman Maintained His Legacy?
- What About Burt Sugarman and His Business Success?
Who Is Burt Sugarman - A Life Story?
Burt Sugarman, whose full name is Burton Roy Sugarman, came into the world on January 4, 1939, in the sunny city of Los Angeles. He was born into what you might call a well-to-do family, which probably gave him a bit of a head start, in some respects. From those early days, it seems he was set on a path that would lead him right into the heart of the entertainment business, a place where he would, quite frankly, leave a very big mark. His journey from being a young person in Los Angeles to becoming a distinguished producer shows a certain drive and vision.
Over the years, Burt Sugarman established himself as a prominent figure in both film and television production. He wasn't just someone who worked behind the scenes; he was someone who had ideas and, very importantly, knew how to bring those ideas to life. His contributions are especially remembered for the impact they had during the 1970s and 1980s, a period when television was evolving and new ways of presenting entertainment were being explored. He had a knack, it appears, for seeing what was missing and then creating it, filling a genuine need for viewers who wanted something fresh and different.
His work didn't just appear out of nowhere; it was the result of a consistent effort to innovate and provide quality programming. He really made a name for himself by understanding what audiences were looking for and then delivering it in a way that truly connected with them. This ability to spot a good idea and then turn it into a widely loved show is a big part of what makes his story so interesting, and it’s something that many people still talk about when they remember those times.
Burt Sugarman - Personal Details and Bio Data
| Full Name | Burton Roy Sugarman |
| Date of Birth | January 4, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Occupation | Film and Television Producer, Businessman |
| Known For | Founder and Producer of The Midnight Special |
| Spouse | Mary Hart (third marriage) |
| Net Worth (combined with Mary Hart) | Approximately $100 Million |
What Is The Midnight Special Burt Sugarman Created?
The Midnight Special, a truly special creation by Burt Sugarman, was an original late-night live rock and roll concert show. It wasn't just another music program; it was, in a way, a groundbreaking concept that brought live performances right into people's homes at a time when that kind of viewing was pretty scarce. Imagine a period when televised entertainment wasn't available around the clock, and then suddenly, you had this show that offered real, raw musical acts, often performing right there on your screen in the wee hours. It was a pretty big deal, you know?
This show started its run in 1972 when Burt Sugarman brought his idea to NBC. It was a simple yet very effective concept: provide a platform for popular music artists to perform live, often without the need for lip-syncing, which was quite common on other shows. This gave it a certain authenticity that audiences really responded to. It truly captured the energy of a live concert, making it feel like you were right there in the audience, even if you were just sitting on your couch.
The Midnight Special filled a real gap in the television schedule. Before it came along, if you wanted to see your favorite bands, you often had to wait for a special, or perhaps catch a brief appearance on a talk show. But Burt Sugarman’s show offered a consistent place for music, making it a regular part of many people's late-night routines. It was, in some respects, a very clever way to meet a demand that was clearly there, and it quickly became a beloved program for music enthusiasts across the country.
How Did The Midnight Special Change Television With Burt Sugarman?
The way The Midnight Special, a project from Burt Sugarman, changed television was quite remarkable, really. Before this show, late-night television was, for the most part, dominated by talk shows or reruns. There wasn't a dedicated spot for live music performances, especially rock and pop, that aired consistently. So, when Burt Sugarman introduced this idea to NBC in 1972, it was almost like opening a new door for viewers who craved more musical content.
One of the biggest ways it changed things was by providing a consistent platform for artists to perform live. This meant that fans didn't have to wait for a rare special appearance; they knew they could tune in regularly to see their favorite bands and singers. This helped to bring a certain kind of energy and excitement to the small screen that was previously missing. It was, you could say, a pioneering effort in bringing concert-style performances to a broad audience, making music more accessible than ever before.
Furthermore, The Midnight Special gave a voice and a stage to a wide array of musical styles and artists. It wasn't just about the biggest names; it also gave exposure to emerging acts and different genres. This helped to shape musical tastes and introduce people to new sounds. It also created a space where the spontaneous nature of live music could truly shine, making each episode feel a little bit unique and unpredictable. This focus on live, genuine performances really set it apart and, quite frankly, made it a very important part of music television history.
What Famous Artists Did Burt Sugarman Showcase?
Burt Sugarman’s Midnight Special was, you know, a true treasure trove for music lovers, featuring a truly impressive list of artists who were either at the peak of their careers or just breaking through. The show’s vault, as it's often called, holds performances from some of the biggest names in music history. It was a place where you could catch a glimpse of musical greatness, often in a raw, live setting that was pretty rare for television back then.
For instance, you could see Fleetwood Mac performing at what was arguably the height of their powers, delivering those iconic songs with all the energy they were known for. Then there was Dolly Parton, during her breakthrough crossover from country music into wider popular appeal, showing off her incredible talent to a brand new audience. These were truly special moments, captured for everyone to see, and it's quite something to think about how many legendary acts graced that stage.
The list of performers went on and on, featuring a diverse collection of talent. You had the Bee Gees, with their distinctive sound, and Elton John, known for his flamboyant performances and amazing piano skills. Aerosmith brought their rock energy, while John Heart, Wolfman Jack, Helen Reddy, Donna Summer, and Gladys Knight also made appearances. Even groups like KC and the Sunshine Band, The Emotions, Peter McCann, and Cat Stevens were part of the lineup. It was, basically, a who's who of popular music from that era, all brought together by Burt Sugarman's vision.
Burt Sugarman and Mary Hart - A Public Interest
The personal life of Burt Sugarman, particularly his marriage to Mary Hart, has, you know, often captured the interest of the public. Mary Hart, who is very well-known for her long tenure as the host of Entertainment Tonight, is a familiar face to many. So, when two public figures like them come together, there's often a natural curiosity about their relationship. It's just how things tend to be when people are in the public eye, and their story is no exception.
Mary Hart's connection to Burt Sugarman became a topic of discussion for fans who had long been interested in her personal life. She had, in fact, been married before, divorcing her first husband, Terry Hart, in the 1970s, though she kept his last name. A decade later, she married for the second time and resided in the Trousdale Estates neighborhood. Burt Sugarman, on the other hand, had also been married previously; Mary Hart is his third marriage. This kind of history often adds to the public's fascination, as people like to follow the lives of those they admire or have seen on screen.
The combined net worth of Burt Sugarman and Mary Hart, which stands at around $100 million, also tends to draw attention. People are often interested in the financial aspects of successful individuals, wondering about their revenue streams and how they've built their wealth. This interest is a pretty common thing, as people often look to successful figures for inspiration or just simple curiosity. The fact that they are both accomplished in their own fields makes their partnership, in a way, even more intriguing to many.
How Has Burt Sugarman Maintained His Legacy?
Burt Sugarman has, in a way, ensured that his significant contributions to the entertainment world continue to be remembered and enjoyed by new generations. One of the clearest examples of this is how the highlights from his iconic show, The Midnight Special, have been repackaged and made available again. This is a pretty smart way to keep the spirit of the show alive and let people experience those amazing performances once more, or even for the very first time.
These highlights are now offered in three new DVD collections through StarVista Entertainment and Time Life. This means that fans, both old and new, can access those classic live performances by legendary artists like Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton, and so many others. It’s almost like a time capsule, allowing people to go back and witness those moments that were, at one point, only available during late-night broadcasts. This effort to preserve and redistribute the content is a big part of how his legacy endures.
By making these performances available again, Burt Sugarman helps to remind people of the unique place The Midnight Special held in television history. It wasn't just a show; it was a cultural touchstone for many, shaping how people experienced music on screen. So, through these collections, his work continues to influence and entertain, proving that good content, honestly, truly stands the test of time, and that's a pretty powerful way to maintain a lasting impact.
What About Burt Sugarman and His Business Success?
Burt Sugarman's success isn't just limited to his creative output in television production; he's also a very accomplished businessman. His financial standing, with a combined net worth of approximately $100 million alongside his wife Mary Hart, really shows a significant level of business acumen. People have, quite naturally, become interested in learning about his financial success and how he has managed to build such wealth over the years, and it's a topic that often comes up when discussing his career.
Over the years, Sugarman has produced a variety of projects beyond The Midnight Special, which has, you know, contributed to his overall financial picture. While the provided text doesn't go into the specific details of all his revenue streams, it's clear that his work as a film and television producer has been consistently profitable. This kind of success in the entertainment industry often comes from a combination of creative vision, smart business decisions, and a good understanding of market trends, and it seems Burt Sugarman possesses all of these qualities.
His ability to identify opportunities, like the need for a live music show in the 1970s, and then execute on those ideas, speaks volumes about his business savvy. It's not just about having a good idea; it's about knowing how to turn that idea into something that is both popular and financially viable. So, his net worth is, in some respects, a reflection of a career built on successful ventures and a deep involvement in the entertainment business, making him a figure of considerable influence and financial standing.
Burt Sugarman, born Burton Roy Sugarman in Los Angeles in 1939, is a distinguished American film and television producer and businessman. He is most widely recognized for creating and producing "The Midnight Special," an original late-night live rock and roll concert show that premiered on NBC in 1972. This program significantly impacted television by providing a consistent platform for live music performances, featuring a wide array of famous artists like Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton, the Bee Gees, and Elton John. His personal life, including his marriage to television personality Mary Hart, has also garnered public interest. Highlights from "The Midnight Special" have been repackaged into DVD collections, helping to maintain his legacy. Sugarman's business success is reflected in his considerable net worth, built through his various production ventures in the entertainment industry.
Pictures of Burt Sugarman
Pictures of Burt Sugarman
Pictures of Burt Sugarman
