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Ex–Beatles Manager Klein Dead At 77

Abrasive manager feuded with both Paul McCarney and Mick Jagger

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 4, 2009 5:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – Allen Klein, the bare-knuckle Beatles manager whom many blame for splitting up the group, died today after battling Alzheimer’s disease, Reuters reports. The former New Jersey accountant, who also managed the Rolling Stones, became a legend in his own right, known for his gangster-like business style in a career spanning more than 50 years. He was 77.

In the mid-1960s, he alienated Mick Jagger by snapping up ownership of the Stones’ recordings and copyrights. He later managed the Beatles at the behest of John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison—and against the opposition of Paul McCartney. Survived by his wife and three adult children, Klein will be remembered Tuesday at a funeral in New York.

[Images (2)]

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In this January 1977 file photo,Yoko Ono, center, and John Lennon, right, are shown with Allen Klein. (AP Photo, file)

Music enterpreneur Allen Klein, famous for his involvment with The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, died today at age 77. (Getty Images)

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The music business is about 99% no-talent losers who can't stand a winner in their midst. I'm a winner, and if they want to sour grape my success by calling me names, let them. I don't give a s***. - Allen Klein, Playboy Magazine, 1971

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Ex–Beatles Manager Klein Dead At 77