Michael H. Goldsen

Goldsen, Michael H.
September 5, 1912 - October 19, 2011
Michael H. "Mickey" Goldsen died October 19, 2011 at age 99, surrounded by his family at his home in Encino. Goldsen was a giant in the world of music publishing. After serving as head of Capitol Records' publishing division in the 1940s, where he worked alongside such legends as Johnny Mercer, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole, Goldsen founded and served from 1950 until his death as CEO of Criterion Music Corp., an independent publisher of hits and classics including "These Boots are Made for Walkin'," "Tiny Bubbles," "Doctor my Eyes," "Dream," "Moonlight in Vermont," "Papa Oom Mow Mow," "Seven Year Ache," and dozens of Charlie Parker compositions. Goldsen was loved and respected by his colleagues in the music industry. In 1977 he founded and then served as the first president of the Association of Independent Music Publishers, and was honored as a member of the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to Polynesian music. Goldsen was a frequent visitor to Tahiti for 40 years, since his work on the music for the 1962 production of "Mutiny on the Bounty."
A native of Brooklyn, NY, Goldsen was a sailor and avid tennis player until just after his ninetieth birthday; he would play two sets every morning before commuting from Encino to his office in the heart of Hollywood. Survivors include son Bo, the president of Criterion; daughter Eileen, a music publisher in Paris; daughter Nancy of Newport Beach; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. His beloved wife of 63 years, Adeline, died in 1998. Services will be held Monday, October 24, 2011 at 1pm at Eden Memorial Park, 11500 Sepulveda Boulevard, Mission Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to MusiCares, The Child and Family Guidance Center of Northidge, or the Society of Singers.