Claude Brenton Wilson Jr.

CLAUDE BRENTON WILSON, JR.

1926 ­ 2008

Longtime director of Bidwell Title and Escrow and veteran entertainment executive Brent Wilson of Sherman Oaks died Friday, October 24th following a long illness. A charter member of the Grammy organization, Wilson managed a diverse roster of performers that included the King Sisters, actor Billy Barty, Kirby ŒSky King' Grant, and other 50s and 60s screen and music icons.

Born February 16, 1926, ŒMud' Wilson graduated from Oroville Union High School where he fronted a succession of local dance bands before serving in the European theater with the U.S. Army. He renewed his bandleader career while attending San Jose State University in the late 40s with classmate and composer/conductor Allyn Ferguson. In 1949, he and Marg Ann Bonner were married in Oroville. When MCA tapped him to handle its Bay Area and Pacific Northwest bookings, he shelved his baton to run the San Francisco office, frequently booking local jazz singer Johnny Mathis. By the late 50s, Wilson was soloing as a personal manager in Los Angeles with pioneering pedal steel guitarist Alvino Rey, comedian/impressionist Dick Kerr, and a reinvigorated lineup of the big band era King Sisters vocal quartet. In 1957, he became an original member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

In the mid-60's, Wilson operated the entertainment side of the Sahara Tahoe casino. Later projects included a successful San Diego modeling agency, collaborations with trumpeter Al Hirt and ŒJesus Christ Superstar'' frontman Ted Neely, and a third career with the Bullock's department store chain. He was active in the Boy Scouts, a lifelong collector of art, and a devotee of live jazz and classical music.

He is survived by three children, Marc Wilson of Chico and Paula Wilson Cushman and Brad Wilson of Sherman Oaks.

A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, November 8th at the First Christian Church of North Hollywood, 4930 Colfax Avenue in Studio City.