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Leonard Russell Epand
Leonard Russell Epand
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Leonard Epand Obituary
After writing for Rolling Stone Magazine, the San Francisco Chronicle, Zooworld Magazine, and co-authoring "Making It with Music" with Kenny Rogers, Len transitioned into a career in publicity at Polygram Records, where he became an early champion of music videos in the late 70's before and during the advent of MTV. Eventually starting his own production company "Flashframe Films", his work earned multiple Grammy nominations and awards and two NAACP Image Award nominations. He later became a respected director and producer in political media, with his company "Epand Media" contributed to Michael Bloomberg's mayoral campaigns and Al Gore's 2000 presidential run (amongst hundreds of others).
In retirement, Len returned to performing guitar, becoming a beloved figure in the Greenwich, CT, and Naples, FL music communities with his bands The Avengers and the Johnny Caribe Band.
He is survived by his wife Joan; his brother Rafi; and his children Daniel Gilbertson Epand (Cameron), Megan Epand Mailman (Craig) & Benjamin Gilbertson Epand; and his grandchildren Lennon, Beckett, Keira, Karolina, & Maxwell.
He was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and he will be hugely missed.
A celebration of his life will be held at Innis Arden Golf Club this Wednesday June 18th 2-4:30pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Len's memory to MusiCares or your favorite charity.
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Robin Bosch
July 20, 2025
I always enjoyed his company and hearing the Avengers. He was a great help on the board of Shorelands. Easy to talk to. A laidback guy who just wanted to spend more time with his wife and family. My heart breaks for the family and Joan. Rest in Peace Len.
Lisa Sarna Hansen
July 16, 2025
My love and support to the entire family at this difficult time.
Jerry Jaffe
July 5, 2025
I loved Lenny. Not only did he tolerate me when I was promoted to PR head at Polydor (post Harriet Vidal) when Lenny was a respected head of the west coast office, but he basically taught me the ropes. He was a published author and a man-about-L.A. I had 6 months in the record business. Thank goodness I moved to Promotion shortly thereafter, but Lenny then, on his own, became my agent for an unpublished novel that I had written before my 180 degree career turn. It had been rejected by most of the high profile New York publishing houses, but Len, bless him, landed a right-of-first-refusal film deal with an actual advance. It might never have gone further, but Len made me feel like I was a literary lion at that meeting with the movie company at Art's Deli in the Valley. I'll never forget it and all the great times we had together. R.I.P. my friend.
Jack Ewald
July 3, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Len about 9 years ago. We had an immediate bond in music. Often we would play guitars (mainly Beatles music) at each other´s homes. Len also played in my band Flashback..
He was a gentle soul and was so much fun to be with. I love his song "A Change - Len Epand" on YouTube.. check it out..Len´s personality comes through on it. He will be missed
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Jack Ewald
July 3, 2025
Marjorie Lentz
June 19, 2025
I´m so terribly sorry to hear about Len´s passing. Sending deepest and heartfelt condolences to you all. May his name always be for a blessing.
Scott Tagliarino
June 18, 2025
Len, you were the best. So many great memories dancing to your music and having as much fun as you seemed to be having. Rest in peace, my friend. Scott T.
Sharon Magliano
June 18, 2025
Joan and Family,
It is with heavy heart that we mourn the loss of your beloved husband Len, father and grandfather. We met both of you at Palmira playing tennis and then bought your home on Lavante. Len was a very positive person and friends with many through tennis, golf and his music. He will be missed by the Palmira community. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
Always,
Sharon and Mags
Bas Hartong
June 18, 2025
Dear Joan and family, we were shocked to hear about Len´s sudden passing and our whole family is so sorry for your your loss.
I have known Lenny since 1979 when he was a publicist for Polydor in LA and once we moved to the US in 1982 we both worked at Polygram in the New York office for years and always got along great.
Both our families lived in Greenwich and we have nothing but good memories. I do of our occasional lunches with ex-Polygram colleagues and our kids still talk about spending time with your family during a warm winter day in Vermont, when we all ended up skiing in our bathing suits.
A mutual friend and ex-colleague wrote to me the other day and said: "It was simply impossible not to like a guy like Len Epand."
I think that says it all. He will be missed! Sending our condolences and love to the family and loved ones during these difficult times.
Pete & De Simone
June 18, 2025
Such an interesting life and a wonderful person. Our contact with Len and Joan is only the last several years at Palmira, but his endearing smile and passion for life will be missed by all that knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Joan and your family at this most difficult time.
De & Pete Simone
Jon Wieder
June 18, 2025
Best to Joan and family, we are thinking of you. It has been such a long time seeing Len but the memories are fresh. RIP Len.
Love,
"cousin" Jon, Marie and family
Peter Foldy
June 18, 2025
Very sad to hear about Lenny. I dug up these shots I took in the late 70s. Sending sincere condolences to the family.
Kris Taylor
June 18, 2025
Dear Joan and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Len from working in music videos in New York in the '80's and we shared the privilege of working on the Yoko Ono 'Hell In Paradise' music video in 1986. He was the commissioner and I was producer. It was a great experience and he was a pleasure to work with. Sending much love to family and friends. Kris P Taylor
Arnie Hanish
June 17, 2025
Joan and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. As you know, Len was my dearest Florida friend and always looked forward to our nights at Rocco's Taco's and the annual dinner at Innis. Sorry i can't be with you tomorrow to help you through your grief. I will never forget the weekend we had together in St. Paul last year at the Music festival .
your dear friend,
Arnie
Judy Wieder
June 17, 2025
RIP my sweet cousin, Lenny. The last time we were together was at dad´s memorial. You two loved each other so very much. I wish I knew how to contact Joan. She must be in such pain and shock. Love lives forever, and I love you!
Judy Wieder
310-892-2854
75-650 Mahi IuLani Place
Kailua-Kona Hawaii
96740
Dick Wingate
June 17, 2025
I truly enjoyed working with Len at PolyGram Records, resulting in some memorable award-winning videos that he commissioned. He was a great person to be around and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to Joan and the entire family.
Dick Wingate
June 17, 2025
I truly enjoyed working with Ken at PolyGram Records, resulting in some memorable award-winning videos that he commissioned. He was a great person to be around and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to Joan and the entire family.
Ken Kolb
June 17, 2025
Joan and family, so sorry for your loss.
Len was a man of many things:lover of family, friends, music, business man and knowing the difference between right and wrong and helping to make things better. Mench.
ARTHOR von BLOMBERG
June 17, 2025
From our youthful days at Polydor and then a more resent hookup Len was always a joyful soul. Seeing him rock out in Naples Florida was great surprise. We had some great reminisce and he beemed with pride about his children and life today. My thoughts and blessings go out to him swerling around the music we promoted, James Brown, 10cc, Gloria Gaynor, Pat Travers, Alicia Bridges...oh so many. Good Bye Pal..later...
Bob Ramos
June 17, 2025
Len it was a great thrill and privilege to serve with the Avengers. You welcomed me into the fold with open arms, and I'll never forget what a great night we had at the Nico Vega show. You were clearly so proud of Dan and the group, it was such a euphoric evening with your entire family and crew. God blessed you, Len. Thank you for sharing all your gifts with the world. A life well lived! May you rest in eternal peace. Love Bongo
Daniel Epand
June 17, 2025
I miss you dad
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