Michelle Zarin

In Loving Memory of Michelle Zarin

July 6, 1942 - July 11, 2025

Michelle Zarin, a beloved daughter, sister, trailblazer, and champion of music and the people who make it, passed away on July 11, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She had just celebrated her 83rd birthday. Born on July 6, 1942, in New York City, Michelle was the daughter of the late Harry Zarin and Fay Zarin. Michelle leaves behind her devoted sisters Judith, Nancy, and Deborah, as well as their families who cherished her vibrant presence, wisdom, and warmth. Michelle is also lovingly remembered by many dear friends including Maureen Droney, Guy Richards, and Eydie Palmieri, who shared in her journey and treasured her deeply. She is also greatly missed by her devoted friend in Las Vegas, Hannelore Talabis.

From her earliest days, Michelle's life was guided by rhythm. As a young girl, she commuted into Manhattan for ballet classes, and in her teens, she became one of the shining dance stars of New York's legendary Palladium Ballroom in the golden age of Mambo and Latin dance. Her heart belonged to the pulse of Latin music, and it would become the foundation of her remarkable career.

With the encouragement of famed Puerto Rican singer Ismael Rivera, Michelle transitioned from dancer to industry professional, eventually relocating to San Francisco to pursue a career in music production. At the iconic Record Plant in Sausalito, she became one of the first female General Managers in the recording industry. Michelle brought compassion, organization, and vision to a space where creativity flourished, famously saying, "Making a record was like having a baby. You gave them the support they needed through their labor."

Her next chapter at The Automatt studio marked a defining chapter in her remarkable journey. As General Manager, Michelle helped shape the cultural and professional heart of one of San Francisco's most storied recording spaces. She was thanked in the liner notes of albums by Sly and the Family Stone, Fleetwood Mac, Van Morrison, and countless others - a rare and genuine mark of the love and gratitude artists felt for her. As founder David Rubinson once described her, "She was a gift... she took over the studio and treated it like it was her own. Everybody loved her, she was phenomenal". Michelle's Friday wine-and-cheese gatherings became the stuff of studio lore - places where ideas sparked, collaborations began, and community was built. She counted legendary promoter Bill Graham among her greatest mentors and friends, a bond forged through shared values of excellence, loyalty, and fearlessness.

Michelle's sole venture into concert promotion was as bold as it was successful for Latin music legends Eddie Palmieri and Oscar de León with a groundbreaking show in San Francisco. Later, she helped Palmieri secure a major-label deal with Columbia/Epic Records for the seminal 1978 album Lucumi, Macumba, Voodoo, an album that was then dedicated to her.

In 1986, Michelle became the manager of legendary band Tower of Power, leading them through more than 20 years of successful tours and recordings. Her fierce devotion to the musicians, her staff, and every member of the crew was the backbone of the band's longevity and success. She believed in doing things the right way, with heart, dignity, and deep care for the people involved.

Even in retirement, Michelle stayed true to her principles. She was a passionate supporter of progressive causes, campaigning for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. She delighted in meeting President Obama at a Las Vegas fundraiser and proudly opened her home to young volunteers during his campaign.

Her love of music endured throughout her life. After discovering composer Arthur Arnold, Michelle became a generous patron and regular visitor to the PRISMA Festival (Pacific Region International Summer Music Association) in Powell River, British Columbia. Michelle found joy in supporting young classical musicians, their passion rekindling her love of music in her later years.

Michelle Zarin lived with passion, purpose, and unmatched generosity. She was a woman who made space for others to thrive - on the dance floor, in the studio, on the road, and in life. Her legacy lives on in the music she helped bring into the world and in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Michelle's honor to prismafestival.com, an organization she held close to her heart.