Jerry Kravat

Jerry Kravat

Jerry Kravat, a respected Artist Manager, concert booker, music industry professional – and a beloved patriarch to his family - died March 31, 2008 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City. He was 72. Mr. Kravat grew up in the Bronx, attended Music and Art High School, served in the U.S. Army for two years, and graduated from NYU. In the decades that followed, Jerry Kravat's name became synonymous with New York entertainment. He began his career as a performer, playing piano in the Catskills, before shifting to the business side via an early partnership with Skitch Henderson. He was a self-professed 'lousy' accordion player, and was relieved to find his true calling as a band leader and businessman.

As the Jerry Kravat Orchestra, he succeeded Guy Lombardo as Musical Director of the famed New Years Eve Ball Drop in Time Square. He evolved into a formidable figure in the entertainment industry, ending up as the primary source of music for the Waldorf Astoria, the Entertainment Director for Monaco, and organizer of numerous international events. Mr. Kravat found his most rewarding professional relationships during his many years as manager of Barbara Cook, as music booker for the Café Carlyle, and working with a who's who of legendary singers, ranging from Lena Horne to Judy Collins to Eartha Kitt. He brought class and integrity to his work, and provided his artists and clients with a trusted, experienced ally.

He was a treasured family man, and is survived by his wife, Marty Kravat, and his twin sister, Muriel Barall. He is also survived by his five children: Dr. Darwin Buschman, Lynne Buschman-Fielding, Leah Kravat, Amanda Kravat and Jenny Kravat Solomon, as well as his step-daughters Betsy Grass and Julie Wurts. Mr. Kravat loved his 13 grandchildren: Holly, Drummond, Wayan, Stella, Lucy, Tobias, Rainen, Jack, Henry, Lily, Ben, Nicholas and Emma.

Funeral will take place Thursday at 11am, at Plaza Jewish Community Memorial Chapel, 91st Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Kristen Ann Carr Fund for the study of soft cell sarcoma, via www.sarcoma.com.