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BORN
1940
DIED
2016
Jerry Heller Obituary
No cause of death has been released.
Heller played a role in bringing west coast rap music into the mainstream after meeting Compton rapper Eazy-E and forming Ruthless Records in the mid-1980s. In addition to Eazy-E, for a time he managed Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Michel’le, and Bone-Thugs-n-Harmony.
Actor Paul Giamatti portrayed him in the 2015 film, “Straight Outta Compton,” which dramatized the rise and fall of the rap group N.W.A. Heller filed a defamation lawsuit against the producers claiming that the film would harm his reputation. Most of his suit was dismissed before his death.
Heller co-wrote his book, “Ruthless: A Memoir,” published in 2006. The contentious and influential music released by Ruthless Records sold in the millions and made Heller a wealthy man. It also brought scrutiny by the FBI and run-ins with Los Angeles gangsters.
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Heller was born Oct. 6, 1940, in Cleveland, Ohio. He served in the Army and obtained a business degree from the University of Southern California.
During the 1960s and ’70s, he worked as a music agent and promoter for Pink Floyd, Marvin Gaye, and Elton John, among many others.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Heller
24 Entries
Ramiro Villa
July 13, 2017
R.I.P JERRY THANK YOU FOR BRINGING N.W.A TO US #1 fan
Jay Aaron Podolnick
September 25, 2016
Rest In Peace Jerry.
Jay Aaron Podolnick
September 25, 2016
Rest In Peace my friend.
KESHA CARTER
September 23, 2016
Continue to Rest in Paradise Mr. Jerry Heller! Big Fan of N.w.a and Eazy E.
robert breska
September 22, 2016
JERRY HELLER rest in peace as a former rock promoter jerry took me under his wings and gave me good advice on getting the best rock bands of the time he was a great rock promoter and friend to the end ,god watch over hissoul and grant him a wonderful reincarnation.RIP
BOB BRESKA
Gail Johnson
September 8, 2016
RIP
michelle plakas-kaiser
September 6, 2016
rip
Jonathan Goldstein
September 6, 2016
Jerry was a friend and Business associate of mine we were working on his film project he was a brilliant example of a pioneer who paved the way for many Superstars it's very hard to believe he's gone now and in such a tragic way my heart goes out to his loved ones Gerald Heller it was an honor and a privilege knowing you R. I. P. Brotherman Jonathan Goldstein
September 6, 2016
I am sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray constantly."
September 6, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Mr Heller. May the Almighty God of comfort be with the family and friends at this time of deep sorrow.God love and care for.
September 6, 2016
My condolences to family and friends of Jerry Heller.May the god of comfort be with you at this time.
The Carter Family
September 5, 2016
Thoughts and prayers are offered in behalf of the Heller family during your period of sadness. May the God of all comfort see you through your grief. With deepest sympathy!
September 5, 2016
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
D Tyler
September 5, 2016
Mr. Heller was a man of many talents and worked with some of music greatest talents. Sincere condolences to the Heller family. 1 Peter5:7.
September 5, 2016
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Jerry and extend heartfelt condolences to family and friends.
September 5, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
JF
September 5, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
September 5, 2016
Rest in peace jerry heller without you nwa and the rap game would not have happend. Join eazy e now.
Maria
September 4, 2016
Thank you for bringing such a diversity of talents to the forefront of music. Rest in Peace and enjoy the musical ride.
Bruce Singman
September 3, 2016
I met Jerry a couple of times at performances of my son Cary's rock/ hip hop/ metal band The Chimpz and corresponded with him through email from time to time over the past couple of years and found Jerry to be very warm and caring. He will be missed by many especially all of The Chimpz band members Art, Chuck, Sean, Cary and Shawn. May he rest in peace.
Armando Arredondo
September 3, 2016
Without Jerry, I doubt NWA would have happened, but rest in peace.
September 3, 2016
My condolences to the family and friends. May God grant you peace to cope with your loss Phillippians 4:6,7.
Scott Chamberland
September 3, 2016
Rest in Peace
Adrian Barnette
September 3, 2016
We'll miss you !
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