Burt Sugarman - A Television And Film Producer
When you think about the music and television landscape of the 1970s and 1980s, there's a good chance a certain name might not immediately come to mind, yet his influence truly shaped what many of us watched and listened to. This person, a quiet force behind some very loud and memorable performances, helped bring live music directly into people's homes at a time when that was a rather new idea. His work gave countless artists a place to shine, creating moments that still resonate with fans of that particular era.
You see, before the days of music videos around the clock or even dedicated music channels, getting to experience your favorite bands play live on television was, well, a bit of a special occasion. It was a time when entertainment wasn't just there whenever you wanted it, so shows that offered something different really stood out. This is where the vision of a particular producer came into play, someone who saw an opening and filled it with something truly unique, something that felt like a real happening for music lovers everywhere.
The individual we are talking about is Burt Sugarman, a name that might not be on everyone's lips today, but whose creative efforts left a big mark on American popular culture. His dedication to bringing raw, authentic musical performances to a wide audience helped define an entire generation's viewing habits. He managed to put together a show that became a go-to spot for seeing some of the biggest acts of the day, making him a very important figure in the history of televised music.
Table of Contents
- Who is Burt Sugarman?
- Personal Details of Burt Sugarman
- The Midnight Special - How Did Burt Sugarman Change TV?
- A Look at Burt Sugarman and His Impact on Artists
- What About Burt Sugarman and His Business Side?
- Mary Hart and Burt Sugarman - A Public Connection
- Where Are the Highlights from Burt Sugarman Today?
- Burt Sugarman - A Legacy in Entertainment
Who is Burt Sugarman?
Burt Sugarman, whose full birth name is Burton Roy Sugarman, is a person who came from Los Angeles, California. He was born on January 4, 1939. He came from what people would call a "well family," which, you know, often means he had a good start in life, perhaps with opportunities that allowed him to pursue his interests. He grew up to become a very notable American film and television producer, and also someone involved in business ventures. His work really made a splash, especially during the 1970s and 1980s, a time when television was evolving quite a bit. He is, in some respects, recognized for bringing new kinds of entertainment to the screens in people's homes.
Personal Details of Burt Sugarman
Here's a quick look at some personal facts about Burt Sugarman, gathered from what people know about him. This information gives us a little more insight into the person behind the productions.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Burton Roy Sugarman |
| Date of Birth | January 4, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Television and Film Producer, Businessman |
| Spouse | Mary Hart (his third marriage) |
| Net Worth (combined with wife) | Around $100 million |
The Midnight Special - How Did Burt Sugarman Change TV?
One of the biggest things Burt Sugarman is remembered for is creating and producing "The Midnight Special." This show was, quite simply, a truly groundbreaking idea for its time. Back in 1972, he walked into NBC with this concept for a late-night program that would feature live rock and roll concerts. It was, in a way, a very bold move because televised entertainment wasn't available around the clock like it is now. People typically had limited options for what to watch, especially late at night.
"The Midnight Special" became the original late-night live rock and roll concert show, offering viewers something they couldn't get anywhere else. It provided a stage for musical groups and solo artists to perform their songs live, without the usual talk show format interruptions. This was a pretty big deal, as it gave audiences a chance to see their favorite musicians truly perform, which was a rare treat on television back then. The show, you know, really filled a gap for music lovers who wanted more than just recorded songs.
The show's format was straightforward: it was all about the music. This focus allowed the performances to be the main attraction, and it created a special atmosphere for viewers at home. It was, arguably, a direct way for artists to connect with their fans through their live sound. Burt Sugarman's vision for this program helped shape what people expected from music on television for years to come.
A Look at Burt Sugarman and His Impact on Artists
The impact of Burt Sugarman's "The Midnight Special" on musical artists was, to be honest, quite significant. The show became a platform where some of the biggest names in music, and even those just starting to make a name for themselves, could reach a wide audience. His "vault," as it's sometimes called, holds a wealth of performances from enduring artists, showcasing them often at the peak of their creative abilities.
Think about it: Fleetwood Mac, for instance, appeared on the show when they were really hitting their stride, delivering powerful performances that captured their live energy. Dolly Parton, too, had a spot, showing her breakthrough crossover from country music to a broader appeal. These appearances gave artists a chance to display their talents to millions of people who might not have had the opportunity to see them in concert. It was, in a way, a crucial stepping stone for many.
Other famous acts that graced the stage of "The Midnight Special" included the Bee Gees, Elton John, Aerosmith, and even the iconic Wolfman Jack, who often hosted the show. You also had Helen Reddy, Donna Summer, and Gladys Knight bringing their unique sounds. Later on, acts like KC and the Sunshine Band, The Emotions, Peter McCann, and Cat Stevens also made appearances. This variety of talent, you know, truly highlighted the show's wide appeal and Burt Sugarman's ability to attract top performers.
The show allowed these artists to present their music in a raw, often extended format, which was quite different from the short, lip-synced segments found on other variety shows. This commitment to live performance, basically, helped cement the reputations of many musicians and gave fans a deeper appreciation for their artistry.
What About Burt Sugarman and His Business Side?
Beyond his creative role as a producer, Burt Sugarman is also known as a businessman. His ability to spot an opportunity, like the need for a late-night music show, shows a keen sense of the market. Over the years, he has produced various projects, and these ventures have, naturally, contributed to his financial standing. People have, apparently, become interested in learning about his net worth and where his money comes from, especially looking ahead to future years like 2025.
It's often reported that Burt Sugarman has a considerable net worth, which, you know, is quite common for successful producers and business people in the entertainment world. The figures mentioned sometimes vary, but one widely cited number puts his combined net worth with his wife, Mary Hart, at around $100 million. This kind of wealth comes from a range of revenue streams that someone in his position would typically have, including his work in television and film production, as well as any other investments or business dealings he has been involved in.
His success in television, particularly with "The Midnight Special," would have generated significant income through advertising and syndication over the years. Plus, the ongoing availability of his show's highlights in repackaged forms, like DVD collections, still provides a source of revenue. This shows how, in a way, his early work continues to be a part of his financial story.
Mary Hart and Burt Sugarman - A Public Connection
The personal life of public figures often draws curiosity, and Burt Sugarman is no different, especially when it comes to his marriage to Mary Hart. Mary Hart, of course, is widely known as the former host of "Entertainment Tonight," a very popular show that covered the world of celebrities and movies. Fans have, for a long time, been quite interested in her personal story, including who she married.
Burt Sugarman is Mary Hart's husband, and their connection has been a topic of public discussion. It's worth noting that this is Burt Sugarman's third marriage. Mary Hart herself had been married before, divorcing her first husband, Terry Hart, in the 1970s, though she kept his last name. A decade after that, she married for a second time and, apparently, lived in the Trousdale Estates neighborhood.
Their relationship brings together two people who have both had significant careers in the entertainment industry, though in different capacities. Mary Hart's visibility as a television personality and Burt Sugarman's work behind the scenes as a producer make them a well-known couple in certain circles. Their shared life, you know, is a part of the broader story of their public personas.
Where Are the Highlights from Burt Sugarman Today?
Even though "The Midnight Special" aired decades ago, the performances and moments captured by Burt Sugarman's show are, thankfully, not lost to time. In fact, highlights from his program have been repackaged and made available for new generations of fans, and for those who remember it fondly. This means that the music and the unique atmosphere of the show can still be experienced today.
These collections are, for example, available in the form of DVD sets. StarVista Entertainment and Time Life have released new DVD collections that feature some of the most memorable performances from "The Midnight Special." This allows people to revisit those classic moments, seeing artists like Fleetwood Mac or Dolly Parton as they appeared on that very special late-night stage. It's a way to keep the legacy of the show, and Burt Sugarman's work, alive and accessible.
These repackaged highlights serve as a testament to the lasting quality of the music and the show's enduring appeal. They also show how, in a way, the content created by Burt Sugarman continues to find an audience, proving that good music and good television can truly stand the test of time.
Burt Sugarman - A Legacy in Entertainment
Burt Sugarman is a distinguished American film and television producer who is, quite simply, recognized for his very important contributions to the entertainment world. His work, especially during the 1970s and 1980s, left a lasting impression on how music was presented on television. He wasn't just producing shows; he was, in some respects, creating a new kind of viewing experience for millions of people.
His vision for "The Midnight Special" filled a void in late-night programming, offering a dedicated space for live musical performances that was, too, rather unique. This show became a launching pad and a consistent platform for a wide array of artists, from rock legends to country stars, helping them connect directly with their audience. The show, you know, truly captured the spirit of the times and the vibrant music scene.
Beyond "The Midnight Special," his work as a film producer and businessman shows a versatile career. He is a person who, basically, understood the industry and knew how to make things happen, both creatively and financially. His influence continues to be felt through the enduring popularity of the performances he brought to the screen, which are still enjoyed by many today through various means.
Pictures of Burt Sugarman
Pictures of Burt Sugarman
Pictures of Burt Sugarman
