Dell Furano (1951 – September 4, 2021) was a pioneering figure in the music merchandising industry, instrumental in transforming concert merchandise into a significant aspect of the live music experience.

Early Life and Education

Born in Nevada City, California, Furano graduated from Stanford University in 1972 with a degree in Political Science and Government.

Career Milestones
• Winterland Productions: Shortly after graduation, Furano co-founded Winterland Productions with his brother, Dave Furano, and renowned concert promoter Bill Graham. This venture became a leading merchandising and licensing company in the early concert industry. Winterland was acquired by CBS Records in 1985 and later by MCA/Universal in 1988. (Wikipedia)
• Sony Signatures: In 1993, Furano became the founding CEO of Sony Signatures, overseeing merchandise licensing for Columbia and Tri-Star Pictures, as well as various music artists. He also led Sony’s merchandise program for the 1998 World Cup in France. (Wikipedia)
• Signatures Network: Established in 1999, this company expanded into managing artists’ online presence, including official websites, social media, VIP ticketing, fan clubs, and e-commerce. Live Nation acquired Signatures Network in 2008, with Furano serving as CEO of Live Nation Merchandise until 2012. (Wikipedia)
• Epic Rights: In 2014, Furano and his wife, Kym, founded Epic Rights, a full-service entertainment agency and brand management company. The company was acquired by Universal Music Group’s Bravado division in 2019. (Wikipedia)

Legacy

Throughout his career, Furano collaborated with numerous iconic artists, including the Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, KISS, Michael Jackson, Madonna, AC/DC, and Aerosmith. He was inducted into the Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association Hall of Fame in 2017, the first music industry professional to receive this honor. (Wikipedia)

Dell Furano passed away on September 4, 2021, at the age of 71, after a battle with cancer. His contributions have left an enduring impact on the music merchandising landscape. (Universal Music)