Robert Gardiner

Bob Gardiner's career in music began as a concert promoter in 1955 when he co-produced the Carnegie Hall debut of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, the Gerry Mulligan-Chet Baker Quartet and singer Carmen McRae. Gardiner ended his concert production activities with the 3-day New York Pop Festival held on Randall's Island in New York Harbor in 1970. This rock festival showcased Van Morrison, Dr. John and many other stars of the era, and closed with the last live U.S. festival appearance of Jimi Hendrix. Gardiner has been involved as a manager and producer of artists as diverse as jazz legend Chet Baker, synthesizer pioneer Roger Powell, motion picture score composer Michael Kamen and, most recently, jazz guitarist Evan Marks.