NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) – New York City music icon Theresa Chambers died Sunday (August 11) after a long illness. She was born in Manhattan on March 1, 1960 and is 64 years old. She has booked talent for many prestigious venues in New York City.
Chambers has been a vital part of New York City’s live music scene for decades, having served as an assistant to Steve Rubell at talent agencies APA, Studio 54, and as an assistant to promoter Ron Delsener Presents Talent Booker. She was also a founding booker of many of the city’s legendary music venues such as The Bowery Ballroom, Mercury Lounge, Fez and BB Kings, catering for many emerging British and American artists. She was a good friend to managers, labels, and especially the artists she booked. As someone said last week, “Teresa is such a badass with a heart,” and “She’s been the gatekeeper for great up-and-comers for years.”
Chambers was named Talent Buyer of the Year in 1999 at the Pollstar Awards. Something happened to the champion. She has also worked with David Bowie, Herbie Hancock, The Sugarcubes and Sinead O’Connor.
Paladin Artists music manager Steve Ferguson said: “Theresa was one of a kind…a hustler who always fought for what she believed in and the performances she performed. And that infectious laugh! I will truly miss it Hers.
Longtime manager and industry veteran Dave Lory added: “Theresa is not only talented, but she is a dear friend. I worked with her for many years while booking new music workshops Yes, and a lot of the artists I’ve managed. When Jeff Buckley went missing in Mississippi, Teresa was one of the first people to reach out to me. Missing her, there will be no one like her; Teresa was just that special.
“I used to be intimidated by her,” said New York music industry veteran/music publicist Fiona Bloom. “Sometimes, I would be on the phone and she would pick up the phone and I would start shaking and lose my mind. I admire and respect her so much.” After attending hundreds of shows at Mercury Lounge (a group of artists I represent or am a fan of), we have developed a friendship that includes countless conversations about new artists on the scene. She always has her finger on the pulse of the market! Have the best ears in the business. I remember one time I was too persistent to the point of being annoyed, but she also said that’s the only way to get your job done and you’ll get it done! Great warrior! A champion of the unknown and a true lover of live music! New York venues would feel emptier without her.
She will be missed by her children: Ryan, James and Anna; her brothers Christopher, Paul and Daniel; and her beloved Aunt Colleen.
Chambers’ last year was spent supporting post-punk band Torture and the Desert Spiders, led by her daughter Anna. The family will hold a memorial service later this year and an announcement will be made at that time.
For more information, please contact Dave Lory: dlory@wweg.com
Rest in peace.
