Social media and the industry trades filled up Thursday, Jan. 23, with accolades and fond memories of talent agent extraordinaire Scott Pang.
The former ICM agent died of a heart attack on Jan. 23. He was 69.
Doug Logan, of Ogden Corp. and MLS fame, who says Scott was his first Facebook friend, was quick to post this tribute:
“A sweet and gentle talent agent. Sounds like an oxymoron, but with this guy it was not.
Knew him at William Morris. Knew him when he was with the Globetrotters/Ice Capades. Knew him at ICM. A funny man, always cheerful. Absolute straight shooter; an honorable man in an industry that is not always that way.”
Scott Pang, left and promoter Darin Lashinsky at IEBA in Nashville in 2013.
Those sentiments were noted over and over again as hundreds of Pang’s friends and colleagues reacted to the unexpected news. Pang was a regular over the years at most industry events, often serving as a panelist and/or host at IAVM’s VenueConnect. He was practically the unofficial mayor of the International Entertainment Buyers Assn., serving on their board, and if you attended Pollstar Live!, you were sure to see him holding court.
Pang joined International Creative Management Partners in 1994 and remained there for more than 26 years. During the pandemic, he left to work independently with his clients.
He started in the business as a music agent at William Morris Agency in 1980, after graduating from UC San Diego in 1977. He was lured away after 10 years to become head of touring for Ice Capades and the Harlem Globetrotters from 1990-1994.
One of his Fair industry colleagues, Launa Rabago, posted of Facebook how “Scott and I ventured bringing rap and hip hop along with some R&B into the Fair world, breaking stigma, shattering attendance records and seeing new demographics with such acts as Kid Ink, YG, Juicy J, Jeremich, Nelly, Salt N Pepa, Boyz II Men, and many many more.”
Billboard magazine cited his work with Usher, Lauryn Hill, the Beach Boys and more while at William Morris.
Tommy Scallen, formerly of Ice Capades, related one of his favorite Scott Pang stories to Rex W. Post, as that group of former co-workers, and longtime Pang friends, shared the news of his untimely passing. Pang was Aretha Franklin’s agent for years. When she died, he flew to Detroit to attend her funeral. The funeral featured performances by Stevie Wonder, Ariana Grande, Faith Hill, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, and more. Speakers included former President Bill Clinton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson. It was a very big deal, but Pang had miscalculated and booked a flight home for 6 p.m. He had to leave before the procession to the graveside and, like all Pang stories, he laughed at and with himself.
He is survived by his wife Greta, and four children – Tommy, twins Andrew and Lily, and Katie. Lily probably said it best about a booking agent who shown with light and love. Her post on Facebook:
“The man who made a friend everywhere he went, loved Chinese food, and cracked the funniest jokes. To the first man I ever loved, it was and will forever be an honor being your daughter till we meet again.”
