Bruce Garfield began his music business career as a twenty-two year old pioneer in the new field of band merchandising, signing licensing deals with superstars Led Zeppelin, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Rolling Stones, and many others who would achieve global fame.

Hoping to get closer to the music itself, he found work with cutting edge independent record labels and producers; all of whom would shape the future of the modern record business as well as his own career.

Following what he refers to as his ‘under-grad education’ Bruce was recruited by Capitol Records President Don Zimmermann to lead and restructure the label’s Artist Development and Press Departments. This appointment earned him the distinction of being the youngest national executive in Capitol Record’s history.

Having been nominated for successive years as Billboard magazine’s Artist Development Executive of the Year he was promoted as Capitol’s Vice-President, A&R and Talent Acquisition. His continuing success at Capitol earned him the opportunity to co-found Capitol’s new Manhattan/EMI/Blue Note label group with legendary record executive Bruce Lundvall.

After leading the career development of Duran Duran, Bob Seger, The Band, Steve Miller Band, Little River Band, Thomas Dolby, The Motels, Grace Jones, The Knack, Missing Persons, Iron Maiden, Billy Squier at Capitol, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, David Bowie, Grace Jones, Stanley Jordan, Bobby McFerrin, Little Steven (Van Zandt) at Capitol and sister labels EMI/Manhattan, he transitioned from the world of major record labels to artist management where he could fully maximize his skills tool kit and global relationships.

As an artist manager Bruce guided the careers of Sinead O’Connor, Grace Jones, Isaac Hayes, Dave Mason, WAR, Will Downing, production design wizard Michael Cotten, Christmas with The Celts, LFO, Ziggy Marley, Tricky and Inner Circle. He also served as a special consultant to Warner Chappell Music Publishing, Universal Records, Elias Arts, EMI Music, the Walt Disney Company, and Macy’s.

Bruce has also worked on furthering the missions of youth programs such as Grammy In The Schools, Little Kids Rock, and the Spirit of Harmony Project.

After relocating to Columbus, Ohio in late 2017 with his Columbus born and bred wife Beth Jackson, he was elected to be the first Executive Director of the embryonic Columbus Music Commission. “I wanted to make a difference, give back some of the good music had gifted to me, improve lives, build a music business economy… and help Columbus to claim the moniker as the ‘Mid-West Music Capital of America”.

After seven years as leader of Music Columbus, Bruce stepped down in August of 2025 to continue his work focusing on building Columbus’ music business infrastructure and economy.

He is a voting member of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, an Honoree of the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid, and a lifetime member of the UCLA Alumni Association.

Bruce, Beth, their five year old rescued mini-Labradoodle Penny Lane, and Hank the Cat have called Columbus home since 2017.