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

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

Following what he refers to as his ‘education period’ Garfield was recruited by Capitol Records President Don Zimmermann to lead both the label’s Artist Development and Press Departments; the youngest national executive in the Capitol’s history.

Having been nominated for three 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 EMI/Manhattan, Garfield transitioned from the world of major record labels to artist management where he ‘could fully maximize (his) skills and global relationships’.

As an artist manager he guided the careers of Sinead O’Connor, Grace Jones, Isaac Hayes, Dave Mason, WAR, Will Downing, production designer 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, Disney and Macy’s.

He has worked with Grammy In The Schools, Little Kids Rock and the Spirit of Harmony Project.

After relocating to Columbus, Ohio in late 2017 he was elected to the position of Executive Director of the Columbus Music Commission (August 2018). Bruce, his wife Beth and twenty-year-old cat Pumpkin live in downtown Columbus.