Jerry Heller

Jerry Heller (1940–2016) was an American music manager, promoter, and businessman best known for managing N.W.A.

Jerry Heller (1940–2016) was an American music manager, promoter, and businessman best known for managing N.W.A. and Eazy-E and for co-founding Ruthless Records. He worked in the music industry for decades, including with major rock and R&B acts before becoming closely associated with West Coast rap.

Early life and career

Jerry Heller was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1940. He built a long career in the music business as an agent, promoter, and manager before his later work in rap music.

Work with rock and R&B artists

Before becoming associated with hip-hop, Heller worked with major performers such as Elton John, Pink Floyd, Marvin Gaye, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and The Who. These credits established him as a veteran figure in the Los Angeles music industry.

Ruthless Records and N.W.A

Heller co-founded Ruthless Records with Eazy-E in 1987 and managed N.W.A as they rose to mainstream attention. He is closely identified with the commercial breakthrough of gangsta rap in the late 1980s.

Later years and legacy

Heller remained a controversial figure because of his role in N.W.A’s success and breakup, and he was portrayed in the 2015 film Straight Outta Compton. He also wrote Ruthless: A Memoir, published in 2006.