Michael Lippman

Michael Bruce Lippman (August 8, 1946 – December 29, 2025) was an American music manager. Over the course of his career he managed several major musicians and bands including David Bowie, George Michael, Matchbox Twenty (and its frontman Rob Thomas) and Melissa Manchester. Lippman worked with his artists through major milestones in their careers. He served as an attorney for entertainers before entering the management industry. He served as David Bowie's manager in the early 1970s and managed George Michael on two occasions: first in the late-1980s during his fame with his song "Faith", and then again in the mid-2000s.

Early life Lippman was born on August 8, 1946, in Rochester, New York, to Seymour Lippman and his wife Shirlie. He graduated from Ithaca College in New York before attending the American University Washington College of Law.

Career Once Lippman graduated, he began working for Creative Management Associates. He had become interested in the entertainment industry while on vacation in Los Angeles. After working with Hollywood stars, Lippman was tasked to work with rock musicians by his agency. He worked with artists such as Electric Light Orchestra and Bette Midler before parting ways with CMA to join the Cooper, Epstein, and Hurewitz law firm.

From 1971 until 1975, Lippman worked as David Bowie's attorney and manager. Lippman assisted Bowie through his release of the single Fame, his movie The Man Who Fell to Earth, and his guest appearance on the musical variety television show Soul Train. The two parted ways in December 1975, coming as a surprise to Lippman. In early-1976, Bowie filed a lawsuit against Lippman claiming he took a higher percentage of Bowie's earnings than what he was entitled. The two later reconciled their differences, and remained friends. The pair split up in 1990, with Kahane retaining his position as Michael's manager and Lippman taking on the agency's other artists.

In 1996, Lippman became the manager for the band Matchbox Twenty. also managed artists.

Michael Lippman died at his home in Santa Ynez, California, on December 29, 2025, at the age of 79.