He Signed Bon Jovi — But That Was Just One Chapter of His Wild Rock Career
He Signed Bon Jovi — But That Was Just One Chapter of His Wild Rock Career
Dawn AllcotMon, September 14, 2026 at 1:35 PM UTC
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If you’re a music fan of a certain age, you may be familiar with Derek Shulman. He was the front man and founder of Gentle Giant, the band that defined the progressive-rock genre in 1970. Before that, he launched his music career as a teen with Simon Dupree and The Big Sound. But you might know the performers he worked with behind the scenes as a record executive even better. Names like Bon Jovi, Black Sabbath, Dream Theater, Pantera, Dr. Dre, and Men Without Hats all rose to fame with Shulman behind them. He also helped resurrect well-loved bands like Heart and AC/DC.
But, as Shulman, 79, detailed in his memoir, Giant Steps: My Improbable Journey From Stage Lights To Executive Heights, he didn’t initially see himself as a “suit” in the rock and roll world, managing the business side.
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‘Not a record company geek’
Early in his career, Shulman never imagined himself with a role in music beyond the stage.
“I was 33 years old when we finished our last tour with Gentle Giant,” Shulman recalled. “My wife and daughter were temporarily residing in Los Angeles when we recorded our final album, Civilian.”
A good friend of his from the UK, Dan Young, had just become a Vice President at Polygram Records, with an office in New York City. He asked if Shulman would be interested in working in the new “rock department,” which became Mercury Records, the US rock and pop imprint of Polygram. Shulman, who has always followed a clean lifestyle, wasn’t a fan of Los Angeles, but also knew that there were more music opportunities in the states than in his native UK. He agreed to fly to New York to meet the team.
“My initial instinct was to say, ‘No thanks.’ I was a musician, not a record company geek.” But he was offered the job as director of artist development and promotion. He agreed. Shulman signed Bon Jovi as his first artist, with “Runaway” releasing on July 1, 1983. Anyone who identifies as an elder Millennial or Gen X knows the broad strokes of how that went. A recent AARP cover model, Jon Bon Jovi celebrates his 43rd year in the music industry this summer and still fills world-renowned venues like Madison Square Garden at age 64.
“I’m proud of the fact that [many of] the artists I signed … are still as big, if not bigger, than when I first signed them to their first recording contracts,” Shulman said.
With a hint of irony, Shulman added, “It was a tremendous schooling to understand how a band becomes a ‘priority’ at a record label. If only I knew this when I was in Gentle Giant.”
Gentle Giant with Shulman in center; photo by Capitol RecordsLightning Strikes
Unlike his second career as a music exec, Shulman always knew he’d be a performing artist or, specifically, a rock star.
Shulman was surrounded by music growing up; his dad was a professional jazz player. “He had the innate ability to pick up any instrument and master it within 10 minutes,” Shulman said, his admiration evident. “Musicians were always hanging out at our house.”
This background showed Shulman a recording career was possible. When he picked up his first Spanish guitar at age 13 (a gift from his sister) and started mastering chord patterns and emulating songs, he realized he had the inclination and had also perhaps inherited some of the talent.
A career master at an all-boys school tried to quash his dreams. The career master came into the class and asked the 14-year-olds what vocation they wanted. “The answers were usually scientists or professors,” Shulman said. “When I answered that I was going to be a rock star, the class started laughing. The career master said, ‘Don’t be silly, Shulman. You have more of a chance of being struck by lightning.’”
Three years later, Simon Dupree and The Big Sound hits Top 5 all over Europe. “My old career master asked for my autograph,” Shulman said.
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Healthy Lifestyle
Perhaps more surprising than Shulman’s rise to fame or transition to a music executive was the way he maintained a clean lifestyle in the music industry of the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and beyond.
In an industry known for drinking to excess, drug use and general debauchery, Shulman has always said “no” to any substance use or other temptations.
“One of my favorite stories in the book was when I was being wooed by [other] record executives to join their companies. The offers of wine, women and illicit chemicals – along with the lengths to which these executives went to try to impress me – were hilarious. I have never gotten drunk and the idea of liaisons with young women was a complete anathema to my life as a happily married family man with two fantastic children,” Shulman said.
Shulman’s father died in his arms at age 50; Shulman was 16. He said it affected him in “a lot of ways, both positive and negative.”
One thing it did was solidify Shulman’s determination to stay healthy later in life. “[My dad’s] lifestyle of drinking and smoking denied him his chance to watch his kids become successful in the world of music,” Shulman said.
Even at age 79, when Shulman is feeling stressed or overworked, he goes to the gym. Spinal surgery, “arthritic creep,” and age make it more difficult to stick to a routine, he confessed.
“I do a little cardio workout on the stationary bike, followed by upper body weight exercises three to four times a week,” he said.
Third Act: Author
Shulman also never saw himself as an author. But a friend of his was the book editor for The New York Times. After many dinner conversations, his friend convinced him to write a memoir.
“It took a while, but I’m happy he suggested [it],” Shulman said.
He’s quick to point out that he hasn’t fully retired from the music industry, either. “I look after Gentle Giant’s catalogue, alongside overseeing several artists’ careers,” he said.
He’s also immersed himself in sports card collecting with his son. “It’s become quite a business now and it’s a lot of fun.”
When he’s not working, he turns back to his passion: Music. And his choices are not what you might expect from the record exec who first signed Bon Jovi.
“I always loved classical music and great ‘60s soul/R&B,” he said.
“You’re Too Old For That” is a regular series that explores inspiring activities being pursued by those over 50 years old who feel you’re never too old to do what lights you up. Are you doing something inspiring? Do you know someone who is pursuing a passion in their older years? If you or someone you know is 50 years old or older and should have their inspiring story told, please email the editors at Nifty 50+
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
