Alan Leeds

Alan Leeds is a prominent American music executive, tour manager, production manager, writer, and archivist, celebrated for his pivotal role in orchestrating concert tours and performances for renowned artists, including James Brown, Prince, D'Angelo, and Chris Rock. Alongside his managerial pursuits, Leeds has garnered acclaim as an award-winning writer and a dedicated music archivist.

Leeds embarked on his music journey as a writer and quickly rose to prominence when he became James Brown's publicity director in 1969. He served as Brown's tour manager from 1970 to 1973, gaining invaluable experience in the industry. His association with Prince began in 1983, where he managed several of the artist's iconic tours, including the legendary Purple Rain Tour. This fruitful collaboration led to Leeds being appointed president of Prince's vanity label, Paisley Park Records, in 1989, a testament to his significant influence during Prince's most successful years.

Leeds continued to make his mark as a tour manager for D'Angelo, leading the acclaimed Voodoo Tour in 2000. His expertise has also benefitted various other artists, such as Raphael Saadiq and The Roots. Additionally, Leeds has played a crucial role in curating the James Brown: The Singles collections and has actively participated in events honoring Brown's indelible legacy in music. His contributions have solidified his status as a key figure in the music industry.