New York City Talent Buyer Theresa Chambers Dies

New York City industry executive Theresa Chambers, who worked as a talent buyer, promoter and manager, died on Aug. 11 after a long illness. She was 64 years old.

Chambers, who has been described as “a badass with a heart,” was born in Manhattan and became known as a New York City music icon for her role booking talent at many of the city’s famed venues from the 1990’s through the 2000’s.

In addition to being the founding booker at venues including The Bowery Ballroom, Mercury Lounge, Fez, and the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, Chambers’ career highlights include working at talent agency APA, Studio 54 as Steve Rubell’s assistant and as a talent booker for promoter Ron Delsener Presents.

Chambers also spent time as a manager for artists including Irish rock band Hothouse Flowers and Irish pop rock band Something Happens. An obituary provided by longtime manager and industry veteran Dave Lory noted that she also worked with David Bowie, Herbie Hancock, The Sugarcubes and Sinead O’Connor during her career.

During her last year Chambers spent time “as always” supporting the post-punk band Torture and the Desert Spiders, which her daughter Anna fronted.

Chambers was nominated for Nightclub Talent Buyer of the Year at the 1999 Pollstar Awards in honor of her efforts booking the Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge in New York.

Lory is among those who have paid tribute to Chambers, saying, “Theresa not only knew great talent, but she was a dear friend. I worked with her while booking the New Music Seminar for years along with many artists I managed over my career. Theresa was one of the first people to reach out to me when Jeff Buckley disappeared in the Mississippi River. She cared for the people she worked with along with the Artists. She will be missed and was one of a kind. There will be no one like her again, Theresa was that special.”

Steve Ferguson, agent at Paladin Artists, adds, “Theresa was one of a kind…a hustler, always fighting for her beliefs and her acts. And that infectious laugh! I will truly miss her.”

Singer/songwriter Jeffrey Dean Foster shared a post on Facebook reflecting on his time working with Chambers both as a solo artist and with his former band The Carneys, as well as their enduring friendship.

“We were kind of slow moving southern boys that needed her NY street kid energy and I think she enjoyed when some of our easygoingness rubbed off on her. She was a legit badass and had worked at Studio 54, traveled with Bowie on his personal jet AND chose to be with us,” Foster wrote.

“She came to North Carolina many times to visit and help us and we always had a tough partner when we came to NY to play. She even traveled with us from NC to California in a van, playing shows all along the way that she had booked. We stayed in the Sunset Strip Hyatt (Riot) House and adventure always followed her. As some of you know, Theresa was not for the faint of heart and yet she could also be the most caring and tender person you’d ever meet. We always looked out for each other and made each other feel safe.”

Foster added, “When our band, The Carneys evaporated, Theresa stayed by my side and helped me at every juncture booking shows, connecting with music biz folks and giving me very straight, honest and sometimes blunt personal advice. … Up until last week she was STILL someone that I would call when I needed a lifeline and she would have been there. “Hey Chambers. What’s up Foster?” I choose to believe that she is still out there for me and for all of you that know her, in her trademark faded jeans and long white men’s dress shirt. Always zero pretense. Love you Theresa Chambers.”

Publicist Fiona Bloom says, “I used to be so intimidated by her. Sometimes, I would call and when she picked up the phone I would start shaking and lose my train of thought. I admired and respected her so much. After literally going to hundreds of shows at the Mercury Lounge (a combination of artists I repped or being a fan), we developed a friendship which included countless conversations about new artists on the scene. Her favorite thing to talk about! She always had her finger on the pulse, with some of the best ears in the biz. Fearless and Bold. I remember she told me once I was overly persistent to the point of irritation, but also said it’s the only way to do your job and you get it done! We’ve lost a great soldier! A champion for the unsung and a true live music lover! NYC venues will feel emptier without her.”

Chambers is survived by her children Ryan, James and Anna; her brothers Christopher, Paul and Daniel; and her beloved Aunt Colleen.

A memorial service will be held later in the year, with details to follow.

For more information contact Dave Lory at [email protected]