Marty Erlichman, Barbra Streisand’s longtime manager, died Saturday night from age-related causes. He was 97. His representative, Ken Sunshine, confirmed the death.

Erlichman first met Streisand in 1961 at New York’s Bon Soir nightclub, when she was 19. Their professional relationship lasted more than six decades, despite the pair never signing a written management contract.

During that time, Erlichman negotiated agreements covering Streisand’s recordings, theater work, films, television appearances, licensing and concerts. He also helped secure a long-term deal with Columbia Records that gave her creative control over her music, including the ability to choose songs and reject completed albums she disliked.

Streisand said Erlichman’s guidance contributed to her box-office successes, sold-out tours and television specials. In a statement, she described him as someone who was always at her side and said she was grateful for his friendship, loyalty and support.

She also said their relationship was built on mutual trust and that Erlichman made her feel protected in the entertainment business. In her 2023 memoir, My Name Is Barbra, Streisand recalled that he predicted she could win major awards across music, television, theater and film.

Born Martin Lee Erlichman on September 13, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, Erlichman attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He entered management after working in the New York folk scene, where he secured an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show and a Columbia Records contract for the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem.

His Los Angeles-based company, Martin Erlichman Associates, also represented clients including Chevy Chase, George Foreman, and producer and songwriter Bob Crewe. His film credits included For Pete’s Sake, Coma and Breathless.

Erlichman won an Emmy and a Peabody Award for executive-producing the 1994 HBO special Barbra: The Concert.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Miko Mayama Erlichman; his son, J.J. Erlichman; daughter-in-law Talia; and grandchildren Mia, Sarah, Olivia and Jack. His family described him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, as well as a major figure in Hollywood.

Sources: Rolling Stone.