C. Winston Simone

Simone began his career in the music industry in 1978 as the manager of rock duo Jan and Dean.[1] As manager he set up the duo's tour with the Beach Boys in 1978.

In 1980, Simone became the manager of Desmond Child.[2][3] Since then, they have worked on more than 75 Top 40 hits written and/or produced by Child, including “Livin’ La Vida Loca,[4]” “Living on a Prayer,” and “Dude (Looks Like a Lady).[5]”

He’s also managed Michael Feinstein,[6] Carly Simon, Joe Jackson,[3] Michael Beinhorn, Curtis Stigers,[3] Karla DeVito, Emo Philips, Judy Tenuta,[7] Ricky Jay, and Gilbert Gottfriend, and noted alt-rock group Too Much Joy.

In 1999, he teamed up with David Simoné and Child to form the publishing company Deston Songs.[8] In 2005, he and Simoné amicably parted ways with Child after selling Deston Songs to Warner Music Group.[9] Afterwards, Simone and Simoné formed DSW Entertainment, which, in partnership with Primary Wave Music,[10] has executive produced projects from artists such as Dolly Parton and The Piano Guys as well as manage artists as well as executive-produce television projects centering around Nik Wallenda’s daredevil stunts,[11][12][13][14] 90s group Wilson Phillips’ comeback effort [15][16] and several PBS concert specials.

In 2016, he worked with The Piano Guys on their album Uncharted,[17] which debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 1 on the Billboard Classical Albums chart.[18] He also worked with jazz singer and trumpeter Bria Skonberg on her 2016 album Bria,[1] which reached No. 8 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and her 2017 album With A Twist. He also worked on the album Welcome to Our Christmas Party by holiday supergroup Band of Merrymakers, which featured Lady A, Semisonic, Evanescence, Lifehouse, Sugar Ray, 311, and more.[19]

Simone has executive produced television specials for his clients on BBC, HBO, PBS and Cinemax.[20] Currently, DSW Entertainment's client roster includes Mike Love and his touring Beach Boys,[21] Steven Van Zandt, The Piano Guys,[21] Nik Wallenda,[13][12] Desmond Child, Wilson Phillips,[17] Jack Savoretti, and Jimmy Webb.[17]