Jeffrey Sommers, also known as Jeff S. Wald, was born in the year 1944, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that would shape his future in the entertainment industry. As a product of the prestigious William Morris Agency mailroom, Wald was part of an elite group of individuals who would go on to make a significant impact in Hollywood. This esteemed group included notable personalities such as David Geffen, Barry Diller, Jerry Weintraub, Ron Meyer, and Bernie Brillstein, among others.
In the year 1967, a significant transformation took place in the life of a notable individual, Wald, as he made the decision to relocate to the vibrant city of Chicago. This pivotal move marked the beginning of a new chapter in his professional journey, as he assumed the role of talent buyer for three esteemed establishments: Mister Kelly's, The London House, and the Happy Medium.
The following year, 1968, saw Wald make another significant move, this time to the city of Los Angeles.
It was during the latter part of 1969 that Wald and Ron De Blasio took the bold step of establishing their very own company, marking a significant milestone in their professional journey. As they ventured forth into this new entrepreneurial venture, they made the shrewd decision to sign the illustrious comedian George Carlin to their roster, a move that would ultimately prove to be a wise and lucrative one.
Fast forward to two years later, in 1971, Wald's business acumen and connections in the industry proved to be a key factor in securing a record deal with the esteemed Capitol Records for none other than his then-wife, the talented actress and singer Helen Reddy.
Helen Reddy, a renowned singer, embarked on a romantic journey in 1966, ultimately leading to the formation of a loving family unit with the arrival of two precious children. Throughout the majority of the 1970s, Reddy's artistic endeavors yielded remarkable success, as she emerged as one of the most in-demand female performers of the era, boasting an impressive 14 hits and claiming her first of four chart-topping singles with the iconic anthem "I Am Woman", which garnered her a prestigious Grammy Award.
In the year 1975, he embarked on a pioneering endeavour, establishing his own management company, which would go on to attract a diverse array of notable clients throughout the years, including the legendary jazz musician Miles Davis, the iconic R&B singer Marvin Gaye, the renowned actor Sylvester Stallone, the accomplished actor James Brolin, the talented comedian Paul Rodriguez, the versatile actor Elliott Gould, the legendary pop singer Donna Summer, the celebrated comedian Flip Wilson, the country music sensation Clint Black, the respected country singer Gary Morris, the groundbreaking comedian and actress Roseanne Barr, and the formidable boxer Mike Tyson, among many others.
In the year 1986, a pivotal moment in the career of a notable individual unfolded as Peter Wald assumed the esteemed position of President of Barris Industries, a company that would later undergo a transformation and rebrand itself as Guber Peters.
Under the visionary leadership of Wald, the organization continued to thrive and make significant strides, until the year 1991, when Sony made the strategic decision to acquire the company, with Wald remaining on board to ensure a seamless transition and continued success.
Wald, a seasoned television producer, has had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects, garnering numerous awards and accolades along the way.
One notable achievement is the production of award-winning movies of the week, which have captivated audiences with their compelling storylines and high-quality production values.
In addition to these films, Wald has also had the opportunity to work on miniseries, which have been met with critical acclaim and commercial success.
The producer's impressive portfolio also includes game shows, variety specials, and scripted one-hour dramas, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to different genres and formats.
Furthermore, Wald has had the privilege of working on talk shows, providing a platform for engaging conversations and thought-provoking discussions.
Some of his most notable productions include Paul Rodriguez's Latin Nights (1995) on ABC, James Brolin's Pensacola: Wings of Gold (1997) on CBS, as well as specials for both Reddy and Donna Summer on NBC and ABC.
Through his work, Wald has demonstrated his dedication to producing high-quality content that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impact.
Mark Burnett, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Sylvester Stallone, and Wald collaborated as executive producers on the reality television series The Contender, which enjoyed a successful four-year run.
Wald, a notable figure in American politics, held the esteemed position of Jerry Brown delegate to the pivotal 1976 Democratic convention, where he played a significant role in shaping the party's platform and agenda. Furthermore, Wald had the honor of serving as a Kennedy delegate in the 1980 presidential election, a testament to his dedication to the Democratic Party and his commitment to the ideals of the Kennedy legacy.
In addition to his political pursuits, Wald was appointed to a four-year term by President Jimmy Carter, a respected leader in his own right, to serve on the board of the United Service Organizations (USO). This esteemed organization, dedicated to providing support and entertainment to American troops and their families, is a reflection of Wald's commitment to serving the nation and its people.
Wald's professional trajectory took an auspicious turn when he was handpicked by Brown, a prominent figure in California politics, to occupy a seat on the Board of Economic Development for the State of California. This prestigious appointment not only showcased Wald's exceptional skills and expertise but also served as a testament to his ability to work effectively with influential leaders in the industry.
In addition to his work on the Board of Economic Development, Wald's impressive résumé also includes a six-year stint as an appointee of Mayor Bradley to the Organizing Committee for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. This high-profile role allowed Wald to leverage his exceptional organizational and leadership abilities to contribute to the success of this monumental event, which was watched by millions of people around the world.
Noted philanthropist and dedicated community leader, he occupied a prominent position on the esteemed Board of Governors of Cedars Sinai Hospital, as well as the University of Southern California and the renowned Betty Ford Center. Furthermore, he demonstrated unwavering commitment to supporting the political endeavors of esteemed public figures, such as Jerry Brown, serving as a key fundraiser during his tenure as both Attorney General and Governor.
In the year 1997, a pivotal moment in the world of professional boxing occurred when Wald, a seasoned promoter, joined forces with Irving Azoff to co-found AzoffWald, a prominent promotional company that would go on to play a significant role in the careers of several notable boxers.
One of the most notable of these boxers was George Foreman, a legendary heavyweight champion, whose last two fights were handled by AzoffWald.
Wald's promotional expertise was also instrumental in the rise to fame of several other championship-winning boxers, including Sergio Mora, Peter Manfredo, Steve Forbes, Sakio Bika, and K9 Bundrage.
Subsequently, he spearheaded the creative endeavour of transforming the timeless cinematic masterpiece "Casablanca" into a captivating musical production, aptly titled "Casablanca The Dance". This ambitious project made its debut in the vibrant city of Beijing, where it was met with great fanfare, with the President of China and a substantial portion of the Chinese Government in attendance.
Wald, the current CEO of Aria Multimedia Entertainment and Creston Enterprises, is responsible for overseeing the operations of two esteemed companies that have made significant contributions to the world of publishing. Specifically, Wald's company has successfully produced and published not one, but two coffee table books, each a testament to the company's dedication to quality and excellence.
The first of these coffee table books is the "Official Michael Jackson Book", a comprehensive and authoritative tome that provides an in-depth look at the life and career of the legendary musician. This publication is a true labor of love, having been edited and created by Wald's talented son, Jordan Sommers, who brought his unique perspective and skillset to the project.
The second coffee table book, "Hip Hop: A Cultural Odyssey", is another notable achievement for Wald's company. This book is a visual celebration of hip-hop culture, featuring stunning photographs and insightful commentary that provide a comprehensive overview of the genre's history and evolution. The book was expertly photo-edited by Wald's wife, Deborah, whose keen eye and attention to detail ensured that every image was carefully curated and presented in the best possible light.
Through these two coffee table books, Wald's company has demonstrated its commitment to producing high-quality publications that are both informative and visually stunning. As CEO of Aria Multimedia Entertainment and Creston Enterprises, Wald is proud to lead a team of dedicated professionals who share his passion for storytelling and his commitment to excellence.
Wald, a devoted family man, has the pleasure of being the father to two accomplished adult children, Traci Donat and Jordan Sommer, from his loving marriage to the renowned Helen Reddy. His family has grown even more with the addition of a cherished grandchild, Lily Donat, who is the delightful daughter of Traci.
In his personal life, Wald has been blessed with a loving partnership with his wife Deborah, a talented photographer and photo editor, since 1990. Together, they have welcomed a beautiful daughter named Sarah, who brings immense joy to their family.
