PETER FELDMAN
Pictured:: David Gresham
Over the years, Gresham, once known by his radio moniker as “Gruesome Gresh”, has achieved numerous accolades for his contribution to the South African music industry, both as a well-known TV and radio presenter in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and later steering his own fiercely independent company, David Gresham Records, through the highs and lows of a very competitive business.
A famous achievement was when he became the only South African media personality to interview John Lennon who apologised for saying The Beatles were more popular than Jesus. The SABC refused to air the interview
Recently Gresham was awarded a gold medal by Midem at their 50th anniversary in recognition of his support of the annual trade fair in Cannes. (Midem is the acronym for Marché International du Disque et de l’Edition Musicale – the key industry event that unites the entire music ecosystem.)
He told Jewish Report that it was totally unexpected. ‘I was advised at Midem that some 20 people would be honoured for long service to Midem and the music industry. It was part of Midem’s 50th anniversary celebrations and in July it will be my 44th year in the business.”
Asked how he kept his passion going for so long, he replied: “I guess keeping the passion is really about the love for music and especially developing young talent and the desire to see the talent climb the charts successfully. Of course it is a mammoth task developing these talents.”
Gresham, who is 73, and heads one of the continent’s biggest publishing and record labels, said Midem helped him connect with the world and over the years he signed such illustrious names as Kylie Minogue, Depeche Mode and Nickleback through his contacts.
Today music has changed dramatically. He says: “Technology has created a kind of mercenary position among consumers who feel it’s a given right to take music freely, not realising the amount of work, cost and creative work needed for one recording.
“Many people need to make a living out of their talent. However creatively music is at its best, even though these talented artists sometimes find it difficult to make a living these days. It has to be total dedication by these artists.”
On the state of South African music, Gresham believes it is growing in leaps and bounds across the board. “In every genre we are noticing amazing musicianship and live tours are creating a lot of interest and support.”
On his books he has Connell Cruise, who is touring in the United States, Afrikaans songstress Amore Vittone, Rouge in the Urban field, Jimmy Nevis and Miza who is in Vegas. In the pop field he has developed Alexander May, currently in the Top 5 on Five FM, and new name, Timothy de Monk, who is in matric this year and will have his first release out once he has completed school.
Gresham comes from a rabbinical family, on his grandmother’s side, the Carlebachs from Germany.
“I was 10 and living in Swaziland when my parents felt I needed a strong Jewish background and so I was sent to Johannesburg to board at Herber House and attend King David School. This was necessary for me to reach my barmitzvah as there was no Jewish education in Swaziland.”
A recent milestone in Gresham’s life was that he and his wife Ismay recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. They have three children and five granddaughters.
He still maintains that fitness is an important facet of his life and he does daily gym work before heading for the office. His downtime is spent watching movies, eating out and entertaining with family and friends. He and Ismay also travel regularly to New York to visit their youngest daughter, Angela, and her family.
