Durgom
George Albert Durgom, known in musical circles as "Bullets" for his foot speed, was a prominent American personal manager and attorney. Born on January 28, 1915, in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Durgom developed an early fascination with big bands while spending time at Frank Dailey's Meadowbrook Ballroom in New Jersey. This interest led him to become involved with the Glenn Miller band, where he began by managing instruments and luggage and eventually became the road manager. His career further evolved when he joined Tommy Dorsey's band, forming a lifelong friendship with Frank Sinatra, who was then the band's male vocalist.
During World War II, as many musicians joined the military, Durgom transitioned to a career as a personal manager for those who remained. His impressive roster of clients included entertainment icons such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dick Haymes, Andy Russell, Jo Stafford and the Pied Pipers, Connie Haines, Bobby Troup, Merv Griffin, Jackie Gleason, and Mort Sahl, among others.
Durgom was a co-founder and past president of the National Conference of Personal Managers, reflecting his significant influence in the field. Throughout his life, he resided in Beverly Hills and Palm Springs, California, before passing away on October 1, 1992, in Palm Desert, California, due to complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was 77 years old at the time of his death.
Durgom's personal life included three marriages and subsequent divorces, and he was survived by his brother, John Durgom, and several nieces and nephews. His contributions to the music and entertainment industry were recognized with his induction into the Personal Managers Hall of Fame in 2016.