Wave Staff Report
HOLLYWOOD — Clifford Bell, a 40-year show business veteran who directed and produced cabaret shows and concerts, has died.
Bell, 68, died Sept. 22 of natural causes at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center with his brother Bryan Bell, and his longtime friend, Chase Masterson, by his side, publicist Steve Moyer said.
“Clifford Bell was a force of nature,” Moyer said. “He lived and breathed music every day of his life to the very end. He was well loved and respected in the music profession by singers, pianists, music directors, session musicians and venue producers.”
Bell was known for his showcase presentations, often for charitable causes. For 26 years he produced “Our Name Is Barbra,” an annual celebration of Barbra Streisand’s birthday, which raises funds for Project Angel Food.
He also wrote and directed variety performances featuring people like Walter Cronkite, Colin Powell and Michael Eisner at the Arrowhead Pond and toured with actress and singer Katey Sagal and her band.
With his frequent collaborator Lara Teeter, Bell co-created the successful touring show “Direct From Broadway.”
Bell was born in New Jersey on Sept. 17, 1956, into a musical family. His father was a symphony conductor and his mother was a concert cellist.
His brother, Bryan Bell, is an audio engineer with more 30 years of working with some of the most respected names in the music business. Bell himself formerly served as senior vice president of artists and repertoire for the Broadway-oriented label, Fynsworth Alley.
Bell is survived by his stepfather, Andrew Snyder; brother Bryan Bell and his wife, Margarita; nephew Lindsay Bell and his wife, Jennifer; niece Christina Bell; and niece Andrea Norton and her husband, Craig.
A celebration of life will be held at a date to be announced. For those who like to remember Bell, his family requests donations to his favorite organizations, Project Angel Food, www.angelfood.org, and Cabaret Scenes magazine, www.cabaretscenes.org.
