Biography

Sued John Lennon over a line in "Come Together" that borrowed from a Chuck Berry song ("You Can't Catch Me") that he published. Made an agreement with Lennon in 1973 to drop the suit if Lennon recorded at least three Levy-published songs on his next album; this became the basis for the "Rock'n'Roll" LP. When a further deal in 1974 to distribute the album directly through his Adam VIII mail-order label turned sour (EMI insisted on retaining distribution, since they paid for the recordings), Levy issued his own edition titled "Roots", drawing on the rough-mix tape Lennon gave him to review, and sued him and EMI. Both counter-sued and won the next year (1975), stopping distribution of the "Roots" album, and finally settling the "Come Together" matter.

Co-founder and president of Roulette Records.

Onetime proprietor of the 'Birdland' nightclub in New York City, where Charlie Parker made his name.

Also headed the Adam VIII mail-order record label, named after one of his sons.

Is portrayed by David Gianopoulos in Mr. Rock 'n' Roll: The Alan Freed Story (1999)