Jason P. Rothberg
Rothberg got his early start in television at Binder Entertainment working under one of the all time great TV producer/directors, Steve Binder, and comic actor George McGrath on a TV series titled “On The Television” for Nickelodeon TV network where Rothberg learned many aspects of TV production, both in front of and behind the camera.
Shortly after his involvement with Binder Entertainment, Rothberg was introduced to Lenny Kravitz via his cousin Lisa Bonet and became fast friends. Lenny took young Rothberg under his wing and allowed him to spend time in the recording studio and on the road during the “Let Love Rule” years. Inspired by Lenny and his music, Rothberg created his first production company (Environmentally Sound) whose focus was that of concert and event production for various environmental charities. Through his efforts Rothberg worked with many top recording artists and worthy non-profits, helping to raise millions of dollars for charity, while bring important issues to the masses.
On the rise and already creating a name for himself inside the industry, Rothberg was invited to meet with Miles Copeland (IRS Records) who, within the first 30 minutes of that meeting, offered 26 year old Rothberg a partnership which led to the forming of Lion's Pride Recordings, a record label focused on producing compilations for charity. Their first release in February 1997 was called Generations I: A Punk Look At Human Rights, a tribute to Eleanor Roosevelt, and the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Rothberg Executive Produced this CD with Jack Healey as a fund raiser for his charity Human Rights Action Center. The title track "Generations" was written and performed by Clash front man, Joe Strummer along with songs by Greenday, Pennywise, Bad Brains, The Vandals and others. During this project, Rothberg and Strummer became close friends and business partners, as Rothberg once again found himself wearing a new hat; manager.
Epic Records partnered with Lion's Pride in 1998, with Rothberg producing his next charity compilation, this time for Children's Hospital LA, with an all star tribute to The Clash and featuring No Doubt, Billy Idol, Silver Chair, Ice Cube with Mack 10 & Korn, Rancid, Indigo Girls, Cracker and others. During this period Rothberg was managing the Clash’s Joe Strummer, he introduced Strummer to Producer/Label Exec, Rick Rubin, who was producing the South Park Tribute "Chef Aid." Rothberg secured all the special guest performances on this Strummer track (Flea, Nick Hexum, DJ Bone Brake and Tom Morello), as well as confirming Rancid’s participation in this compilation album. Shortly after, Rothberg introduced Strummer to Rancid front man Tim Armstrong, and negotiated Strummer’s deal label at Hellcat / Epitaph.
As a result of his work producing the Ben Sherman 40th Anniversary celebration of his clothing line, Rothberg realized the close association between music and fashion. Following close behind the launch of Rude Boy Music, Rothberg alongside Ska icon, Neville Staple and UK fashion mogul David Gold, formed the Rude Wear clothing line.
Rothberg’s experience hosting his high school radio program provided him with the necessary tools to accept the challenge presented by Ben Sherman clothing for Rothberg to produce their pirate radio show “The Ben Sherman Radio Hour.” Rothberg has promoted concerts and benefit events with such talent as Chaka Khan, Guns ‘N’ Roses, Blue Oyster Cult, No Doubt, Lenny Kravitz, Untouchables, The Specials, Ranking Roger, Cypress Hill, Green Day, Perry Farrell and The Jacksons, to name but a few. Rothberg continues to promote social, environmental and political consciousness with every endeavor.