Sonny Werblin, American businessman and philanthropist (d. 1991)

David Abraham "Sonny" Werblin (March 17, 1910 – November 21, 1991) was an extraordinary figure whose influence deeply permeated both the glitzy world of entertainment and the high-stakes arena of professional sports. A true impresario, he left an indelible mark as an executive who shaped talent, an owner who revolutionized a football league, and a visionary who built iconic sports complexes, fundamentally altering how America consumed both spectacle and sport.

Early Life and the Rise of "Mr. Show Biz" at MCA

Born in the bustling borough of Brooklyn, New York, Sonny Werblin began his remarkable journey. After graduating from Rutgers University, a pivotal step that prepared him for the strategic thinking that would define his career, he joined the then-burgeoning Music Corporation of America (MCA) in 1932. His talent for identifying and cultivating stars was immediately apparent, and his ascent within the company was nothing short of meteoric.

By 1951, Werblin's uncanny ability to spot and nurture talent led him to the esteemed position of president of MCA's television division. During this era, MCA became synonymous with star power, and under Werblin's astute guidance, their roster of managed artists read like a "who's-who" of Hollywood's elite. This wasn't limited to music; his influence spanned major stars in film and the burgeoning medium of television, making MCA a dominant force in the entertainment landscape.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Werblin led a dynamic production team that developed a multitude of successful television shows for all three major networks. This impressive output was a direct reflection of his unparalleled skill in managing the top-tier talent who graced those screens, ensuring captivating content and consistently high ratings. His ability to connect stars with compelling projects was legendary, making MCA's influence felt across American households every night.

Indeed, Sonny Werblin's power as a "star-handler" grew to such an extent that he earned the revered moniker "Mr. Show Biz" within management circles. His commanding presence and MCA's comprehensive control over talent, production, and distribution, however, eventually led to industry backlash. Forces within the entertainment world combined against him and MCA, culminating in significant antitrust lawsuits in 1962. Following these legal battles, new industry rules were enacted that greatly curtailed the company's ability to manage talent across various sectors, marking the end of an unparalleled era of dominance for MCA under Werblin.

Revolutionizing Professional Sports: From AFL to the Super Bowl

Never one to rest on his laurels, Sonny Werblin wasted no time finding a new arena to apply his prodigious talents after departing MCA. He quickly transitioned into professional sports, finding his next vehicle in the American Football League (AFL) – a move that would fundamentally revolutionize the sport. His impact on how professional sports are presented and consumed remains profoundly felt today.

Leveraging his deep connections forged during his MCA tenure, particularly at NBC (National Broadcasting Company), Werblin single-handedly negotiated a groundbreaking television contract for the AFL. This crucial deal catapulted the underdog league to near-parity with the established and senior NFL, dramatically increasing its visibility and financial stability. This strategic move was instrumental in paving the way for the eventual AFL-NFL merger and the creation of the Super Bowl, which he envisioned and helped transform into the cultural television event it is today.

One of Werblin's most enduring legacies is his pioneering development of the "Sport Star" as we understand the concept now. His first and arguably greatest creation in this mold was New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath. Under Werblin's meticulous guidance in the mid and late 1960s, Namath became the preeminent star athlete in America, a celebrity transcending the sport itself, known for his charisma as much as his arm. Werblin wasn't just building a team; he was building a brand and a cultural icon.

It was also Sonny Werblin who, with an entrepreneur's flair, officially named his team the "New York Jets" and chose their iconic green and white colors. Demonstrating his keen eye for talent beyond the field, he signed the experienced football scout and coach Wilbur "Weeb" Ewbank for his Jets. Ewbank, who had previously led the NFL's Baltimore Colts to championship glory in the 1950s, quickly developed the Jets into a formidable contender, culminating in their historic Super Bowl III victory. Beyond the Jets, Werblin also served as chairman of Madison Square Garden and was the driving force behind the construction and management of the sprawling Meadowlands Sports Complex, further cementing his legacy as a titan of sports management and development.

A Personal Touch: Marriage to Leah Ray Hubbard

Amidst his whirlwind professional life, Sonny Werblin also nurtured a rich personal life. In 1938, he married Leah Ray Hubbard (1915–1999), a talented performer from Norfolk, Virginia. Performing simply as Leah Ray, she was a celebrated vocalist during the vibrant Big Band era, gracing stages with major orchestras, including those of Tommy Dorsey and Phil Harris. Her talents extended to the silver screen, where she appeared in more than a dozen films.

Notably, in 1936, Leah Ray co-starred with Phil Harris in the Academy Award-nominated short film *Double or Nothing*. It was while performing with Phil Harris's orchestra that she first met the ambitious Sonny Werblin. Their connection was profound, and they remained devoted partners for over fifty years until his passing in 1991, a testament to a marriage that navigated the demanding worlds of entertainment and sports with grace and mutual support.

A Lasting Legacy and Final Years

David Abraham "Sonny" Werblin's impact reverberated across multiple industries. He was a master orchestrator, whether identifying a breakout star for MCA, negotiating a landmark television deal for the AFL, or meticulously crafting the image of a sports icon like Joe Namath. His vision brought the Super Bowl to the forefront of American consciousness and transformed how we engage with sports celebrities, solidifying his place as a pioneer.

Sonny Werblin passed away at the age of 81 on November 21, 1991, due to a heart attack, at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. At the time of his death, he maintained residences in Manhattan, Miami, Florida, and Rumson, New Jersey, reflecting a life lived fully and broadly. His legacy continues to influence the intertwined worlds of media and athletics, a testament to his extraordinary foresight and entrepreneurial spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sonny Werblin

Who was David Abraham "Sonny" Werblin?
David Abraham "Sonny" Werblin was a highly influential American entertainment industry executive and sports impresario. He was instrumental in shaping the careers of countless stars at MCA, elevated the American Football League (AFL) to national prominence, and was the owner of the New York Jets, chairman of Madison Square Garden, and the driving force behind the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
What was Sonny Werblin's impact on the entertainment industry?
At Music Corporation of America (MCA), Werblin, known as "Mr. Show Biz," served as president of its television division. He had an unparalleled ability to identify and manage top talent across music, film, and television, leading to the development of numerous top-rated shows and making MCA a dominant force in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s.
How did Werblin revolutionize professional sports?
After leaving MCA, Werblin joined the AFL, where he famously negotiated a groundbreaking TV contract with NBC, significantly boosting the league's status and paving the way for the Super Bowl to become a major cultural event. As owner of the New York Jets, he built a championship team and cultivated Joe Namath into America's first modern "Sport Star." He also oversaw the creation of the Meadowlands Sports Complex and chaired Madison Square Garden.
Who was Leah Ray Hubbard?
Leah Ray Hubbard was Sonny Werblin's wife, a well-known vocalist of the Big Band era. Performing as Leah Ray, she sang with major orchestras like those of Tommy Dorsey and Phil Harris and appeared in over a dozen films, including the Academy Award-nominated short *Double or Nothing*.
When did Sonny Werblin die?
David Abraham "Sonny" Werblin passed away on November 21, 1991, at the age of 81, from a heart attack at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City.