Jack Wishna, American businessman, co-founded Rockcityclub (d. 2012)

Jack Wishna, an American businessman and photographer whose life spanned from May 5, 1958, to November 27, 2012, was a figure synonymous with deal-making and innovation across the entertainment, gaming, and music industries. Operating primarily from the bustling hub of Las Vegas, Nevada, Wishna carved out a reputation as a shrewd negotiator and a visionary, connecting influential personalities and orchestrating complex projects that left a significant mark on the landscape of modern entertainment.

A Master of Deals in the Entertainment Capital

At the heart of Jack Wishna's early career was his role as the president and CEO of CPAmerica, a prominent consulting firm. Based in Las Vegas, CPAmerica specialized in providing strategic guidance and expertise to organizations within the gambling, hotel, and broader leisure sectors. In a city where these industries converge, Wishna's firm became a crucial resource for navigating the intricate business environment.

His knack for negotiation earned him the moniker "a wheeler and dealer in the gaming industry." This reputation was solidified through his involvement in numerous high-profile endeavors. Notably, Wishna was instrumental in brokering a deal for the legendary entertainer Wayne Newton, often known as "Mr. Las Vegas," at the iconic Stardust Resort & Casino, a transaction reportedly valued at a staggering $250 million. His network extended far and wide, leading him to collaborate with an array of international celebrities and business moguls on various projects in Las Vegas, including choreographer Michael Flatley, pop superstar Britney Spears, entrepreneur Richard Branson, and businessman Mohamed al-Fayed. He also formed a partnership with acclaimed singer and television personality Tony Orlando, further highlighting his diverse connections within the entertainment world.

Connecting Power Players: Trump and Ruffin

Wishna's influence wasn't limited to entertainment deals; he also played a pivotal role in shaping the business landscape of Las Vegas. He is widely credited with facilitating the entry of Donald Trump into the Las Vegas market by orchestrating a key partnership between Trump and hotelier Phil Ruffin. This collaboration marked a significant development for both parties and for the city, underscoring Wishna's ability to identify and connect major players for high-stakes ventures.

The Michael Jackson Connection and a Vision for Music

Perhaps one of the most compelling chapters in Jack Wishna's career involved his close association with the "King of Pop," Michael Jackson. After an 18-month period during which Jackson resided outside the United States, Wishna played a crucial role in convincing him to return to America. For seven months, Wishna worked diligently with Jackson, aiming to engineer a grand comeback. According to veteran Las Vegas journalist Norm Clarke, Wishna was "instrumental in having the pop icon move back to the United States."

Beyond his professional efforts, Wishna became a trusted friend to Michael Jackson, and their collaboration extended to several projects. This included Jackson's involvement with Wishna's nascent music venture, Rock City Club. Wishna also famously approached Cirque du Soleil with the innovative idea of creating a spectacular show centered around Michael Jackson's unparalleled musical legacy, particularly focusing on the iconic "Thriller" song and his numerous chart-topping hits. This concept eventually materialized into one of Cirque du Soleil's most successful and enduring productions, a testament to Wishna's foresight and influence.

Rock City Club: A Platform for Undiscovered Talent

Wishna's passion for music and his entrepreneurial spirit culminated in the founding of Rockrena, Inc., and its flagship brand, Rock City Club. He embarked on this venture alongside legendary music promoter Don Kirshner, a partnership that brought together significant industry experience and vision. Rock City Club was conceived as a social music network, aiming to connect artists and fans in new ways.

In 2012, demonstrating his commitment to innovation in music, Rock City Club forged a groundbreaking partnership with the Slacker online music service. Together, they launched what they described as the world's first internet music channel dedicated exclusively to discovering and promoting undiscovered artists and bands. This pioneering platform offered millions of potential fans the opportunity to hear fresh music, embodying Wishna's desire to democratize music discovery.

The caliber of talent involved with Rock City Club was truly exceptional. The initiative attracted some of the most respected music producers globally, collectively boasting an astounding 162 Grammy Awards. The channel was headed by Ron Dante, known for his work with The Archies and his extensive career, and benefited from the unparalleled production expertise of luminaries such as Phil Ramone, a prolific producer, Kerry Gordy (son of Motown legend Berry Gordy), and the iconic songwriter Lamont Dozier, one-third of the legendary Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting and production team. This stellar team underscored Rock City Club's ambitious mission to elevate new musical talent onto the global stage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jack Wishna

What was Jack Wishna primarily known for?
Jack Wishna was primarily known as an American businessman and photographer, particularly recognized for his significant role as a "wheeler and dealer" in the Las Vegas gaming and entertainment industries, as well as his later ventures in the music industry.
What was CPAmerica?
CPAmerica was a consulting firm based in Las Vegas, Nevada, of which Jack Wishna was the president and CEO. It specialized in providing strategic consulting services to organizations within the gambling, hotel, and broader leisure sectors.
How was Jack Wishna involved with Michael Jackson?
Jack Wishna played a crucial role in convincing Michael Jackson to return to the United States after an 18-month absence and worked with him for seven months on a potential comeback. He was also a friend to Jackson and proposed the idea for a Cirque du Soleil show based on Jackson's music, a concept that later came to fruition.
What was Rock City Club?
Rock City Club was a social music network founded by Jack Wishna with music promoter Don Kirshner. In 2012, it partnered with Slacker online music service to create an internet music channel dedicated to showcasing undiscovered artists and bands, featuring contributions from numerous Grammy-winning producers.
Did Jack Wishna work with other notable celebrities or business figures?
Yes, Wishna worked with a wide array of high-profile individuals including Wayne Newton (for whom he brokered a significant deal), Michael Flatley, Britney Spears, Richard Branson, Mohamed al-Fayed, and Tony Orlando. He was also credited with bringing Donald Trump to Las Vegas through a partnership with Phil Ruffin.
What was the significance of Rock City Club's partnership with Slacker?
The partnership between Rock City Club and Slacker in 2012 aimed to create the world's first internet music channel exclusively dedicated to giving undiscovered artists and bands a platform to be heard by millions of potential fans, representing a pioneering effort in music discovery and artist promotion.