Carl Leighton-Pope started his career in 1964 aged 18 working at the Marquee Club in Soho, London with the likes of Rod Stewart, The Who, Eric Clapton. Those days as a Mod riding a scooter and shopping in Carnaby Street signalled the start of a long career in the music business lasting over 55 years.
1972, Carl opened a recording studio in South Wales and managed Sassafras a band on Chrysalis Records releasing 3 albums and touring Europe and the USA.
1976, his move back to London kick started his agency career. Early signings included Patti Smith, The Motors, and a number of major bands from America: Styx, Journey and Huey Lewis. By 1978, Dire Straits, Simple Minds, UFO, and Wishbone Ash were added to his list of clients. Carl became one of the top agents in Europe.
In the 1980s he found Bryan Adams, Climax Blues Band, and Matt Bianco, and were all added to the roster. He also signed Van Morrison and Bonnie Tyler.
In the ‘90s he found and produced The Chippendales and toured them extensively in the UK and Europe. With the turn of the century, Michael Bublé, Billy Ocean, Jeff Healey, Keith Urban, and Chris Rea had also been added to Carl’s growing client base. WWE wrestling and Harlem Globetrotters soon joined the ranks.
Bryan Adams, Michael Bublé, and Billy Ocean are still clients today.
Theatre has also been an important part of Carl’s story, writing and producing Carnaby Street the musical, and a new play “LOVE” set for the West End at the end of 2023.
Charity work has always been a focus in Carl’s life raising funds for Tickets for Troops and Nordoff Robbins. He works closely with his daughter, and his three sons, who are also in the music business.
A keen golfer and sports fan, Carl’s life is still as busy as ever.