Michael Erlewine
Michael Erlewine (born
July 18,
1941 in
Lancaster, Pennsylvania) is an
American internet entrepreneur who founded the
All Music Guide in 1991.
Erlewine has had several careers, as a musician in the 1960s, an astrologer, and an Internet content pioneer. He was active in the
Michigan folk scene in the late '50s and early '60s. In the late '60s he played in the blues band the
Prime Movers; other members included his brother Dan, and
Iggy Pop (James Osterberg). The band gave him the nickname "Iggy" because he had played in the band
the Iguanas.
Later, Erlewine was active in the American Federation of Astrologers, UAC (United Astrology Congress), Professional Astrologers, Incorporated, and other organizations. He started a company that sold astrology software.
In the 1990s, Erlewine founded the All Music Guide (allmusic.com), the All Movie Guide (allmovie.com), and the All Game Guide (allgame.com). The first site in particular has become an important
popular music reference that licenses its content to numerous other websites.
Today Erlewine lives in
Big Rapids, Michigan, with his wife. They have four children. He is the uncle of AMG critic
Stephen Thomas Erlewine.
* Michael Erlewine at I-94 Bar
Interview* Michael Erlewine by Barbara Flaska
Interview* All Music Guide bio (with early picture) on
Michael Erlewine
