Ira Heilicher Passes

IRA HEILICHER, 65, a key figure on the Minneapolis music scene, who made records such as the Castaways’ “Liar Liar,” for his late father Amos' Soma record label, passed away of complications from pneumonia. Ira launched a booking agency while still a high school student, then began working at his dad's record company, which released such hits as Dave Dudley's "Six Days on the Road" and the Trashmen's "Surfin' Bird" in addition to the Castaways' big hit, specializing in regional music. Starting in 1933 with jukeboxes, the Heilicher family was heavily involved in record distribution and later retailing, including the fabled Musicland chain. In their ‘70s heyday, the Heilichers handled about 20% of all records sold in the U.S. After working at the Heilicher Brothers distribution company for many years, Ira founded and ran the Great American Music chain of 17 superstores in the ‘70s and '80s, and also became involved with the Circus Pizza chain of video arcade games. After selling their record-distribution business, the Heilichers transitioned into real estate, owning everything from nursing homes to bars and shopping centers. Heilicher co-founded the Stone Arch Bridge Festival in 1994 and Minneapolis Oktoberfest a decade ago. The latter festival, set for Sept. 9-11, has been canceled this year because of his death. He is survived by his wife, Jackie, two daughters, two grandchildren and a sister. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Adath Jeshurun Congregation in Minnetonka. (8/9a)