From the music industry website www.hitsdailydouble.com:

Artist manager/producer Steve Fargnoli, whose clients included Prince and Sinead O'Connor, died of cancer in L.A. on Friday (9/14) after a two-year battle with the disease.

Fargnoli worked with such acts as Sly & the Family Stone, the J. Geils Band, Earth, Wind & Fire and the Emotions during his 25-year career.

The Newport, RI, native began as a booking agent in the early '70s before partnering with manager/producers Bob Cavallo and Joe Ruffalo to create the Sutton Artists booking agency.

In 1978, Fargnoli produced Prince's "Purple Rain," which sold more than 13 million copies. Fargnoli and Prince were together for a total of 13 years, collaborating on 10 albums, three films and several world tours.

After splitting with Cavallo and Ruffalo, Fargnoli founded the London-based management company Pure Acts Ltd., signing Sinead O'Connor, whom he still represented, and World Party.

He also developed the rock band Godsmack and served as an A&R consultant for Hollywood Records. (9/17a)