OBIT: Former Coach House Promoter Ken Phebus Dies at 64

The man who booked concerts at the Coach House for 14 years died Saturday of a heart attack in Mission Viejo, according to several news reports. Ken Phebus was 64.

By his own count, talent scout Phebus booked more than 7,000 shows, mostly in Southern California. More shows, he claimed, than anyone else in the business.

From 1985 to 1999, Phebus carved out his reputation by booking acts for two of Orange County's most important rock and pop concert venues, the  and the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, both owned by Gary Folgner, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

The musicians he worked with included a who's who of musical talent, from Al Green and Tina Turner to Ray Charles and Johnny Cash.

In Mission Viejo, he brought a variety of musicians to the lake, including Ray Manzarek of the Doors, Brian Setzer, Kenny Loggins, the B-52s, Pat Benetar, Blue Oyster Cult, the Bangels, Stephen Stills, Tom Jones and Judy Collins.

On his blog, Phebus recalls his first-ever concert. It was near his hometown of Newport Beach, and the band was the Lovin' Spoonful. He says he saw them from the front row of the Golden Bear in 1966 when their single "Summer in the City" was a number-one hit.

"From that day forward, concerts have been a big deal for me," he said.

According to his website, Phebus graduated from and later USC. Before his death he was living in Trabuco Canyon.