Kenneth Leo Brodziak OBE (31 May 1913 – 3 June 1999), known early in his career as Richard R. Raymon and nicknamed "Mr Show Business", was an Australian entrepreneur, theatre and concert promoter, producer and artist manager.
He was in Coastal Command in England; when on leave in London’s theatreland he got tips on theatrical management from stars like Jack Warner and Vivien Leigh.
Over his long career, through his Melbourne-based company Aztec Services at 289 Flinders Lane, Melbourne (1946–1979) and subsequently through J. C. Williamson Productions (1976–1980), he arranged concerts and tours by a wide range of acts both local and international, including Winifred Atwell, Gene Pitney, Marlene Dietrich, The Kinks, Sophie Tucker, Normie Rowe, Carol Channing, The Seekers, The Easybeats, Pat Boone, Fabian, Sid James, Cilla Black, The Dave Clark Five, Duane Eddy, Robert Morley, Bob Dylan, Lonnie Donegan, Cliff Richard, Dave Brubeck, Marcel Marceau, Eartha Kitt and Jack Benny.
However a 1954 tour by Ted Heath and his orchestra was a logistical and financial disaster for Brodziak and his Sydney associate John (Jack) Neary (who lost his house).
[1] His bringing of the BBC's Black and White Minstrel Show for an intended six-month tour of both Australia and New Zealand was an unprecedented success, eventually lasting for over for three years from 1962 to 1965 and breaking box office records in both countries which still stand.
[citation needed] He was also the second manager of pop singer John Farnham and casting him in roles in local versions of musicals Charlie Girl and Pippin.