BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Music mogul Allen Klein, who worked as a business manager with Beatles and Rolling Stones during his five-decade career, died Saturday of Alzheimer's disease aged 77.

    Klien died after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease in his New York City home, Bob Merlis, a publicist for his company "ABKCO Music & Records," said.

    Known for his acumen, Klein was one of the most influential, and sometimes most reviled, figures in the world of music in the 1960s.

    He managed a high-performing stable of talent that included Bobby Darin, Connie Francis, Herman's Hermits and Sam Cooke.

    His music company -- which is one of the largest independent labels in the industry, also produced the music of the Animals, Bobby Womack, Marianne Faithfull, Chubby Checker and the Kinks.

    Klein represented both Beatles and Rolling stones. In the final months before Beatles' breakup in 1970, Klein helped the legendary pop group secure re-negotiations between Apple Corps Ltd. and EMI in 1969 that landed what was at the time the largest ever royalty rate paid to an artist.

    A disagreement among the Beatles over bringing Klein onboard eventually led to a battle in court before the group split up.

    Klein's relationship with Rolling Stones also eventually came to an end. However, he retained rights to some of the group's biggest hits, including "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."

    In addition to managing music, Klein co-produced "The Concert for Bangladesh" with former Beatle lead guitarist George Harrison, a precursor to today's charity concerts

    Klein is survived by his longtime companion Iris Keitel, his wife Betty, three children, four grandchildren and a sister.

    (Agencies)