Denise Eisenberg Rich


Denise Rich is an American-born Austrian singer-songwriter, socialite, philanthropist and political fundraiser.

Early life and education

Denise Eisenberg was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, the daughter of Gery and Emil Eisenberg. She graduated from Bancroft School and went on to receive her B.A. from Boston University.

Music career

In 1984, Rich penned the lyrics to "Frankie", a hit in 1985 that went gold for the R&B group Sister Sledge. Since then, she has written songs recorded by Celine Dion, Marc Anthony, Natalie Cole, Luis Fonsi, Jessica Simpson, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, and Diana Ross. She has participated as a writer on Grammy Awards nominated projects, including the 1999 Aretha Franklin / Mary J. Blige duet entitled "Don't Waste Your Time". She also co-wrote the international hit "Candy" recorded by Mandy Moore. Denise's "Abrazar La Vida" was a number one hit for Luis Fonsi, also earning her the coveted BMI award. Her songs can also be found in soundtracks for films such as Meteor Man, Kiss Me Guido, The Hurricane, To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar and Runaway Bride. Billy Porterʼs rendition of Deniseʼs “Love Is On The Way”, written for The First Wives Club, inspired Celine Dion to record her triple-platinum version of the song. Patti LaBelle laid down a sizzling performance of “The Voice Inside My Heart” for the John Q soundtrack. The film Chicago features “Love Is A Crime” co-written by Denise, Greg Lawson, and Damon Sharpe, performed by dance-pop sensation Anastacia, which also won the Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media in 2004.

Philanthropy

Gabrielle Rich Aouad, Denise and Marc Rich's daughter, died of leukemia at age 27. As a result, Denise Rich and Philip Aouad, Gabrielle's widower, and her daughters Ilona Rich Schachter and Daniella Rich Kilstock founded the G&P Foundation for Cancer Research. It has since been renamed Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. As of 2018, Gabrielle's Angel Foundation has awarded $33 million in research grants. Rich also made a $1 million donation funding the construction of The Gery and Emil Eisenberg Assisted Living Residence on the grounds of the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester, an 80-unit facility named for her parents.

Personal life

Denise Eisenberg met Marc Rich on a blind date. They married and had three children, Daniella, Ilona, and Gabrielle. They divorced in 1996.

Ex-husband's presidential pardon

Marc Rich received a pardon from U.S. President Bill Clinton on January 20, 2001, Clinton's last day in office. The pardon became controversial after reports surfaced that Denise Rich had made donations totalling more than one million dollars to the Democratic Party and the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park. At a congressional hearing into whether the pardon was granted in exchange for her contributions, Rich invoked the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which denies the government power to compel self-incrimination.

Citizenship

Denise Rich renounced her U.S. citizenship in November 2011 and became an Austrian citizen.