Congratulations Mr. Chairman, Job Well Done!
Joe Galante, Sony Music Nashville Chairman, left his 18th Ave. S. offices today officially turning over the reins of the organization to new Sony CEO Gary Overton. His departure marked the end of a 40-year career with the same company.
The transition was first announced in April when Galante noted, “As a 21-year-old kid from Queens starting out at RCA Records in New York, I never dreamed of the nearly 40-year journey that was before me. In 1974, a temporary Nashville assignment turned permanent, and it changed my life – I thank God for it every day. I have been inspired by so many exceptional artists and songwriters and feel privileged to be a part of their careers. I’ve worked with unique managers and executives who helped me learn more about this business and how to better my craft. My RCA, BMG and Sony family’s support and passion for our artists’ music helped us build the label group of the year for seven of the last eight years. This is solely my decision and I’m excited to begin my journey down another road. Nashville is my home and will continue to be.”
Marking today’s official changeover, the entire Sony Music Nashville staff assembled to recognize and pay tribute to Galante in what was undoubtedly a very emotional and private gathering for all involved.
Galante has helped launch the careers of such stars as Alabama, Carrie Underwood, Keith Whitley, Chris Young, The Judds, Martina McBride, K.T. Oslin, Kellie Pickler, Clint Black, Jake Owen, Lonestar and Sara Evans. He and his Nashville team have bolstered the careers of superstars Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn and Montgomery Gentry, among others; and, in addition, he has worked with icons including Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton and Ronnie Milsap. He has also been a driving force serving and leading industry organizations such as CMA, Leadership Music, NARAS and others.
Sony Music Nashville currently includes four country label operations – RCA, Columbia, BNA and Arista Nashville – and Provident Music Group, one of the world’s leading Christian music companies. Sony Music Nashville is a division of Sony Music Entertainment.
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Joe is well deserving of congratulations… from all of us. He’s been one of our industry’s leading physicians for years and has helped us remain healthy enough to survive and – at times – even thrive. In spite of a few coughs, colds and various other illnesses we’ve encountered, Joe has helped us build a genre of music that’s loved by many millions of fans all over the world. That’s not something to sneeze at. Thank you Doctor.
Joe hired me in 1978 as a green 24 year old kid working at a pop station in Cleveland (now oddly enough a country station) who had to ask someone where the country chart was in Billboard. He eventually promoted me and moved me to Nashville. I learned more from him in eight years than I have learned the rest of my 25 years in Nashville. He has always done things his own way (including leaving). Congratulations to him and I know we have not heard the last of him. This town still needs his energy, his marketing savvy and especially his ears. Thanks Joe.
Joe Galante was a visionary, trailblazer, leader, master motivator, creative monster and the definition of class. From a radio guy who was there for the 40 year ride, I salute you my friend; we have had many, many golden moments and want to be the first to introduce you to HGTV, and, Norm the carpenter. BTW, if you need a pool man, I’m your guy.
You knew that if a record came out of Joe’s building, it was always the highest quality it could be. He is a true innovator and a genius at reading the situation. Congrats, Joe, and get on that next road soon!