Jim Van Hook, Christian Music Industry Veteran, Passes Away

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Jim Van Hook

Jim Van Hook, the former founder and CEO/President of Provident Music and Brentwood Music as well as CEO/President of Word Entertainment, passed away on Sunday (Jan. 11) at his home. He was 84.

Born in Alabama and raised in Georgia, Hook moved to Nashville to attend Trevecca Nazarene University, where he received a degree in Christian Education. He later earned a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College and an honorary doctorate from Trevecca.

After spending time teaching at the university level, Hook served as the Minister of Music at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma. He then founded the traveling Christian group, Bridge.

In 1978, Hook became the Senior Vice President of The Benson Company. He later founded Brentwood Music, which grew to become one of the largest companies in Christian music. Hook sold Brentwood Music to the Zomba Corporation in 1994, renaming it Provident Music, where he successfully served as President and CEO for the next nine years.

Later Hook returned to education as the founding Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University. He then became President and CEO of Word Entertainment, as well as the President of the Nazarene Publishing House, before retiring.

Hook was honored with a Special Citation of Appreciation by BMI in 2013.

Hook is preceded in death by his wife of many years, Myra Sue (Susie) Hayes. He is survived by his son, Brent and Susan Michelle, and grandchildren Matthew and John David Van Hook; his daughter, Susan and Rod Riley, and grandchildren Anna and Jack Riley; his sister, Ann Parham; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family members; as well as his girlfriend Judy Taylor.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, with visitation two hours prior to the service at Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027. A private burial will take place at Williamson Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gospel Music Association Foundation.

LB Cantrell
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