Pete Fisher. Photo: Courtesy of Schmidt Relations
Over the course of his 35-year career in the entertainment industry, Pete Fisher has held multiple positions and developed strong relationships in various facets, leading him to his current roles as Entertainment Industry Consultant at full-service financial and lifestyle management firm Valiant Wealth, and President of Fisher Entertainment Consulting (FEC).
Fisher started in the music business as an intern at the Warner Chappell/Warner Reprise publishing joint-venture WarnerSongs, Inc. during his senior year at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). He was later hired on as Director of Creative Services of the joint-venture. His responsibilities included negotiating songwriter agreements, copyright administration, and song-plugging, as well as artist and songwriter development. As a publisher based at a record label, he also gained experience in A&R coordination.
He then moved over to artist management, partnering with Creative Trust to form Fisher Raines Entertainment. Fisher managed artists Carolyn Arends, Marcus Hummon, and Paul Brandt before joining the Grand Ole Opry as its General Manager in 1999.
During his nearly 18 years at the Grand Ole Opry, Fisher oversaw oversaw all of the iconic venue’s activities, including the inductions of Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, and more. He also helped to produce the Opry’s television and radio specials.
In January of 2017, Fisher left the Opry and moved to California to serve as CEO of the Academy of Country Music. He led strategic planning for ACM and oversaw projects across all departments. He also organized events including the 52nd-54th Annual ACM Awards, and produced the televised ceremonies.
After exiting his post at ACM in May of 2019, it was important to Fisher that he evaluate his passions before entering the next phase of his career.
“I’m a person who believes passion is what fuels us in our work. Being well-aligned with what your passionate about has a lot to do with success. The most successful times in my career [took place] when I was having the most fun,” he shares.
Helping individuals and organizations realize their full potential and purpose in life is the first passion Fisher is pumping into this new chapter, something he has been able to do through his work with Valiant Wealth.
He moved back to Nashville in late 2019 and joined the Valiant team as their Entertainment Industry Consultant in 2020. He has since used the relationships he’s developed throughout his career to connect the music and television industries with Valiant’s variety of services such as investment planning; asset management; tax, legal and personal accounting integration; estate planning; private asset ventures; philanthropy and charitable giving; risk management; and customized concierge services.
“It’s been super rewarding to introduce folks both inside and outside of the entertainment industry to Valiant and the work that they do,” Fisher states.
He has played a crucial part in identifying private equity opportunities, a unique service Valiant provides. These opportunities help to solve problems within fields such as entertainment and apparel. It was Fisher who notably connected production campus Worldwide Stages in Spring Hill, Tennessee with the Valiant private equity team, which resulted in the acquisition and renovation of the 38-acre, 330,000 sq. ft. facility, helping to reduce the shortage of suitable spaces for rehearsal and production. Worldwide Stages has now hosted many of the biggest names in music and television. In addition to uniting the facility with Valiant, Fisher currently sits on Worldwide Stages’ Board of Directors.
He’s also connected Valiant with Bespoke Manufacturing Company in Phoenix, Arizona, which makes on-demand apparel manufacturing sustainable, scalable, and profitable, assisting the apparel industry in shifting to a more environment-friendly model.
His passion for helping others achieve their goals also radiates through his work within his own firm, Fisher Entertainment Consulting, through which he personally manages his daughter-in-law, author and artist Jessica Willis Fisher, who recently released her memoir Unspeakable: Surviving My Childhood and Finding My Voice.
His work with Jessica also flows into the next passion fueling Fisher, which is telling meaningful stories through music, television, and film. He began storytelling through song in the early stages of his career, and is now dabbling in storytelling through cinema.
“I love how stories can be told through different [forms of] media,” he says.
Currently, Fisher is working on a feature film about the “rowdy and romantic” life and love story of Little Jimmy and Mona Dickens alongside his production partner Ken Carpenter. He got to know Little Jimmy, who passed away in 2015, during his time with the Opry. Fisher and his wife, Hope, have maintained a close relationship with Mona over the years. He hopes to go into full film production in 2023.
The third passion charging the industry veteran’s current career stage is using his experiences and relationships to help philanthropic organizations. Fisher has served as a leader and member of multiple boards. He served as Chairman of MTSU’s Board of Trust from 2015 to 2018. He was founding board member of Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley‘s organization The Store, which operates year-round as a grocery store that allows people to shop for basic needs free-of-charge. He has also served on boards for the Recording Academy, ACM Lifting Lives, Leadership Music, Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund, and MusiCares.
Presently, Fisher serves as Chairman and President of the Scott Hamilton Cares Foundation, which seeks to be a liaison between researchers and organizations to increase the advancement of clean treatments for isolated cancers. He is also a Music Heals International board member.
Working with Valiant and forming FEC has allowed Fisher to combine these three passions while expanding his knowledge on the wealth management part of entertainment.
“As you get older, you rely more on doing things that you love to do—really love to do— with people you love. I’m fortunate to find myself still making a living doing the things I love to do.”
Chase Rice Slates ‘Way Down Yonder Tour’ For 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughChase Rice. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham
Chase Rice is embarking on his “Way Down Yonder Tour” in March, which will visit 23 markets across the country through April 29.
Joining as special guests across various dates will be Avery Anna, Tyler Braden, Ashland Craft, Dalton Dover, Kameron Marlowe, Read Southall Band and Conner Smith.
Kicking off March 3 in Laughlin, Nevada, the tour will make stops in Tucson, Lexington, Buffalo, St. Petersburg, Atlanta and more, with a Nashville show on April 11 at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets go on sale this Thursday (Dec. 15), with pre-sales beginning today (Dec. 13).
The tour earns its name from Rice’s latest single from his forthcoming album. Rice wrote the track with Hunter Phelps, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass and Corey Crowder during a writing retreat in Florida that also produced recent release “Key West & Colorado.”
“Way Down Yonder Tour” Dates:
March 3 – Laughlin, Nev. – Harrah’s Laughlin
March 4 – Tucson, Ariz. – Cologuard Classic
March 9 – Indianapolis, Ind. – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre – Conner Smith
March 10 – Detroit, Mich. – The Fillmore Detroit – Conner Smith
March 11 – Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Intersection – Conner Smith
March 23 – Wichita, Kan. – The Cotillion – Tyler Braden
March 24 – Sioux Falls, S.D. – The Alliance Center – Tyler Braden
March 25 – Omaha, Neb. – The Admiral – Tyler Braden
March 31 – Lexington, Ky. – Manchester Music Hall – Ashland Craft
April 1 – Columbus, Ohio – The Bluestone – Ashland Craft
April 2 – Buffalo, N.Y. – Town Ballroom – Ashland Craft
April 6 – Binghamton, N.Y. – Touch of Texas – Dalton Dover
April 7 – Bensalem, PA – Parx Casino – Dalton Dover
April 8 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa – Dalton Dover
April 11 – Nashville, Tenn. – Ryman Auditorium – Avery Anna
April 13 – Albany, N.Y. – Empire Live – Dalton Dover, Avery Anna
April 14 – Boston, Mass. – House of Blues – Dalton Dover, Avery Anna
April 15 – Sayreville, N.J. – Starland Ballroom – Dalton Dover, Avery Anna
April 21 – Atlanta, Ga. – Coca Cola Roxy – Kameron Marlowe, Avery Anna
April 22 – Wilmington, N.C. – Live Oak Bank Pavilion – Kameron Marlowe, Avery Anna
April 27 – Athens, Ga. – Georgia Theatre – Avery Anna
April 28 – St. Petersburg, Fla. – Jannus Live – Read Southall Band
April 29 – Daytona Beach, Fla. – Daytona Beach Bandshell – Read Southall Band
Nominees Unveiled For 2022 CMA Touring Awards
/by Lydia FarthingThe nominees for the 2022 CMA Touring Awards have been revealed, highlighting the behind-the-scenes members of the country music touring industry.
“I am thrilled that we will be returning this year to host the CMA Touring Awards after a two-year hiatus,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The touring industry was one of the hardest hit during the pandemic, and I have been amazed at the continued resilience and dedication from this community as they rebuild. These behind-the-scenes heroes are the ones that keep the music playing, so to be able to honor and celebrate them again is especially exciting. We can’t wait for January 30!”
CMA members in the following membership groups are eligible to vote on the 15 award categories: Advertising/Public Relations/Media, Affiliated, Artist, Entertainment Services, Marketing/Digital, Musician, Personal Manager, Record Label, Talent Agent, Talent Buyer/Promoter, Touring, and Venue.
Final voting for the 2022 CMA Touring Awards opens Dec. 14 and closes Dec. 28. This year’s Touring Awards will take place Jan. 30 at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works.
Category 1 – Business Manager of the Year
Renee Allen – Arnie Barn, Inc.
David Boyer – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
Jamie Cheek – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
Duane Clark – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
Stephanie Mundy-Self – Farris, Self & Moore, LLC
Category 2 – Coach/Truck Driver of the Year
Ronnie Brown – Zac Brown Band
Rhett Evans – Thomas Rhett
Caleb Garrett – Luke Bryan
Jon Long – Dierks Bentley
John Stalder – Kenny Chesney
Category 3 – FOH (Front of House) Engineer of the Year
Aaron Lain – Morgan Wallen
Todd Lewis – Luke Combs
Robert Scovill – Kenny Chesney
Frank Sgambellone – Luke Bryan
Trey Smith – Thomas Rhett
Category 4 – Lighting Director of the Year
Zac Coren – Morgan Wallen
Philip Ealy – Kenny Chesney
Kevin Northrup – Luke Combs
Chris Reade – Dierks Bentley
Alec Takahashi – Thomas Rhett
Category 5 – Manager of the Year
Clint Higham – Morris Higham Management
Mary Hilliard Harrington – Red Light Management
Chris Kappy – Make Wake Artists
Marion Kraft – ShopKeeper Management
John Peets – Q Prime South
Category 6 – Tour Manager of the Year
David Farmer – Kenny Chesney
Luke Holton – Brothers Osborne
Curt Jenkins – Miranda Lambert
Ethan Strunk – Luke Combs
Jon Townley – Thomas Rhett
Category 7 – Monitor Engineer of the Year
Jimmy Nicholson – Thomas Rhett
Phillip Robinson – Kenny Chesney
Scott Tatter – Dierks Bentley
Phil Wilkey – Keith Urban
Michael Zuehsow – Luke Combs
Category 8 – Production Manager Of The Year
Chris Alderman – Blake Shelton
Erik Leighty – Miranda Lambert
Jerry Slone – Luke Combs
Kevin Twist – Thomas Rhett
Ed Wannebo – Kenny Chesney
Category 9 – Publicist of the Year
Janet Buck – Essential Broadcast Media
Ebie McFarland – Essential Broadcast Media
Tyne Parrish – The GreenRoom
Jensen Sussman – Sweet Talk Publicity
Jennifer Vessio – 1220 Entertainment Publicity
Category 10 – Talent Agent of the Year
Mike Betterton – Wasserman Music
Joey Lee – WME
Austin Neal – The Neal Agency
Nate Towne – WME
Jay Williams – WME
Category 11 – Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year
Jered Johnson – Pepper Entertainment
Louis Messina – Messina Touring Group
Brian O’Connell – Live Nation Nashville
Aaron Spalding – Live Nation Nashville
Adam Weiser – AEG Presents
Category 12 – Tour Videographer/Photographer Of The Year
*Due to a tie in this category, there are six nominees
Zach Belcher – Dierks Bentley
David Bergman – Luke Combs
Tanner Gallagher – HARDY
Grayson Gregory – Thomas Rhett
Jeff Johnson – Carrie Underwood
Jill Trunnell – Kenny Chesney
Category 13 – Tour Video Director of the Year
John Breslin – Garth Brooks
Jay Cooper – Kenny Chesney
Ron Etters – Chris Stapleton
Tyler Hutcheson – Luke Combs
Phil Nudelman – Keith Urban
Category 14 – Touring Musician of the Year
Jimmie Deeghan – Kane Brown
Dan Hochhalter – Dierks Bentley
Harmoni Kelley – Kenny Chesney
Jimmy Mattingly – Garth Brooks
Josh Reedy – Thomas Rhett
Category 15 – Venue of the Year
Ascend Amphitheater – Nashville, TN
Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion – Gilford, NH
Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
AIMP Nashville Chapter Announces Results Of 2023-2024 Board Of Directors Elections
/by Lydia FarthingThe Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has announced the results of its 2023-2024 Board of Directors elections.
Among the highlights are the official creation of the Atlanta Chapter, new leadership teams at the Los Angeles and Nashville Chapters, two new amendments to the AIMP Bylaws, and new Board members in Los Angeles, Nashville and New York.
In Nashville, long-time Chapter head and President John Ozier (Reservoir) will step down after completing his four-year term, but will remain on the Board as a member. Ree Guyer (Wrensong) will take over as President after previously serving as the Chapter’s Vice President, and board member Duff Berschback (Concord Music Publishing) will step into the role of Vice President. Trina Smith Dort (Me Gusta Music) was elected to the role of Treasurer, and Tim Hunze (Big Machine Music) was elected to the role of Secretary.
Newly elected Board members in Nashville include Dort, Janine Ebach (Ebach Entertainment) and Keithan Melton (Combustion Music), who will serve alongside returning Board members ET Brown (SESAC), Robert Carlton (SMACKSongs), Courtney Crist (Anthem Entertainment), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Alex Heddle (Big Machine Music), Michael Martin (Endurance Music Group), Leslie Roberts (BMI) and Mike Sistad (ASCAP). The Chapter’s new Administration Director will be Emily Boardman (River House Artists), and its Administration Assistant will remain Kendall Lettow (peermusic).
“I cannot believe how quickly eight years has flown by,” Ozier notes. “While the Nashville music community and the industry as a whole have faced so many challenges in recent years, I couldn’t be prouder of all that we have achieved as a Chapter. I am happy to pass the torch to our incredible new leaders and am looking forward to continuing to work alongside them as a Board member.”
The organization has also passed two new AIMP Bylaws amendments, the first of which adjusts the definition of an independent music publisher, which all Chapter Presidents and Vice Presidents must fit. The second amendment allows Chapter Presidents, Vice Presidents or Secretaries to apply to their Chapter’s Nominating Committee for an extension beyond the current 4-year term limit.
The AIMP Executive Committee, which consists of each Chapter’s President and Vice President, will meet in January 2023 to elect the Association’s new National Chair.
Rumble On The Row Announces Matchups For 19th Annual Boxing Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Rumble on the Row fight card has been unveiled for the 19th Annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids boxing gala, set for March 3 at The Factory’s Liberty Hall in Franklin, Tennessee.
Presented by the Charley Foundation, which benefits charitable agencies addressing the critical needs of children, the charity boxing event will feature four bouts sanctioned by USA Boxing, featuring Nashville music industry and business professionals squaring off in the ring.
This year’s Rumble on the Row matchups include:
The evening will feature gourmet dining, live music performances, a silent auction and the Rumble on the Row bouts. Funds raised will provide assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups.
“I’m so incredibly proud of how this annual event has grown year after year,” shares Carolyn Miller, The Charley Foundation’s founder and chairman, and Ringside producer. “The commitment of the fighters who train so diligently to help touch the lives of kids in need speaks volumes about their true character.”
This is the first time in the history of Ringside that all tables were sold prior to announcing the fight card. A limited number of standing-room tickets are at rumbleontherow.com.
Academy Of Country Music Announces Record-High Membership For 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughThe ACM has announced an increase in membership to 4,966 professional members, marking the Academy’s highest membership count since the numbers were tracked.
New ACM members visited the Academy’s new headquarters in Nashville’s Wedgewood Houston neighborhood to share their excitement in joining the Academy of Country Music for a new video. New ACM members Madeline Edwards, Ernest, The War And Treaty, and others appear in the exclusive new video.
The interviews were amongst the first pieces of original content captured in the Academy’s new Lisa Lee Content Studio, honoring the beloved Academy staffer who passed away in 2020. Additional videos and content series will be released throughout 2023, to continue to tell the story of the new class and how the Academy plays a pivotal role in their lives, careers, and artistic pursuits.
“Our members are the lifeblood of the Academy of Country Music, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome so many new members into the Academy and to announce that we’ve hit record-high membership heading into 2023,” notes Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “The Academy’s membership is made up of so many essential voices in our country community, and with our growing membership, the Academy is even better able to serve as a powerhouse advocate for fans, artists, and our industry as a whole.”
“For new members and renewed members alike, this is a very exciting time to be part of the Academy with submissions for the 58th ACM Awards opening in January and voting beginning in February,” adds Tommy Moore, VP Artist and Industry Relations, Governance and Board Administration. “ACM members will play an active role in shaping the future of country music through helping the Academy promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and shaping the genre of country music for a global audience.”
Newly accepted and renewed members qualify to vote for the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards, which is set to return to Texas this May for the first time since 2015’s historic 50th anniversary show. Academy members also gain access to a suite of benefits, including early access to tickets for ACM events, discounts on industry partner events, industry data insights, monthly educational and networking events, acclaimed seasonal magazine ACM Tempo, and more.
Madelyn Rose Rounds Out Artist Team With Vere Music, Gold Mountain Entertainment [Exclusive]
/by Lydia FarthingEmerging singer-songwriter Madelyn Rose has inked with Nashville-based label Vere Music. She has also tapped Richard Ellis of Gold Mountain Entertainment for management.
Growing up in a small town in central New York, Rose discovered her love of music at the age of four through a garage sale keyboard. Two years later, she began singing with a small guitar amp and microphone, then uploading the videos to YouTube. Since arriving in Nashville, Rose has spent hundreds of hours writing, recording, and honing her craft. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she taught herself how to mix and master songs, further showcasing her work ethic and desire to carve out her own lane in the industry.
Rose’s debut single, “Taillights Fade,” will be released on Jan. 27. Rose, who is currently a full-time student, co-wrote the tune alongside Lauryn Tauber and Justin Klump, who also served as a co-producer alongside Brian Malouf.
“I am so excited to have my first debut single in the hands of Vere Music,” Rose shares. “I am so proud of the song and the message it stands for, I hope girls like me can relate!”
Keith Urban Strikes A Deal With Litmus Music, Sells Master Recordings
/by LB CantrellKeith Urban
Four-time Grammy winner Keith Urban has sold his master recordings to Litmus Music, a new firm backed by Carlyle Global Credit.
The deal includes 10 or Urban’s studio albums as well as a greatest hits compilation album. The partnership also includes a collaboration agreement on future recordings.
Urban’s last full-length album, The Speed of Now Part 1, included “God Whispered Your Name” and his duet with P!nk, “One Too Many.” Throughout his career, Urban has notched 21 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, as well as many hit albums.
“I have the deepest respect for Keith, his incredible talent and his passion for making great music. He’s a musically insatiable musician, record maker, performer and songwriter,” says Litmus Music Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Dan McCarroll, of the deal.
“It is an honor to partner with Keith and represent songs that reflect his integrity, character and musicianship,” adds Litmus’ Co-Founder/CEO Hank Forsyth. “Dan and I and the entire Litmus team are so grateful Keith has trusted us to care for what he has given so much to create.”
Urban is currently working with Dann Huff on new album slated for release in 2023. Since 2020’s release of The Speed of Now Part 1, Urban has released several hit singles, including “Wild Hearts,” “Brown Eyes Baby,” and most recently, “Street Called Main.”
“What makes this such a great fit for me is the genuine passion and respect Dan, Hank and the team at Litmus have for this music,” Urban shares. “In working with them, I feel that same collaborative spirit that’s always inspired me as an artist.”
Urban joins country juggernauts Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, and Brad Paisley as country artists who have sold a portion of their master recordings.
Rhythm House Re-Signs Alysa Vanderheym, Elevates Vanna Moua
/by Lydia FarthingAlysa Vanderheym and Vanna Moua.
Rhythm House has made two new moves as the year comes to a close by re-signing songwriter and producer Alysa Vanderheym, as well as promoting Vanna Moua to Creative Director.
“We’re so lucky to continue working with both Alysa and Vanna,” shares Stevie Frasure, VP of Rhythm House. “Alysa has really come into her own in the last few years and is just killing the game with more and more hits, not only as a writer but a producer as well. She continues to bring such fresh, creative energy to everything she does.” She continues, “Vanna has been one of the best assets to Rhythm House. It fills us with pride to see her grow from intern, to manager, to director. She has truly taken on this position and made it her own. With both of these creative women, I know Rhythm House is in the best hands in all aspects of the industry.”
Vanderheym originally signed her exclusive publishing deal with Rhythm House in September of 2019. The multi-genre songwriter has co-written hits such as “Lose Somebody” by Kygo and OneRepublic, country superstar Kelsea Ballerini‘s single “Heartfirst” as well as eight cuts on the Heartfirst album, “I Remember” by Cheat Codes and Russell Dickerson, and a No. 1 single with “Cold Beer Calling My Name” by Jameson Rodgers ft. Luke Combs.
“I’m so grateful to continue working with this crew,” Vanderheym notes. “Jesse [Frasure] has been my biggest champ since day one, and I’m proud of what we’ve done together so far, but even more excited for what’s to come!”
A Knoxville, Tennessee native, Moua began her career at Rhythm House in the fall of 2018 as an intern. Following her graduation from Middle Tennessee State University, Moua was immediately hired as Creative Assistant, which quickly led to her first promotion as manager.
“I’m so excited to be on this journey with my Rhythm House team who continue to inspire me with their passion and drive each day,” Moua says. “I’m very fortunate to call Jesse Frasure, Stevie Frasure, and Alysa Vanderheym my dream team, and I look forward to our growth and all that is to come in this next chapter together!”
Jelly Roll Celebrates Sold Out Bridgestone Arena Show
/by Lorie HollabaughJelly Roll. Photo: John Shearer
Jelly Roll sold out Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Friday night (Dec. 9), playing to an eager hometown crowd of more than 15,000 fans.
Sam Hunt and Jelly Roll. Photo: John Shearer
The Antioch, Tennessee native performed his new single, “Need A Favor,” live with the renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers for the very first time during the show after releasing it the morning of his homecoming concert.
He also brought out several special guests during the evening, including Ernest, Riley Green, Sam Hunt, Shinedown, Struggle Jennings, Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko, Chris Young, and sports announcer Michael Buffer. His 14-year-old daughter, Bailee Ann, also took the stage to perform a song she wrote with her father’s encouragement about the pain of watching her mother’s addiction battle.
Jelly Roll and Ernest. Photo: John Shearer
Proceeds from the Bridgestone headline date are earmarked to build a recording studio and provide music programs at the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center where Jelly himself served as a teen. Proceeds will also be put towards other programs benefiting at-risk youth in partnership with Impact Youth Outreach, including Hometown Heroes Scholarships for Metro Nashville Public School seniors.
“Need A Favor” is the latest release of new music from Jelly Roll’s forthcoming album and the second single released since Jelly’s current single, “Son of A Sinner.”
Jelly Roll. Photo: John Shearer
Catching Up With Industry Veteran Pete Fisher [Interview]
/by Liza AndersonPete Fisher. Photo: Courtesy of Schmidt Relations
Over the course of his 35-year career in the entertainment industry, Pete Fisher has held multiple positions and developed strong relationships in various facets, leading him to his current roles as Entertainment Industry Consultant at full-service financial and lifestyle management firm Valiant Wealth, and President of Fisher Entertainment Consulting (FEC).
Fisher started in the music business as an intern at the Warner Chappell/Warner Reprise publishing joint-venture WarnerSongs, Inc. during his senior year at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). He was later hired on as Director of Creative Services of the joint-venture. His responsibilities included negotiating songwriter agreements, copyright administration, and song-plugging, as well as artist and songwriter development. As a publisher based at a record label, he also gained experience in A&R coordination.
He then moved over to artist management, partnering with Creative Trust to form Fisher Raines Entertainment. Fisher managed artists Carolyn Arends, Marcus Hummon, and Paul Brandt before joining the Grand Ole Opry as its General Manager in 1999.
During his nearly 18 years at the Grand Ole Opry, Fisher oversaw oversaw all of the iconic venue’s activities, including the inductions of Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, and more. He also helped to produce the Opry’s television and radio specials.
In January of 2017, Fisher left the Opry and moved to California to serve as CEO of the Academy of Country Music. He led strategic planning for ACM and oversaw projects across all departments. He also organized events including the 52nd-54th Annual ACM Awards, and produced the televised ceremonies.
After exiting his post at ACM in May of 2019, it was important to Fisher that he evaluate his passions before entering the next phase of his career.
“I’m a person who believes passion is what fuels us in our work. Being well-aligned with what your passionate about has a lot to do with success. The most successful times in my career [took place] when I was having the most fun,” he shares.
Helping individuals and organizations realize their full potential and purpose in life is the first passion Fisher is pumping into this new chapter, something he has been able to do through his work with Valiant Wealth.
He moved back to Nashville in late 2019 and joined the Valiant team as their Entertainment Industry Consultant in 2020. He has since used the relationships he’s developed throughout his career to connect the music and television industries with Valiant’s variety of services such as investment planning; asset management; tax, legal and personal accounting integration; estate planning; private asset ventures; philanthropy and charitable giving; risk management; and customized concierge services.
“It’s been super rewarding to introduce folks both inside and outside of the entertainment industry to Valiant and the work that they do,” Fisher states.
He has played a crucial part in identifying private equity opportunities, a unique service Valiant provides. These opportunities help to solve problems within fields such as entertainment and apparel. It was Fisher who notably connected production campus Worldwide Stages in Spring Hill, Tennessee with the Valiant private equity team, which resulted in the acquisition and renovation of the 38-acre, 330,000 sq. ft. facility, helping to reduce the shortage of suitable spaces for rehearsal and production. Worldwide Stages has now hosted many of the biggest names in music and television. In addition to uniting the facility with Valiant, Fisher currently sits on Worldwide Stages’ Board of Directors.
He’s also connected Valiant with Bespoke Manufacturing Company in Phoenix, Arizona, which makes on-demand apparel manufacturing sustainable, scalable, and profitable, assisting the apparel industry in shifting to a more environment-friendly model.
His passion for helping others achieve their goals also radiates through his work within his own firm, Fisher Entertainment Consulting, through which he personally manages his daughter-in-law, author and artist Jessica Willis Fisher, who recently released her memoir Unspeakable: Surviving My Childhood and Finding My Voice.
His work with Jessica also flows into the next passion fueling Fisher, which is telling meaningful stories through music, television, and film. He began storytelling through song in the early stages of his career, and is now dabbling in storytelling through cinema.
“I love how stories can be told through different [forms of] media,” he says.
Currently, Fisher is working on a feature film about the “rowdy and romantic” life and love story of Little Jimmy and Mona Dickens alongside his production partner Ken Carpenter. He got to know Little Jimmy, who passed away in 2015, during his time with the Opry. Fisher and his wife, Hope, have maintained a close relationship with Mona over the years. He hopes to go into full film production in 2023.
The third passion charging the industry veteran’s current career stage is using his experiences and relationships to help philanthropic organizations. Fisher has served as a leader and member of multiple boards. He served as Chairman of MTSU’s Board of Trust from 2015 to 2018. He was founding board member of Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley‘s organization The Store, which operates year-round as a grocery store that allows people to shop for basic needs free-of-charge. He has also served on boards for the Recording Academy, ACM Lifting Lives, Leadership Music, Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund, and MusiCares.
Presently, Fisher serves as Chairman and President of the Scott Hamilton Cares Foundation, which seeks to be a liaison between researchers and organizations to increase the advancement of clean treatments for isolated cancers. He is also a Music Heals International board member.
Working with Valiant and forming FEC has allowed Fisher to combine these three passions while expanding his knowledge on the wealth management part of entertainment.
“As you get older, you rely more on doing things that you love to do—really love to do— with people you love. I’m fortunate to find myself still making a living doing the things I love to do.”