Rob Beckham. Photo: Courtesy The AMG
The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.
Rob Beckham is the co-founder of the Artist Management Group (The AMG) and currently serves as its President and Chief Execuitve Officer. The AMG is an independent, full-service entertainment company that supports artists in all career stages and offers a range of services including management, publishing and records. Notable clients of The AMG include Brad Paisley, Chris Young, Kameron Marlowe, Kat & Alex and Payton Smith. The AMG is also home to several rising stars including Jordan James, Chris Colston, Essex County, Grey Zeigler, Liv Charette and Nolan Sotillo.
Beckham has spent the last three decades shaping the careers of some of country music’s most successful artists and has received some of the industry’s top honors. The well-known industry veteran has been named CMA Touring Agent of the Year, TJ Martell Ambassador of the Year and honored by the Nashville Association of Talent Directors at their annual gala.
Prior to forming The AMG, he was a Partner at WME and Co-Head of the agency’s Nashville office.
Beckham recently spoke with MusicRow about his journey to The AMG, building artists’ careers, and The AMG’s success over the last few years.
How did you get into the music industry?
In college, I ran student activities. It was called ASUM in those days: Association of Students from the University of Montana. They had a famous industry program to get into the entertainment space, especially into the agency space. My first show was Poison and Warrant—in ’89, that was a really big deal.
I got turned onto country when I booked The Judds farewell tour, where Garth Brooks was the opening act. He and I struck a relationship there. The last [country] show I did was Reba, Clint Black and Vince Gill. That’s where my relationship started with Trey Turner and Narvel Blackstock. The on the job training that I got [while in college] was pretty extraordinary.
What happened after graduation?
The last show I did [in college] was Scorpions and Great White. The promoter of that show was from a Seattle promotion company. They liked the job that I did on the show, and offered me a job. I ended up taking it and moving to Seattle. I was there for about two years and got to work with Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Queensrÿche, Alice In Chains, and bands like that. One day out of the blue I got a call from Rick Shipp at Triad [which would later become WME] and he offered me job in Nashville.
That would have been 1992. I was there through [the transition from] Triad, to William Morris, and to WME. It’s interesting, I moved to Nashville to be Greg Oswald‘s assistant, and then he and I would end up running the office together for a number of years.
Pictured (L-R): Bill Simmons, Brad Paisley, Rob Beckham. Photo: Courtesy The AMG
After over two decades with WME, you left your position as co-head of the Nashville office to form The AMG with Bill Simmons. What went into that decision?
It took me a minute to figure out what I wanted to go and do. I had a great run at WME and I wouldn’t change anything for it, but it was time to do something where I could be more creative. I always thought I was really good at artist development throughout my years of doing that, and I wanted to be more hands on with the artists.
Larry Fitzgerald [who managed Brad Paisley and Chris Young with Bill Simmons] was retiring and he had been a superstar manager for many decades. And Bill and I are very dear friends. I’ve been with Brad for 22 years and with Chris, at least more than 10. So with Larry retiring and Bill and I creating our partnership, it just turned out to be a perfect move.
How has The AMG grown since it opened its doors in 2019?
We have 26 on staff now. We started very small and as we started growing, COVID allowed us to have some luxuries to bring in people that we probably wouldn’t have been able to bring in.
Pictured (L-R): Chris Young, Rob Beckham. Photo: Courtesy The AMG
Chris Young had a great year last year, in-part due to the success of “Famous Friends” with Kane Brown, which earned the distinction of being the most-played song on the Billboard Country Airplay Songs chart all year. What was that like?
[Prior to “Famous Friends”] Chris’ “Drowning” was such a monster song, but it was a casualty of COVID. The radio stations didn’t want to play that with COVID going on. So we pivoted really quick and set the launch up for “Famous Friends” brilliantly. And it’s an undeniable hit—when it’s an undeniable hit, it has a life of its own.
It’s an amazing song. He did a great job on it, and the video turned out great. We performed that song on all the different awards shows, so it got a massive look for him and really re-centered him in the country music lane as being a superstar.
In addition to navigating Chris Young and Brad Paisley’s career, you’ve had success with new artist signings such as Kat & Alex, Kameron Marlowe, and Payton Smith. As a manager now, where are you looking for potential new clients?
We found Kat & Alex on an online talent show. My assistant at that time set up a meeting for me to meet with them. As soon as they walked in the door, you just knew. It didn’t take me three minutes to figure it out. They’re the fastest thing I’ve ever seen happen in Nashville.
Pictured: Kat & Alex with Rob Beckham. Photo: Courtesy The AMG
Right before that was Kameron Marlowe. Kameron was the second fastest thing I’ve ever seen happen in Nashville. Organically, he happens to write this breakup song, “Giving You Up,” and submits it to the Spotify editorial team, not knowing anyone there. John Marks fell in love with that song and blew it up. It’s at about 250 million streams right now and is going to be a monster song at country radio.
How have you guys navigated the pandemic as a new management company?
We were fortunate in the sense that Brad was one of the first tours out, with Kameron as support. They got through his entire tour with no issues and no problems. The only problem that we ran into in late summer, early fall was [the COVID protocols]. At Bridgestone arena, for a while you either had to show a negative test or you had to have a vaccine card to get in. As these stipulations are going away, then you can start to see the world coming back to normal.
A lot of people thought that there was going to be a tremendous amount of demand for live music. What most of us in the industry didn’t count on is all 8,000 artists going on tour at exactly the same time. So for us, Brad was able to get through. We pivoted on Chris a little bit and moved it to March and April, just hoping the world is a little bit less crazy by then and a lot of these rules and regulations at local municipalities will all go away.
Pictured (L-R): Kameron Marlowe, Rob Beckham. Photo: Courtesy The AMG
When do you feel most fulfilled in your role?
Having a multi-week No. 1 song with Chris; and putting together a plan last October and actually seeing that plan far exceed our goals in what we thought it was going to be was really cool. I got to be a part of all the different award shows, which was super cool. In my previous role, I just went backstage, shook hands and went away.
I also realized how glamorous our jobs as managers [seem], but it’s really just hurry up and wait. You go and do a sound check at 9:30 a.m. and you don’t do a show until 8:00 o’clock at night. It can be pretty taxing and draining, but seeing the success of Chris, being a part of Brad’s career his whole life, seeing Kameron and Kat & Alex explode are all fascinating things to watch and be a part of.
What is some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Never assume. Never assume that something’s ever going to be done. Early in my career, I would make assumptions on things and normally they were wrong. (laughs)
Priscilla Block To Embark On ‘Welcome To The Block Party Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughMercury Nashville recording artist Priscilla Block has announced her “Welcome To The Block Party Tour,” which kicks off Feb. 10 in Las Vegas.
The run will be Block’s first headlining tour since exploding onto the country scene in 2020 with her massive viral hit, “Just About Over You.” The trek will include shows in Birmingham, Knoxville, Charlotte, Houston, Dallas and more through April 23. For ticket information, click here.
“My first headlining tour… is this real life? I cannot wait for you to hear this album live and for you to experience the Block Party in person,” says Block. “Not long ago, I was quarantining and posting my songs on social media, hoping that the day would come where I could sing songs again in person… and here we are with a whole tour!”
A member of MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Class of 2021, Block’s hit “Just About Over You” peaked on both the iTunes Country and All-Genre song charts, and recently reached Top 15 on country radio. “Just About Over You” along with “Wish You Were the Whiskey,” “I Bet You Wanna Know” and more are expected on Block’s upcoming debut album, Welcome To The Block Party.
“Welcome to the Block Party Tour” Dates:
February 10 – Las Vegas, NV – Loser’s Bar at MGM
March 24 – Birmingham, AL – Zydeco
March 25 – Huntsville, AL – Sidetracks Music Hall
March 26 – Rome, GA – Peaches
March 31 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
April 1 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s
April 2 – Hattiesburg, MS – Brewsky’s
April 7 – Knoxville, TN – Open Chord Music
April 8 – Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
April 9 – Savannah, GA – District Live
April 14 – Springfield, MO – The Outland Ballroom
April 15 – Columbia, MO – Rose Music Hall
April 16 – Peoria, IL – Crusens
April 21 – Houston, TX – The Rustic
April 22 – San Antonio, TX – The Rustic
April 23 – Dallas, TX – Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ
Are You InCharge? Applications For MusicRow’s 2022 InCharge Print Directory Now Open
/by LB CantrellMusicRow is currently accepting applications from candidates for its annual InCharge print issue, the published directory of Nashville’s music industry decision makers. Now in its 35th year, InCharge serves as the April/May issue of MusicRow Magazine and is slated for an April release.
Applications for the 2022 edition of InCharge have closed. All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee to determine the candidates chosen for this year’s InCharge print issue.
For advertising opportunities, please contact Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com.
For questions regarding the directory, please contact LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com.
SOURCE Hall of Fame Inductees Announced For Upcoming In-Person Event
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 19th Annual SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards, honoring Women Behind The Music, has been set for Aug. 23 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium.
Following 2021’s virtual awards induction, SOURCE celebrates this year’s return to an in-person event and will honor and induct a select group of women into the SOURCE Hall of Fame.
SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years each individual has worked within the entertainment industry, and level of community involvement. The inductees are all women who have made a significant impact on the Nashville entertainment industry.
Information on how to purchase tickets, partnerships, and program ads will be released in the coming weeks.
This year’s SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees are:
Margie Hunt, Waylon Jennings/Jessi Colter, AWMG Entertainment, CBS Records, Sony Music, Hunt Music Services
Aleene Jackson, Monument Records, Showbud Guitars, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Conway Twitty Enterprises, Tree International, Cowboy Jack Clement Productions
Suzanne Lee, ASCAP
Dottie Oelhfaen, Erv Woolsey Company
Norma Jean Owen, CBS Records, Columbia Records, Capitol Records, The Entertainment Group
Betty Sanders,The Pride Music Group, Blake Mevis, The Hyland Company, Chuck Flood & Associates/Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
Ima Withers, Chips Moman & Don Crews American Recording Studios, Warner Brothers, RCA Records, Merit Music, BMI
Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE is the longest running organization for females in the music industry in Nashville, and is dedicated to fostering relationships and opportunities for its members through continuous education, networking, and community service initiatives. In 2003, the annual SOURCE Awards were established by founder Kay Smith to honor and pay respect to the Women Behind The Music who helped shape and build upon Nashville’s entertainment industry.
Music Health Alliance Announces New Hire & Promotions
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Laura Flagler Crowell, Shelia Shipley Biddy, Nikki Black
Music Health Alliance has announced an addition to the staff as well as two promotions.
Laura Flagler Crowell has joined MHA as Executive Administrator to CEO Tatum Allsep, while Certified Senior Advisor Shelia Shipley Biddy has been promoted from COO to CFO, and Nikki Black has been elevated from Sr. Director of Advocacy to Vice President Programs & Policy at the non-profit.
Crowell began her career in the Nashville music industry promoting stars including Tim McGraw, Gary Allan, Lee Ann Womack, Rhett Akins, Wynonna and Mark Chesnutt. She spent seven years in radio promotion at Decca Records and Atlantic Records, as well as serving as an executive assistant at rpm management and an assistant at Pro Tours, Inc./Ken Stilts Management. After a number of years in North Carolina and Texas, Crowell returned to Nashville and reunited with some of her old colleagues at Music Health Alliance. Crowell can be reached at laura@musichealthalliance.com, Biddy at shelia@musichealthalliance.com and Black at nikki@musichealthalliance.com.
The powerhouse all-female MHA team will continue to assist more than 17,000 music industry professionals with the entire spectrum of their healthcare needs, ranging from assistance with medical bills or physical and mental health guidance that includes finding doctors or prescription medicine, finding financial grants while recovering from a serious health issue, affordable health insurance, or answers to Medicare questions.
“The last 9 years at MHA have been paved by a team of fierce and compassionate women, and I am thrilled to announce this exciting time of growth and restructuring,” shares Allsep. “These additions will make certain that MHA has the continued capacity to grow and serve our nation’s music industry professionals and their ever-changing healthcare needs for many years to come.“
The 11-person team of advocates has worked tirelessly over the last two years to support the physical and mental health needs of America’s music community during this critical time in our industry, and was recently honored with the 2021 CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award.
Warner Chappell Ups Jessi Vaughn Stevenson To Sr. Director, A&R/Digital
/by Lydia FarthingJessi Vaughn Stevenson
Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has promoted Jessi Vaughn Stevenson to Sr. Director, A&R/Digital.
Stevenson has been with WCM since 2016, having previously served as A&R Strategy Assistant, Administrative Assistant, and most recently, Manager, A&R/Digital. In her former role, she developed new and existing songwriters and worked closely with the global digital team to create new opportunities between Nashville writers and digital partners.
She received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Belmont University, where she also independently managed successful songwriters in Nashville.
“I’m excited to make this announcement today as Jessi has been with Warner Chappell since day one of her journey on Music Row.” shares Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, WCM Nashville. “Over the years she has developed her own style that is forward-thinking and hyper-focused on what’s best for our songwriters. She is a passionate songwriter fan and invaluable teammate to the entire Warner Chappell family.”
“I’m beyond excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow with this incredible team,” adds Stevenson adds. “Ben, the team at Warner Chappell, and the songwriters inspire me every day, making this company a special place to be. I am dedicated and look forward to developing more innovative strategies for our songwriters that take their careers to new heights.”
Rhett Akins, Victoria Shaw, Luke Laird, More To Play Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley At CRS 2022
/by Lorie HollabaughThe lineup for “Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley” at CRS 2022 has been announced, and will include songwriters Rhett Akins, Kassi Ashton, Barry Dean, Emily Landis, Luke Laird, Victoria Shaw, Allison Veltz, Parker Welling, and more.
The chart-topping songwriters have earned numerous No. 1s, CMA Awards, ACMs, Grammys, and millions in sales. Hosted by Fitz of Country Top 40 with Fitz, the event has become one of Country Radio Seminar’s most anticipated events.
“I am thrilled to be a part of this CRS tradition,” shares Fitz. “Bob Kingsley loved the songwriters and loved giving them a platform to share their art and talent with our industry. I am honored to continue Bob’s commitment to showcasing the songwriter. I can’t wait for you to experience this country music bucket list experience. You get to see the WHO behind the HITS at Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley.”
Additionally, Bob Kingsley’s estate, under the stewardship of his wife Nan, recently partnered with The Bluebird Cafe and NSAI. The special collaboration will be recognized throughout the event.
A financial donation will underwrite the digitization of some historic Bluebird Cafe shows recorded over the years in a variety of mediums. Weatherford College in Weatherford, Texas, Kingsley’s home, has partnered with The Bluebird Café, also through a Kingsley Estate endowment, to have their students involved in digitizing the historical shows. Earlier this year, the Kingsley estate donated over 700 full shows and 3,200 interviews with songwriters, artists, and others to the County Music Hall of Fame.
“Everyone who listened to Bob on the radio throughout his career understood that his love for Nashville’s songwriting community ran deep,” states Nan Kingsley. “It was for that reason I was proud to announce a multi-year partnership with Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and The Bluebird Café in 2021. I am excited to know that the team at Country Radio Seminar will be collaborating with the Bluebird Café, ensuring Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley remains the preeminent event during CRS it has always been.”
Dolly Parton To Host ACM Awards
/by LB CantrellDolly Parton. Photo: Stacie Huckeba
Global superstar Dolly Parton will host the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards, it was announced on Thursday (Feb. 3). Parton will be joined by co-hosts that will be announced at later date.
The two-hour show will stream live on Prime Video on Monday, March 7 at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST/5 p.m. PST from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The 57th ACM Awards will mark the first time a major award show has been exclusively livestreamed, and will not include commercial breaks.
Nominations for this year’s awards will be announced next week.
“I am so excited to be hosting the ACM Awards on March 7 from Vegas. Watch for us because we’re going to have some fun,” shares Parton.
The beloved entertainer, who earlier this week was announced as a nominee for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2022, is also set to release her album Run, Rose, Run on March 4. The album will accompany her original novel Run, Rose, Run, written with James Patterson and releasing March 7.
“We are honored to welcome Dolly Parton back to be the centerpiece of this landmark 57th Academy of Country Music Awards show at Allegiant Stadium. Dolly is the most iconic and multitalented artist of all time, and we are proud that she is a friend and supporter of the Academy, a previous host, and a 13-time Academy of Country Music Award recipient,” says Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “There is no one better than Dolly to represent the ACM Awards brand and country music on a global scale as we move to streaming and show the world that ‘this is how we country’ by delivering one of the most exhilarating and innovative shows in our history to audiences worldwide.”
“Dolly Parton’s status as a beloved and inspirational icon is a testament to her ongoing impact as an artist, philanthropist, and human being,” adds Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios. “As we bring the Academy of Country Music Awards to our Prime Video customers worldwide for the first time, we are thrilled to showcase the power of Amazon in creating these impactful global entertainment moments with an icon like Dolly as host, as well as must-see performances and collaborations. Amazon is excited to create 360-degree entertainment experiences and engagement with fans that continue beyond the credits rolling in what is sure to be the most fan-centric event of the year.”
The 57th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by MRC Live & Alternative. R.A. Clark is executive producer of the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Whiteside is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.
Julia Keefe Joins Edgehill Music Publishing As Head Of A&R
/by Lydia FarthingJulia Keefe
Edgehill Music Publishing has hired Julia Keefe as Head of A&R. She joins the company after serving as Creative Director at Altadena, a publishing, label and artist development company formed by multi-genre hitmaker Busbee.
In addition to leading A&R efforts, Keefe will also strategize new creative projects for Edgehill writers in Nashville and Los Angeles.
A Nashville native and Belmont University alum, Keefe began her professional career at Altadena. Over three years, she rose from intern to creative coordinator to creative director, working in various roles with artists such as Carly Pearce, Ryan Griffin, Lindsey Lomis, Carter Faith, Riley Roth, and more.
Josh Joseph, CEO and Founder of Edgehill Music Publishing, comments: “We are so excited to welcome such an experienced professional to our team. As a Nashville native, Julia demonstrates every day that working within the music industry is her blood. With her extensive professional experience and fresh perspective, Julia has already contributed so much to shape the future of our publishing company.”
“As a family-owned business, Edgehill takes pride in not only hiring the best of the best, but providing our roster with a support system that enables them to grow to their full potential,” adds Edgehill COO and Founder, Tara Joseph. “With her versatile creative background, there is truly no one better than Julia to have by our writers’ side for every step of the way.”
Edgehill recently formed a joint venture with newly-relaunched Boom, led by Joe Fisher, Keith Urban and Shaina Botwin, and signed Erin Kinsey. Keefe will work directly with Boom’s team on Kinsey’s project.
Reach Keefe at julia@edgehillmusicpublishing.com.
Kane Brown, Miranda Lambert, Morgan Wallen To Headline Watershed Festival 2022
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Kane Brown, Miranda Lambert, Morgan Wallen
Watershed Music and Camping Festival has announced the lineup for its 10th anniversary event. Headliners Kane Brown, Miranda Lambert and Morgan Wallen are set to take the stage July 29-31 at Washington’s Gorge Amphitheatre.
Additional acts, such as Lauren Alaina, Tenille Arts, Callista Clark, Jessie James Decker, Jordan Davis, Caylee Hammack, Locash, Jake Owen, Michael Ray, Chase Rice, Jameson Rodgers, Runaway June, Dylan Scott, Tenille Townes, Hailey Whitters and DeeJay Silver will also perform at the three-day, two stage camping festival. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks.
Passes go on sale Feb. 11 at WatershedFest.com.
My Music Row Story: The AMG’s Rob Beckham
/by LB CantrellRob Beckham. Photo: Courtesy The AMG
Rob Beckham is the co-founder of the Artist Management Group (The AMG) and currently serves as its President and Chief Execuitve Officer. The AMG is an independent, full-service entertainment company that supports artists in all career stages and offers a range of services including management, publishing and records. Notable clients of The AMG include Brad Paisley, Chris Young, Kameron Marlowe, Kat & Alex and Payton Smith. The AMG is also home to several rising stars including Jordan James, Chris Colston, Essex County, Grey Zeigler, Liv Charette and Nolan Sotillo.
Beckham has spent the last three decades shaping the careers of some of country music’s most successful artists and has received some of the industry’s top honors. The well-known industry veteran has been named CMA Touring Agent of the Year, TJ Martell Ambassador of the Year and honored by the Nashville Association of Talent Directors at their annual gala.
Prior to forming The AMG, he was a Partner at WME and Co-Head of the agency’s Nashville office.
Beckham recently spoke with MusicRow about his journey to The AMG, building artists’ careers, and The AMG’s success over the last few years.
How did you get into the music industry?
In college, I ran student activities. It was called ASUM in those days: Association of Students from the University of Montana. They had a famous industry program to get into the entertainment space, especially into the agency space. My first show was Poison and Warrant—in ’89, that was a really big deal.
I got turned onto country when I booked The Judds farewell tour, where Garth Brooks was the opening act. He and I struck a relationship there. The last [country] show I did was Reba, Clint Black and Vince Gill. That’s where my relationship started with Trey Turner and Narvel Blackstock. The on the job training that I got [while in college] was pretty extraordinary.
What happened after graduation?
The last show I did [in college] was Scorpions and Great White. The promoter of that show was from a Seattle promotion company. They liked the job that I did on the show, and offered me a job. I ended up taking it and moving to Seattle. I was there for about two years and got to work with Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Queensrÿche, Alice In Chains, and bands like that. One day out of the blue I got a call from Rick Shipp at Triad [which would later become WME] and he offered me job in Nashville.
That would have been 1992. I was there through [the transition from] Triad, to William Morris, and to WME. It’s interesting, I moved to Nashville to be Greg Oswald‘s assistant, and then he and I would end up running the office together for a number of years.
Pictured (L-R): Bill Simmons, Brad Paisley, Rob Beckham. Photo: Courtesy The AMG
After over two decades with WME, you left your position as co-head of the Nashville office to form The AMG with Bill Simmons. What went into that decision?
It took me a minute to figure out what I wanted to go and do. I had a great run at WME and I wouldn’t change anything for it, but it was time to do something where I could be more creative. I always thought I was really good at artist development throughout my years of doing that, and I wanted to be more hands on with the artists.
Larry Fitzgerald [who managed Brad Paisley and Chris Young with Bill Simmons] was retiring and he had been a superstar manager for many decades. And Bill and I are very dear friends. I’ve been with Brad for 22 years and with Chris, at least more than 10. So with Larry retiring and Bill and I creating our partnership, it just turned out to be a perfect move.
How has The AMG grown since it opened its doors in 2019?
We have 26 on staff now. We started very small and as we started growing, COVID allowed us to have some luxuries to bring in people that we probably wouldn’t have been able to bring in.
Pictured (L-R): Chris Young, Rob Beckham. Photo: Courtesy The AMG
Chris Young had a great year last year, in-part due to the success of “Famous Friends” with Kane Brown, which earned the distinction of being the most-played song on the Billboard Country Airplay Songs chart all year. What was that like?
[Prior to “Famous Friends”] Chris’ “Drowning” was such a monster song, but it was a casualty of COVID. The radio stations didn’t want to play that with COVID going on. So we pivoted really quick and set the launch up for “Famous Friends” brilliantly. And it’s an undeniable hit—when it’s an undeniable hit, it has a life of its own.
It’s an amazing song. He did a great job on it, and the video turned out great. We performed that song on all the different awards shows, so it got a massive look for him and really re-centered him in the country music lane as being a superstar.
In addition to navigating Chris Young and Brad Paisley’s career, you’ve had success with new artist signings such as Kat & Alex, Kameron Marlowe, and Payton Smith. As a manager now, where are you looking for potential new clients?
We found Kat & Alex on an online talent show. My assistant at that time set up a meeting for me to meet with them. As soon as they walked in the door, you just knew. It didn’t take me three minutes to figure it out. They’re the fastest thing I’ve ever seen happen in Nashville.
Pictured: Kat & Alex with Rob Beckham. Photo: Courtesy The AMG
Right before that was Kameron Marlowe. Kameron was the second fastest thing I’ve ever seen happen in Nashville. Organically, he happens to write this breakup song, “Giving You Up,” and submits it to the Spotify editorial team, not knowing anyone there. John Marks fell in love with that song and blew it up. It’s at about 250 million streams right now and is going to be a monster song at country radio.
How have you guys navigated the pandemic as a new management company?
We were fortunate in the sense that Brad was one of the first tours out, with Kameron as support. They got through his entire tour with no issues and no problems. The only problem that we ran into in late summer, early fall was [the COVID protocols]. At Bridgestone arena, for a while you either had to show a negative test or you had to have a vaccine card to get in. As these stipulations are going away, then you can start to see the world coming back to normal.
A lot of people thought that there was going to be a tremendous amount of demand for live music. What most of us in the industry didn’t count on is all 8,000 artists going on tour at exactly the same time. So for us, Brad was able to get through. We pivoted on Chris a little bit and moved it to March and April, just hoping the world is a little bit less crazy by then and a lot of these rules and regulations at local municipalities will all go away.
Pictured (L-R): Kameron Marlowe, Rob Beckham. Photo: Courtesy The AMG
When do you feel most fulfilled in your role?
Having a multi-week No. 1 song with Chris; and putting together a plan last October and actually seeing that plan far exceed our goals in what we thought it was going to be was really cool. I got to be a part of all the different award shows, which was super cool. In my previous role, I just went backstage, shook hands and went away.
I also realized how glamorous our jobs as managers [seem], but it’s really just hurry up and wait. You go and do a sound check at 9:30 a.m. and you don’t do a show until 8:00 o’clock at night. It can be pretty taxing and draining, but seeing the success of Chris, being a part of Brad’s career his whole life, seeing Kameron and Kat & Alex explode are all fascinating things to watch and be a part of.
What is some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Never assume. Never assume that something’s ever going to be done. Early in my career, I would make assumptions on things and normally they were wrong. (laughs)