Roy William Wunsch passed away in Nashville on Friday (Aug. 31), following a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 75.
Born June 23, 1943, in St. Louis, Mo., the son of Roy P. Wunsch and Ruth Wunsch, Roy is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sharon, all of St. Louis. He is survived by his wife of almost 30 years and friend of 44 years Mary Ann McCready, by daughter Cynthia Wunsch Bowen (Jay) of Nashville, and son Roy Christopher Wunsch of St. Louis. Roy went to Hancock High School, then attended St. Louis University, where he studied journalism. After working for a summer at a CBS Records distribution center, he left SLU to follow his heart into the music business.
For 30 years he worked with some of the most important artists in American music, and he spent the majority of those years with CBS/Sony Music, one of the best known and most competitive record companies in the world, whose label imprints included Columbia and Epic. Often honored for superior work, Roy received many awards of excellence for his performance in numerous musical genres.
In 1975, CBS placed greater emphasis on its Nashville division, and Roy agreed to lead the team as National Promotion and Sales Manager for Columbia’s sister label, Epic Records. Artists on the label included Tammy Wynette, George Jones, David Houston, Bob Luman, Johnny Paycheck, Joe Stampley and Charlie Rich. Many of those artists made timeless records in collaboration with Epic executive and iconic producer Billy Sherrill.
By 1981, Roy’s street smarts and diverse experience earned him the office of Vice President, overseeing Columbia, Epic and CBS Associated labels. He was the first in Nashville to hold that position. He added many notable recording artists and helped further the careers of Johnny Cash, Sonny James, Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Ricky Skaggs and Connie Smith (all now members of the Country Music Hall of Fame). He also worked with significant artists such as Lynn Anderson, David Allan Coe, Johnny Duncan, Janie Fricke and Marty Robbins.
Roy was elevated to second-in-command at Columbia’s Nashville office in 1985, and in 1988 — the year Sony Music completed its acquisition of CBS Records — he was appointed Senior Vice President of Nashville Operations, supporting the careers of Chet Atkins, Bobby Bare, Rosanne Cash, Crystal Gayle, the Highwaymen, the O’Kanes, Dolly Parton, The Charlie Daniels Band, Earl Scruggs, Marty Stuart, Sweethearts of the Rodeo and Ricky Van Shelton.
In 1990, for his skill and influence in Sony’s success, Roy was rewarded with a promotion to President of the Nashville division, the first person ever to hold that post.
Throughout his career, Roy espoused sophisticated marketing strategies that moved away from country music’s traditional imaging and embraced modern styles that reaped greater revenue and grew the audience for country music. Among his earliest achievements was the marketing of Willie Nelson’s classic Stardust album, a collection of pop standards produced by Booker T. Jones that sounded nothing like anything on country radio. Buoyed by hits “Georgia on My Mind,” “All of Me” and “Blue Skies,” the collection sold more than 10 million copies and stands as one of Sony Music Nashville’s most successful albums. A pair of country legends, Merle Haggard and George Jones, had their first gold and platinum albums under Roy’s stewardship.
In the late 1980s, he signed folk-reared singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter to a country recording contract. Though immediately embraced by critics, she failed to reach popular notoriety until a surprise CMA Awards appearance, enabled by Roy, won her broad notoriety. She recorded two highly successful albums followed by the multiplatinum album Come On, Come On, which yielded an astonishing seven hit singles.
Roy chaired the boards of the Country Music Association and the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was an early and ongoing supporter of the W.O. Smith School of Music, which makes affordable, quality music instruction available to children from low-income families. The W.O. Smith Music School transforms lives through music.
Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2008, Roy continued to play tennis, a lifelong passion, until three months ago; to love his dog, Maggie; and to be a loyal and avid fan of the city of St. Louis. He and wife Mary Ann enjoyed a life of great friendship, intense love and grand adventure, including a 30-day trip around the world.
In 2012, he began spending time painting and doing pottery with his artist daughter, Cindy, at her local studio. In December of 2015, a record crowd came to support his efforts, where he sold out his entire first exhibition. The show, called “Color Me Happy,” was a testament to his ongoing and courageous fight. The proceeds of this event went to charity.
Services will be at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 2015 West End Ave. in Nashville officiated by Rev. Father Steiner on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 3:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the Fleming Center next door.
A private family burial will be held the following day. Pallbearers will include Charles Batt, Jay S. Bowen, Frank Bumstead, Ron Dawson, Ron Elz, Chuck Flood, Jim Ramsey, Andrew Steed and Adam Steed. Honorary pallbearers include Bill Barnes, Rafael Cambronero, Gene Denonovich, Steve Diaz, Joe Mansfield, Mike Martinovich, Jim McCready, John McCready, Stan Moress, David Steed, Kevin Slovacek and Walter Yetnikoff. In memorium pallbearers include Billy Sherrill, Dave Swengros and Jeff Walker.
The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to Gretchen Napier, Julie Ehrlich and Jodi Jackson of Lifelinks; the loving hearts of Jihar Adeny, Lise Brown, Anthony Cuzone, Emily Henry, Ruthie McGonagle Ingram, Dierdre Jenkins, Jim Kemp, Stephanie Kendrick, Mitzi McCormick and Emily Tan; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dr. Petrie, Dr. Peach, Dr. Karlarkar, Dr. Sharp and Dr. Kirshner; Bonnie Wagner, Stuart Dill; Sarah Prince, Dea Smith; and The Richland West End Neighborhood.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests and appreciates donations to the W.O. Smith School, P.O. Box 121348, Nashville, TN 37212, Attn: The Roy Wunsch “Stardust” Scholarship, wosmith.org; or to Feed My People, 171 Kingston Drive, St. Louis, MO 63125, feed-my-people.org.
Wunsch’s artwork was proudly featured on the cover of the January 2016 issue of MusicRow. He was an avid and early supporter of the publication, becoming the first head of a major label to purchase subscriptions for every member of his staff.
Elektra Music Group Makes A&R Appointments In Nashville, Los Angeles
/by Jessica NicholsonPicture (L-R): Will McDonald, Shawn Cohen
Elektra Music Group, the newly formed stand-alone music company set to launch on Oct. 1, has announced two appointments to its A&R team. Will McDonald has joined the label as Vice President, A&R and Marketing, based in Nashville. Shawn Cohen has been named Senior Director, A&R, based in Los Angeles. McDonald and Cohen report to New York-based Elektra Music Group Co-Presidents Mike Easterlin and Gregg Nadel.
McDonald has spent the past decade with Dualtone Music Group, the Nashville-based independent label, most recently serving as Senior Director of A&R and Marketing. He was instrumental in signing much of the company’s roster, including multi-Platinum, Grammy-nominated folk rock band the Lumineers, as well as Shovels & Rope, Shakey Graves, Mt. Joy, and many others. Alongside his A&R duties, McDonald was involved in the marketing and product management of all of the label’s releases.
Elektra Music Group will include Elektra, Fueled By Ramen (FBR), Roadrunner, Low Country Sound, and Black Cement Records – which will be nurtured as unique, independent label brands. Co-Presidents Easterlin and Nadel will report to Atlantic Records Group Chairman & CEO Craig Kallman and Chairman & COO Julie Greenwald. The Elektra Music Group roster will include notable artists such as Twenty One Pilots, Sturgill Simpson, Zac Brown Band, Brandi Carlile, Fitz and the Tantrums, Paramore, Slipknot, Panic! At The Disco, Coheed and Cambria, Kaleo, Gojira, and others.
At launch, Elektra Music Group will boast a 60-plus member team embracing all key music company functions, including A&R, Artist Development, Business & Legal Affairs, International, Marketing, Promotion, Publicity, Sales & Streaming, and Video. The departments will be led and staffed by a combination of current members of the Atlantic, Elektra, FBR, and Roadrunner teams, as well as new hires.
Cohen most recently served as an A&R consultant, and is responsible for signing The Revivalists, who scored with the No. 1, RIAA Gold single, “Wish I Knew You.” He has worked with artists such as Jillette Johnson, Allday, and SPEAK. He previously spent six years at Wind-up Records, from 2010 until 2016, rising to Senior Director of A&R. He has also worked with artists such as the Griswolds, Citizen Zero, Crobot, Young Guns, and Filter, and spearheaded the formation of Eclypse Records with Feenixpawl.
“As we said when we announced the launch of Elektra Music Group, we’re going to be passionately devoted to long-term artist development,” said Easterlin and Nadel. “Signing and nurturing authentic artists will be at the core of everything we do, so it’s only fitting that our first staff announcement is about two of the most creative, independent-thinking young A&R people in the business. Will and Shawn come to us with great experience in discovering and working with original, compelling artists. And with Will in Nashville and Shawn in LA, we’ll solidify our cross-country A&R presence, which will enable us to build a dynamic roster of world-class talent.”
Tom Martens Promoted At Warner Music Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonTom Martens
Warner Music Nashville’s Tom Martens has been promoted to the newly-created role of VP, Radio & Streaming. Martens will continue to report to Sr. VP, Radio & Streaming Kristen Williams.
“Tom is the perfect executive to bring Warner Music Nashville’s Radio & Streaming team into the future,” says Williams. “His relationships with our artists and staff are unparalleled, and I am thrilled to have someone with his expertise and passion leading our teams. With Tom in his new role and Tim Foisset continuing to lead our streaming department, we are able to further our resolve to strengthen all partnerships while also devoting more attention to our artists and their growth across all platforms.”
In his Vice President role, Martens will oversee the three radio promotions teams, including WMN and WEA, led by National Directors Katie Bright and Adrian Michaels respectively.
“I am very grateful to John Esposito and Kristen Williams for providing me an incredible opportunity within the Warner Music Nashville family,” said Martens. “I am so fortunate to work with a staff that is so dedicated to our amazing artists and partners, and I look forward to continuing the incredible growth that our Radio & Streaming team has seen over the past few years.”
In his four years as the WAR National Director, Martens has steered his roster of artists to unprecedented success at country radio and beyond. In 2018 alone he drove Dan + Shay’s Platinum-certified “Tequila” to a multi-week No. 1, which lead to three CMA nominations as a duo, and helped notch another triple nod for Chris Janson and his current Top 10 single “Drunk Girl.”
Martens’ previous role as WAR National Director will be filled in coming weeks; Warner Music Nashville will bolster the team with a manager of streaming role, which it is currently looking to fill.
Lady Antebellum Signs With BMLG Records
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): BMLGR’s Matthew Hargis, BMLG’s Sandi Spika Borchetta, BMLGR’s Jimmy Harnen, Lady A’s Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Lady A’s Dave Haywood, BMLG’s Andrew Kautz, Allison Jones and Mike Rittberg
Lady Antebellum have signed with Big Machine Label Group’s BMLG Records. A reconnection of sorts for the trio whose success has taken them around the globe, the deal finds Lady A once again crossing paths with BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta and BMLGR President Jimmy Harnen.
“We have been truly blessed throughout our career to work with some of the brightest people in music,” said Lady A’s Hillary Scott. “We’ve watched BMLG become the powerhouse they are from the sidelines and couldn’t be more excited to become part of their family. We hope to honor all the people who have been part of our story over the last 10 years – can’t wait to work with some old friends again and are excited for where it takes us all together!”
“Lady Antebellum is the consummate vocal group,” Borchetta says. “Hillary, Charles and Dave have a special chemistry that only the greatest bands of all time have and what you see is what they sing – and it’s the sort of thing no label can create, only magnify. I am delighted that we get to assist them in writing the next chapter in their extraordinary career.”
With nine No. 1 Country hits, two AC chart-toppers, a No. 2 spot on the Hot 100, Lady A hits critical mass with the American public over and over again. Their musically forward, fresh and uplifting sound has sold over 18 million albums. Their songs reflect youth, romance and an ideal of how people hope to live. They have appeared on nearly every TV show imaginable including being the musical guest on Saturday Night Live.
“Our extreme belief in Lady A, admiration of their amazing career and the greatness they have yet to achieve, as well as being their biggest fans,” begins Harnen, “makes this the thrill of a lifetime.”
“It is also the grand reuniting of a large musical family,” Harnen continues. “Scott Borchetta and I worked with Linda Davis, Hillary’s mom (as well as her father Lang Scott) when we were both at DreamWorks. Michelle Tigard Kammerer worked closely with Lady A when they signed to CAA, and Matthew Hargis and I helped break the band at radio on their debut album. The long associations, close ties and the group’s always incredible music is literally why we do this.”
With seven GRAMMY® Awards, including the 2011 overall Record and Song of the Year awards for “Need You Now,” six Country Music Association Awards, including back-to-back Single of the Year nods for “I Run To You” and “Need You Now,” seven Academy of Country Music Awards, including three Top Vocal Group and Album of the Year trophies, and four straight American Music Awards for Favorite Country Group, the undeniable quality of the trio’s music defines them.
With 2017’s Heart Break receiving both GRAMMY® and Country Music Association Award nominations, after well-received solo albums from Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott, Lady A is currently writing and recording new music that is poised to be the best music of their careers.
LOCASH Tapped For Pepsi Tailgate Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonThe tour will launch Sept. 6 in Philadelphia, with LOCASH to perform at 3 p.m. ET at Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. The duo’s single, “Feels Like A Party,” penned by LOCASH’s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas along with the track’s co-producers Corey Crowder and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, is sure to be a staple at each show. The song recently became the most-added song at radio in the country radio format.
“Good things sure do happen in pairs. Thank you, country radio for embracing this song, we’re so honored and appreciate your support,” said Brust. “This, on the heels of the Pepsi Tailgate Tour news made today an incredibly special day for us.”
“We’re super excited to be partnering up with Pepsi and being part of the Pepsi family,” said Lucas. “Teaming country music and football fans is the perfect combination for a party!!”
Sept. 6 – Philadelphia, PA: (LOCASH performance at 3 p.m. ET at Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing during the 2018 NFL Kickoff Experience)
Sept. 15 – Arlington, TX: (Ohio State vs. Texas Christian University)
Sept. 16 – Arlington, TX (Cowboys vs. Giants)
Sept. 29 – University Park, PA (Ohio State @ Penn State)
Sept. 30 – Pittsburgh, PA (Steelers vs. Ravens)
Oct. 11 – East Rutherford, NJ (Giants vs. Eagles)
Oct. 14 – East Rutherford, NJ (Jets vs. Colts)
Oct. 21 – Landover, MD (Redskins vs Cowboys)
Nov. 4 – Foxborough, MA (Patriots vs. Packers)
Dec. 2 – Miami Gardens, FL (Dolphins vs. Bills)
Dec. 8 – Philadelphia, PA (Army vs. Navy)
C.F. Martin & Co. Earns B Corp Certification
/by Jessica Nicholson“I am personally very proud of our B Corporation certification,” said Chris Martin, Chairman and CEO of C.F. Martin & Co. “Being the sixth generation of Martin to have the privilege of running my family business, I have always thought that corporate culture, used appropriately, can be a significant competitive advantage. Our partnership with B Lab and the community of Certified B Corporations will make us a better business in a very holistic way.”
B Corp launched in 2006. To date, there are over 2,500 B Corp certified companies worldwide, including Ben & Jerry’s, Athleta, Patagonia, and Seventh Generation. To earn the certification, C.F. Martin & Co. completed a process conducted by B Lab, the governing body of B Corp certification, which looked at over 170 different factors, examining Martin’s customers and vendors, its record of inclusion, its involvement in the community, its corporate governance, and its environmental impact. Things like average employee tenure, amount of charitable giving, energy savings plans, recycling policies, employee volunteer service, and upward mobility are all assessed.
Weekly Register: Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Florida Georgia Line Nab No. 1s
/by Sarah SkatesKane Brown strolling along at No. 1. Photo: Joseph Llanes
Kane Brown keeps his hold on the No. 1 Country Streaming song spot this week with “Heaven” getting 9 million streams (335 million YTD), according to Nielsen Soundscan. Following up on that chart are Dan + Shay‘s “Tequila” with 7.6 million, Brett Young‘s “Mercy” with 7 million, Chris Stapleton‘s “Tennessee Whiskey” with 6.5 million, and Florida Georgia Line‘s “Simple” with 5.8 million.
FGL comes in at the top of the Digital Core Genre Country sales list with “Sittin’ Pretty” at No. 1 (No. 11 overall) in its debut week, scoring 15K downloads. The duo’s single “Simple” floats along at No. 2 with 12K, Jason Aldean ft. Miranda Lambert are drinking at No. 3 with “Drowns The Whiskey” (10K), Brett Young sings “Mercy” at No. 4 with 9.9K and Dan + Shay are shooting straight at No. 5 with “Tequila” (8.9K).
On the overall chart, BTS, a Korean-pop boy band, debuts at No. 1 with the album, Love Yourself: Answer. The project yielded activity of 185K (141K album only and 39 million streams), driven by single “Idol,” featuring Nicki Minaj which also debuts at No. 1 with 43K.
Top 5 Country albums TW (total consumption/album only/total song streams)
Luke Combs, This One’s For You 24K/4.4K/23 million
Jason Aldean, Rearview Town 16K/7K/9.8 million
Cole Swindell, All of It 13K/7K/6.6 million
Dan + Shay, Dan + Shay 13K/1.8K/13 million
Kane Brown, Kane Brown 13K/2.6K/12 million
Additionally, FGL’s self titled EP debuts at No. 10 Country and No. 73 overall with 9.1K (1.3K album only/6.6 million song streams).
Florida Georgia Line. Photo: Delaney Royer
Nashville Music Industry Veteran Mike Owens Passes
/by Sherod RobertsonBeloved music industry Radio Promotion and A&R professional Mike Owens passed away suddenly on Sunday evening, Sept. 2, from a massive heart attack at age 53. A longtime member of the music industry, he most recently served as VP Creative at Sea Gayle Music.
An admired and respected music industry veteran, Owens first began his career working in radio when he was a teenager in Oklahoma. He became Music Director for powerhouse station KXXY in Oklahoma City, where he was discovered and hired in 1989 by the newly-formed country label Arista Nashville. He served as part of their flagship radio promotion team, where he worked for 11 years. Because of his natural instinct for picking hit songs, Owens was later hired as Vice President of A&R for Universal South Records where he worked for five years, and most recently served for six years as Vice President of Creative for Sea Gayle Music. During the course of his long and celebrated time in the music industry, Owens contributed to the careers of some of country music’s biggest superstars.
“Mike’s passion for songs and knowledge of the music business was unparalleled,” says Chris DuBois, Owner/Managing Partner, Sea Gayle Music. “His career impacted more songwriters, recording artists and industry executives than I could possibly count. Most importantly, he was one of the finest human beings that I have ever known. He will be greatly missed in this community.”
“When I hired Mike I realized that he had a world of knowledge about country music from his years at radio and his absolute love of the format,” says Tim DuBois, Former President, Arista Nashville. “His passion for songs and songwriters made him ideally suited to make the transition from promoting hit records to finding great songs for great artists. He was not only my employee but one of my dearest friends.”
Music For Mike, a benefit concert previously announced and scheduled for Sept. 25 at War Memorial Auditorium, is moving forward as planned. Proceeds will go to the Mike Owens Family Trust. Current and former Arista Nashville artists set to take the stage that night include recent Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Alan Jackson, superstar duo Brooks & Dunn, and critically acclaimed entertainer Brad Paisley, along with Blackhawk, Diamond Rio, Lee Roy Parnell, Pam Tillis, Phil Vassar and Steve Wariner. Backing this line-up is veteran touring band, Sixwire.
Click here to purchase tickets. Donations to the family’s GoFundMe page can be made here.
In 2014, Owens was diagnosed with end stage renal disease and had been placed on dialysis awaiting a donor kidney. His treatment had led to other health issues and mounting medical bills.
He is survived by his wife Radeana Menhusen Owens and their daughter Savannah.
Services were held on Thursday, Sept. 6 at West End United Methodist Church located at 2200 West End Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee. Visitation was from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., with the service beginning at 12 p.m.
Chris Tomlin Announces 2018 Christmas Tour
/by Sarah SkatesTomlin is spending September on the road in Canada. His new studio album Holy Roar will be released Oct. 26.
His 2018 spring arena tour, Worship Night in America Tour, ended in May after gathering over 175,000 attendees during its six-week run, including the sold-out ‘Good Friday Nashville’ concert at Bridgestone Arena.
Tomlin, a Nashville resident, will continue the Good Friday concert tradition on April 19, 2019 at Bridgestone, with net proceeds being donated to community charities.
Chris Tomlin Christmas: Christmas Songs of Worship
Nov. 30 – Montgomery, AL – Montgomery Performing Arts Centre
Dec. 1 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre
Dec. 2 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre
Dec. 3 – Birmingham, AL – Alabama Theatre
Dec. 6 – Richmond, VA – Carpenter Theatre
Dec. 7 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 8 – Newport News, VA – Ferguson Center for the Arts
Dec. 9 – Charleston, SC – Gaillard Center
12/13 – Chattanooga, TN – Tivoli Theatre
12/14 – Roanoke, VA – Berglund Performing Arts Theatre
12/15 – Hershey, PA – The Hershey Theatre
12/16 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Tickets will be available on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. local times at www.christomlin.com.
Atlas Music Publishing Signs Brandi Carlile, Opens Nashville Office With Tracy Gershon
/by Jessica NicholsonBrandi Carlile
Atlas Music Publishing has announced the signing of singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile.
Carlile’s deal will take effect in January 2019, and will cover her back catalog as well as future works. The agreement also includes the work of Carlile’s longtime collaborators and bandmates, Phil and Tim Hanseroth.
“As songwriters, the twins and I are on a constant search of fresh paths and uncharted territory! We are completely thrilled with the promise of this brand new journey with Atlas and we are looking ever forward to writing this story together with them,” states Carlile.
Richard Stumpf, Founder and CEO of Atlas Music Publishing, says, “Atlas has had an incredible run in Nashville within a joint venture that brought us dozens of number ones, a multi-year writer of the year winner, and over 50 PRO awards. Given where we are in our growth, it was time to move beyond a joint venture and plant our own flag in Nashville. I’m happy to announce that Tracy Gershon will be advising us as we build out the Atlas Nashville team and roster. There aren’t many creatives who bring the kind of relationships and experience as Tracy. When I spoke with Tracy about being able to get into business with Brandi, she couldn’t have been more excited.”
Gershon says, “Brandi and I have been looking for a way to work together for awhile, and this new partnership with Atlas will provide some innovative and exciting opportunities! I’m looking forward to working with Brandi, Tim, Phil, Rich and the entire Atlas team.”
The new Nashville office is located at 1030 18th Ave. S.
Tracy Gershon
Lifenotes: Beloved Music Industry Veteran Roy Wunsch Passes
/by Jessica NicholsonRoy William Wunsch passed away in Nashville on Friday (Aug. 31), following a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 75.
Born June 23, 1943, in St. Louis, Mo., the son of Roy P. Wunsch and Ruth Wunsch, Roy is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sharon, all of St. Louis. He is survived by his wife of almost 30 years and friend of 44 years Mary Ann McCready, by daughter Cynthia Wunsch Bowen (Jay) of Nashville, and son Roy Christopher Wunsch of St. Louis. Roy went to Hancock High School, then attended St. Louis University, where he studied journalism. After working for a summer at a CBS Records distribution center, he left SLU to follow his heart into the music business.
For 30 years he worked with some of the most important artists in American music, and he spent the majority of those years with CBS/Sony Music, one of the best known and most competitive record companies in the world, whose label imprints included Columbia and Epic. Often honored for superior work, Roy received many awards of excellence for his performance in numerous musical genres.
In 1975, CBS placed greater emphasis on its Nashville division, and Roy agreed to lead the team as National Promotion and Sales Manager for Columbia’s sister label, Epic Records. Artists on the label included Tammy Wynette, George Jones, David Houston, Bob Luman, Johnny Paycheck, Joe Stampley and Charlie Rich. Many of those artists made timeless records in collaboration with Epic executive and iconic producer Billy Sherrill.
By 1981, Roy’s street smarts and diverse experience earned him the office of Vice President, overseeing Columbia, Epic and CBS Associated labels. He was the first in Nashville to hold that position. He added many notable recording artists and helped further the careers of Johnny Cash, Sonny James, Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Ricky Skaggs and Connie Smith (all now members of the Country Music Hall of Fame). He also worked with significant artists such as Lynn Anderson, David Allan Coe, Johnny Duncan, Janie Fricke and Marty Robbins.
Roy was elevated to second-in-command at Columbia’s Nashville office in 1985, and in 1988 — the year Sony Music completed its acquisition of CBS Records — he was appointed Senior Vice President of Nashville Operations, supporting the careers of Chet Atkins, Bobby Bare, Rosanne Cash, Crystal Gayle, the Highwaymen, the O’Kanes, Dolly Parton, The Charlie Daniels Band, Earl Scruggs, Marty Stuart, Sweethearts of the Rodeo and Ricky Van Shelton.
In 1990, for his skill and influence in Sony’s success, Roy was rewarded with a promotion to President of the Nashville division, the first person ever to hold that post.
Throughout his career, Roy espoused sophisticated marketing strategies that moved away from country music’s traditional imaging and embraced modern styles that reaped greater revenue and grew the audience for country music. Among his earliest achievements was the marketing of Willie Nelson’s classic Stardust album, a collection of pop standards produced by Booker T. Jones that sounded nothing like anything on country radio. Buoyed by hits “Georgia on My Mind,” “All of Me” and “Blue Skies,” the collection sold more than 10 million copies and stands as one of Sony Music Nashville’s most successful albums. A pair of country legends, Merle Haggard and George Jones, had their first gold and platinum albums under Roy’s stewardship.
In the late 1980s, he signed folk-reared singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter to a country recording contract. Though immediately embraced by critics, she failed to reach popular notoriety until a surprise CMA Awards appearance, enabled by Roy, won her broad notoriety. She recorded two highly successful albums followed by the multiplatinum album Come On, Come On, which yielded an astonishing seven hit singles.
Roy chaired the boards of the Country Music Association and the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was an early and ongoing supporter of the W.O. Smith School of Music, which makes affordable, quality music instruction available to children from low-income families. The W.O. Smith Music School transforms lives through music.
Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2008, Roy continued to play tennis, a lifelong passion, until three months ago; to love his dog, Maggie; and to be a loyal and avid fan of the city of St. Louis. He and wife Mary Ann enjoyed a life of great friendship, intense love and grand adventure, including a 30-day trip around the world.
In 2012, he began spending time painting and doing pottery with his artist daughter, Cindy, at her local studio. In December of 2015, a record crowd came to support his efforts, where he sold out his entire first exhibition. The show, called “Color Me Happy,” was a testament to his ongoing and courageous fight. The proceeds of this event went to charity.
Services will be at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 2015 West End Ave. in Nashville officiated by Rev. Father Steiner on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 3:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the Fleming Center next door.
A private family burial will be held the following day. Pallbearers will include Charles Batt, Jay S. Bowen, Frank Bumstead, Ron Dawson, Ron Elz, Chuck Flood, Jim Ramsey, Andrew Steed and Adam Steed. Honorary pallbearers include Bill Barnes, Rafael Cambronero, Gene Denonovich, Steve Diaz, Joe Mansfield, Mike Martinovich, Jim McCready, John McCready, Stan Moress, David Steed, Kevin Slovacek and Walter Yetnikoff. In memorium pallbearers include Billy Sherrill, Dave Swengros and Jeff Walker.
The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to Gretchen Napier, Julie Ehrlich and Jodi Jackson of Lifelinks; the loving hearts of Jihar Adeny, Lise Brown, Anthony Cuzone, Emily Henry, Ruthie McGonagle Ingram, Dierdre Jenkins, Jim Kemp, Stephanie Kendrick, Mitzi McCormick and Emily Tan; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dr. Petrie, Dr. Peach, Dr. Karlarkar, Dr. Sharp and Dr. Kirshner; Bonnie Wagner, Stuart Dill; Sarah Prince, Dea Smith; and The Richland West End Neighborhood.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests and appreciates donations to the W.O. Smith School, P.O. Box 121348, Nashville, TN 37212, Attn: The Roy Wunsch “Stardust” Scholarship, wosmith.org; or to Feed My People, 171 Kingston Drive, St. Louis, MO 63125, feed-my-people.org.
Wunsch’s artwork was proudly featured on the cover of the January 2016 issue of MusicRow. He was an avid and early supporter of the publication, becoming the first head of a major label to purchase subscriptions for every member of his staff.