Chris Oglesby has been appointed VP, Creative for the BMG Chrysalis US Nashville office. Oglesby reports to Executive VP Kos Weaver and will support the development of the company’s dynamic roster of songwriters while expanding their creative opportunities.
Oglesby is a 28-year veteran of the business who has worked with some of country’s biggest artists and was involved with numerous chart-topping hits. His first step in the industry took place at Almo/Irving Music, before teaming up with Bob Doyle and Kye Fleming to launch Dreamcatcher Music. In 1994, Oglesby joined former BMG Music Publishing where during his 10-year run, he worked with established songwriters such as Marcus Hummon, Hugh Prestwood, and John Hiatt. Oglesby re-signed songwriter Craig Wiseman and signed emerging talent such as David Lee and Luke Laird. At the ‘old’ BMG, Oglesby was involved with hit songs including “Check Yes or No” by George Strait, “Young” by Kenny Chesney, “Born To Fly” by Sara Evans, the Carrie Underwood hits “So Small” and “Temporary Home,” and “God’s Will” by Martina McBride.
In 2004, Oglesby moved on to songwriter management and created his own company, Oglesby Writers Management (OWM), which became part of industry powerhouse 19 Entertainment/CKX. During this time he continued to manage the careers of songwriters, and set up co-writes for 19 managed artists.
“When you assemble a dynamic, motivated and creative team the possibilities become endless,” Oglesby tells MusicRow of returning to the BMG fold. “I am excited about exploring those possibilities. The writers that have come together under this BMG Chrysalis umbrella are amazing. Writers, Artists, Producers, seasoned veterans and young bucks. I know many of them and have already worked with and watch them create some amazing songs. It is a thrill for me to be a part of what they do each day and now officially work for them. Music Row is gonna be dusty, cause we are about to kick it up!”
Weaver agrees, adding, “It is an inspiring roster. From emerging writer/artists like Hannah Dasher and Ruston Kelly to some of the top writers the town has ever seen like Hillary Lindsey, Jeff Stevens, Buddy Miller, Gordie Sampson, Tony Lane and Angelo. And speaking of Angelo, who of course produces the Kings of Leon (also on the roster), there are incredibly talented artists from genres outside of country signed to the Nashville office like, John Paul White (The Civil Wars) and the Milk Carton Kids. It’s going to be dusty indeed.”
Oglesby is clearly ready to take on the challenges of being a BMG Creative team member in the current industry environment. “I think the biggest challenge will be carrying our communities’ amazing traditions and heritage into this technological age,” says Oglesby. “The greatest songwriters in the world live here. If they do not live here, they often come here to write and create. I want to be one of those who help these writers continue with a high level of excellence. I feel like to do that, I need to learn from and remember what has been handed down to me. I respect it. Blending yesterday with tomorrow while working today is not always an easy thing.”
Weaver says that Oglesby’s enthusiasm for songs and songwriters makes him a perfect fit for the VP, Creative role. “Chris’ approach is the definition of what a great publisher is supposed to be about.”