Posted by themusicsover on August 2, 2011
Wendy Kale
DOB Unknown – August 2, 2011
Wendy Kale was a music writer who over the course of some 30 years, reported on the Denver, Colorado scene for Boulder’s Colorado Daily. Kale began her music career as a college concert promoter during the late ’70s, eventually working shows by the likes of B.B. King, Jerry Garcia, the Rolling Stones and the Eagles. During the mid ’80s, she began writing a column for the Colorado Daily, and went on to become the one constant at area venues as she soaked in shows for review in the paper. A tireless supporter of the local scene, Kale has been credited for being the first to champion the Samples and Big Head Todd and the Monsters. On August 2, 2011, Wendy Kale’s lifeless body was found in her home. Cause of death was not immediately known, but according to officials, did not appear to be suspicious. She was 58.
Posted in Journalist, Promoter | Tagged: B. B. King, Jerry Garcia, The Eagles, the Rolling Stones, Wendy Kale | Leave a Comment »
Posted by themusicsover on March 16, 2011
Carlton Haney
DOB Unknown – March 16, 2011
Photo by Marcia Goodman
Carlton Haney was a bluegrass and country music promoter who first came into the business while he was dating Bill Monroe’s daughter during the 1950s. It was during that time that he began booking shows for Monroe and eventually began managing bluegrass act, Reno & Smiley. During the ’60s he became one of the first, if not THE first promoter to put together package shows that featured both bluegrass and country artists. That lead to one of the America’s first successful multi-day bluegrass festivals which he launched over Labor Day weekend, 1965 in Fincastle, Virginia. Over the course of his career, he was cited as a major contributor to the ultimate successes of such artists as Loretta Lynn, the Osbourne Brothers, Porter Waggoner, and Waylon Jennings, on whose Okie From Muskogee and The Fightin’ Side Of Me live albums, Haney can be heard introducing the singer. He also penned a handful of bluegrass and country hits for others over the years. Carlton Haney was 82 when he passed away on March 16, 2011.
Thanks to Janice Brooks at Bus of Real Country for the assist.
Posted in Bluegrass, Country, Promoter, Songwriter | Tagged: Bill Monroe, Carlton Haney, Loretta Lynn, Osbourne Brothers, Reno & Smiley | Leave a Comment »
Posted by themusicsover on January 29, 2011
Sterling Belcher
June 14, 1939 – January 29, 2011
Sterling Belcher was a music promoter who founded the Festival of The Pines in Rocky Point, Virginia in 1981. A tireless lover of bluegrass music, Belcher brought such acts as Ralph Stanley, Alison Krauss, Jimmy Martin and Rhonda Vincent to the sleepy surroundings of Tripple Creek Music Campground throughout the years. He regularly received recognition for his commitment to bluegrass music from local, regional and national music associations. Sterling Belcher was 71 when he passed away on January 29, 2011.
Posted in Bluegrass, Promoter | Tagged: Alison Krauss, Jimmy Martin, Ralph Stanley, Rhonda Vincent, Sterling Belcher | Leave a Comment »
Posted by themusicsover on September 24, 2010
Dick Griffey
November 16, 1938 – September 24, 2010
Dick Griffey is best remembered as the founder of influential R&B label, SOLAR (Sound Of Los Angeles Records). Formed in 1977, the label was one of the most successful R&B labels outside of Motown. Griffey launched his music career during the ’60s when he became part owner of a Los Angeles nightclub, Guys and Dolls which played host to shows by the likes of Ike & Tina Turner and Isaac Hayes. He soon went on to work as a talent scout for the influential TV dance program, Soul Train. That lead to a partnership with show creator, Don Cornelius with Soul Train Records. For some reason, the label folded within two years, so Griffey built SOLAR from its ashes. The label was one of the most influential urban labels during the late ’70s and ’80s thanks in part to Griffey’s ability to find talent that were much more than the majority of one-dimensional disco and dance acts of the era. The label roster included the Whispers, Klymaxx, Midnight Starr, Lakeside, and the Deele. The latter featured a young Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Antonio “L.A.” Reid. Griffey was also a successful concert promoter for a time, setting up tours for the likes of Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Michael Jackson, and Aretha Franklin. During the ’90s, Griffey had a part in the birth of Death Row Records, the label founded by Suge Knight and Dr. Dre. On September 24, 2010, Dick Griffey passed away while recuperating from heart surgery. He was 72.
Posted in Promoter, Record Label | Tagged: Antonio "L.A." Reid, Aretha Franklin, Dick Griffey, Don Cornelius, Dr. Dre, Ike Tuner, Isaac Hayes, James Brown, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Klymaxx, Lakeside, Michael Jackson, Midnight Starr, Stevie Wonder, Suge Knight, The Deele, the whispers, Tina Turner | Leave a Comment »
Posted by themusicsover on August 2, 2010
Howie Goodman
November 5, 1949 – August 2, 2009
Born in New York, Howie Goodman grew up to become a passionate record promoter. While in college in Memphis during the early ’70s, Goodman began working at two area clubs. That lead to his work as an independent record promoter, working records throughout Memphis and some of the country’s biggest markets. He soon opened his own promo company, Good Choice Promotion. Howie Goodman died of cancer at the age of 59.
Posted in Promoter | Tagged: Howie Goodman | Leave a Comment »