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Larry Delaney
FYI
Obituaries: Country Music News Publisher Larry Delaney, Former BMG Canada President Bob Jamieson
This week we also acknowledge the passing of R&B hitmaker Peabo Bryson and Canadian steel guitar legend Al Brisco.
11h
Larry (Lawrence) Delaney, publisher of music trade magazine Country Music News and a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, died on June 4, at age 83.
On June 4, Delaney posted this farewell message on his Facebook page: ''It's time for me to say goodbye, my friends. I want to thank you for your many years of friendships. You have all had a very special place in my life. Thank you. Larry.''
His official obituary describes Delaney as ''the revered voice of Canadian country music and a beloved family patriarch. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Larry spent his lifetime elevating others, leaving an indelible mark on both his community and the national music landscape.
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''Larry was best known as the passionate (co)-founder, owner, and publisher of Country Music News, which was launched in 1980. For over three decades, his Ottawa-based publication served as the ultimate authority for the Canadian country music industry. Larry was a tireless champion of home-grown talent, charting the careers of Canadian legends and undiscovered independent artists alike.
''His monumental contributions and unwavering dedication to the genre were officially recognized in 1989 when he was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, along with several other recognitions including 11-time recipient of the CCMA's country music person of the year award.''
''In 1996, Delaney was honoured as the first recipient of the CCMA’s Stan Klees Hall of Honour Builder Award. Along with his wife, Joanne, who was along the journey with him for all 332 issues of Country Music News, Larry was inducted into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993.''
Delaney's work as an historian of Canadian country music continued after the demise of Country Music News. In an extensive Facebook tribute, Ontario radio host and occasional CMN contributor Randy Owen noted that ''Delaney kept promoting the industry with articles in various publications, including a monthly column honouring Canadian country music pioneers in the Country Music Association of Ontario's newsletter, compiling the annual remembrance of industry personnel who have passed on at each year's Country Music Week festivities hosted by the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), and submitting information to Billboard Canada's [weekly obituaries].''
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Delaney regularly sent Billboard Canada his obituaries of artists, both notable and lesser-known, and this information was invaluable.
Veteran Toronto music journalist Nick Krewen offered Billboard Canada a tribute that stressed Delaney's importance. He termed Delaney ''Canadian country music’s best friend and usually an artist’s very first career enabler. For 32 years, he published what was first known as Capital Country News (with founder Neville Wells) and eventually became Country Music News. He was often the catalyst in giving a Canadian artist their first print coverage - something tangible that helped them build a press kit that led them to regional, provincial and national bookings and that let people across the nation know that a new record was out.
''When he started out, only a few Canadian artists managed to sell decent numbers of recordings, but it mattered not to Delaney, who recognized homegrown talent and did his best (along with his wife Joanne) to fan the flames of that recognition as far and as wide as he could. Operating on a shoestring budget, he organized an army of regional writers to look into their own backyards and write about new discoveries and those making headway. And if he felt it was justified, he’d write cover stories about them…as he did with the future Shania Twain, then known by her first name Eilleen, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Brett Kissel, to name a very few.
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''And he followed not only the careers of domestic performers- the majority of them on a grass roots level - but also songwriters, often praising their Nashville success while reminding readers that this new U.S.-based talent actually hailed from the land of the Maple Leaf. All this was accomplished with an admirable degree of humility, kindness and sincerity. Larry Delaney welcomed everyone who was serious about a career in country music without prejudice.
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''Although I never worked with him, Larry and I had a few conversations over the years where I came to appreciate that he had probably forgotten more about Canadian country music and its history than most people remembered. He chronicled a history of a music genre that was woefully underserved by other national media, and if it weren’t for his efforts, many of those stories would have been relegated to obscurity or nipped in the bud before they even began.
''Larry Delaney was the sentinel of Canadian country music and there’s no current torchbearer that can pick up the slack of what he accomplished, simply because these are different times. None the less, those burgeoning and established artists whose music did receive his ear and who treasured his words of advice have lost a true friend and ally.''
Many other tributes to Delaney have been posted on social media or forwarded to Billboard Canada.
On its Facebook page, the CMAO (Country Music Association of Ontario) posted that ''It is a profoundly sad day for Canadian country music as we mourn the loss of two extraordinary Ontario icons, Larry Delaney and Al Brisco, both passing on the same day.''
''For decades, Larry Delaney was one of the industry’s greatest champions, dedicating his life to promoting Canadian country artists through Country Music News. His passion for our music, our artists, and our stories helped shape the country music landscape we know today. For the past 12 years, Larry worked closely with CMAOntario to shine a spotlight on Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers, ensuring the artists who paved the way for future generations received the recognition they deserved. We are deeply grateful for his friendship, his dedication, and his unwavering belief in Canadian country music.Our thoughts are with Larry’s family and friends. Thank you, Larry. Your legacy will live on.''
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Keith Glass, guitarist in legendary Canadian country group Prairie Oyster, told Billboard Canada that 'I spent a lot of time with Larry Delaney, an incredible guy and a huge supporter of country music. I was a guest at his house on many occasions doing interviews, and marveling at his record collection and encyclopedic knowledge of all things to do with the Canadian country music world. He was a sweet sweet guy.''
Famed Toronto music publicist and radio promoter Anya Wilson sent this tribute to Billboard Canada: ''Larry, Joanne and the magazine helped develop the country music sector of the music industry and helped it to thrive. They gave a voice to many of our up and coming independent artists while also supporting our legends and current artists. I remember as 'Home and Abroad' journalist for CMN I was allowed to do the cover story on Blue Rodeo to embrace new styles of country music. It was a Christmas issue and Denise Grant shot a cover with Greg and Jim standing in front of a decorated Christmas tree handing each other a gift. This issue became a collectors item.
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''There were many adventurous moments which gave a traditional type of readership an introduction to newer more contemporary artists. Also we owe Larry a huge debt of gratitude for being a stickler for keeping it real and correcting any inaccurate info that came across his path, making sure the facts were honored. With an onslaught of misinformation and now with AI, the truth has become a difficult luxury to maintain. Larry and Joane made a huge difference.''
Randy Owen's Facebook tribute noted that ''Larry Delaney's home was renowned for his music collection. At one point, his home library consisted of over 15,000 vinyl albums and 10,000 CD's. It was considered a 'rite of passage' for anyone in Canadian country music to visit Larry at his home and experience the jaw-dropping moment of seeing his collection.'
Canadian country star Jason McCoy, on Facebook: ''If you've spent any time in the Canadian country music industry, chances are you owe Larry a sincere thank you. For decades, Country Music News was the definitive voice of Canadian country music. Larry and Joanne championed artists at every stage of their careers, shining a spotlight on emerging talent while celebrating the accomplishments of established stars.
''Their dedication, passion, and unwavering belief in Canadian artists helped shape our industry in ways that can never truly be measured. Larry proudly carried the flag for Canadian country music and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to influence generations of artists, industry professionals, and fans.''
Country musician Wray Ellis, on Facebook: ''Few people have had a greater impact promoting Canadian country music than Larry Delaney. Through their publication Country Music News, Larry and Joanne celebrated not only Canada's country stars, but they shone their generous spotlight on those who were just starting out. Thanks to Larry for reaching out — and giving me my very first 'ink.'''
Upon hearing of Delaney's health situation, Ron Kitchener, head of country label Open Road, posted this on Facebook: ''You’ve been so instrumental to many artists in their early pursuits of attention and gave them space and a place to showcase their stories of discovery, growth, resilience in the business. Your ongoing generous support to our management and Open Road label clients was so appreciated! Also, I don’t think I’d know 10% of the amazing history our nation has provided within the country music world if not for all your stories and facts published every month.''
Country/roots singer-songwriter Jay Aymar, on Facebook: "I did an interview with him once at his house in the basement next to all the albums and photos of country stars throughout history. They were all signed personally to him, and I asked him if he had to pick one who would his favourite be? He said Waylon Jennings had the purest voice in his opinion. He loved Waylon. Then he went on to tell me a Stompin’ Tom story which is so funny yet unrepeatable for public consumption. RIP Larry.''
For messages of condolence, visit beechwoodottawa.ca.
Al Brisco, an internationally-acclaimed Canadian steel guitar player, died on June 4, at age 81.
As well as recording and touring with a multitude of Canadian country acts, Brisco played with such stars as Frank Zappa, The Band, Kris Kristofferson and Ronnie Hawkins.
In 1994, he was inducted into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame. Their bio notes that ''Brisco was born and raised on the family farm, Appledale, near Renfrew, Ontario. As a youngster, he took five years of piano lessons and was influenced by the music he encountered in his local school and church.
''Al progressed to the acoustic and then bass guitars and, at the age of sixteen, was playing with The Countrymen, a popular band in the Renfrew area. It was then that he built his first pedal steel guitar and, subsequently, was able to buy his first 'factory built' Fender 400.
''Having finished high school, Al was soon in demand as a touring picker and a session player. His style was influenced by well known steel players like Ralph Mooney, Tom Brumley and Buddy Emmons. Al worked sessions with such names as George Hamilton IV, Pure Prairie League, Ian and Sylvia Tyson, Gordie Tapp, Gary Buck, Tommy Hunter and Johnny Burke.''
''After a number of years of touring, Brisco was called by Ronnie Hawkins and, for the next four years, toured with The Hawks as band leader. During this time, he backed up many outstanding acts, including Frank Zappa, The Band, Kris Kristofferson and Beverly D'Angelo. In 1976, he joined Johnny Burke and Eastwind and continued to tour. With Burke, he was called upon as a back-up musician on CTV’s Funny Farm, CFGM’s syndicated radio show Opry North and many more.'' Other stars Brisco played with included Dallas Harms of Hamilton and Gordie Tapp.
One fascinating Al Brisco story involves legendary rocker Frank Zappa, and it was relayed to Billboard Canada by his nephew Greg Brisco, a noted keyboardist/bandleader and a fixture on the Hamilton live music scene. Greg recalls that ''In the early 90’s, the first band I had joined was having an EP release and an artist by the name of Rita Chiarelli was hired to open the show. Before the show I had a chance to meet with her where I discovered that she played with Al during the Ronnie Hawkins era.''
''Rita asked me if knew that Al had turned down a job playing with Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. While the band was touring, they were playing in L.A. and Al jammed with Frank’s band. Frank was so impressed that he offered the job to Al on the spot. Al didn’t accept the offer though. I had never heard this story and figured it was hyperbole or a false memory. I couldn’t imagine a musician turning down Frank Zappa in the 70’s!''
''Al proceeded to confirm that it was a true story and when asked why he turned down the job, he simply said that he was just a simple guy from the 'Valley' and L.A. was kind of scary to him and weird. That was that and nothing more was needed to be said on the matter. Pretty straightforward and to the point, this also describes Al’s personality and his interactions, a straight shooter as one would say.''
One notable credit in Brisco's discography was playing on Bustin' Out, a 1972 album by American country-rock outfit, Pure Prairie League, that was recorded at RCA Toronto. One of its tracks, ''Amie,'' became that group's biggest hit single in 1975.
Acclaimed Hamilton honkytonk singer-songwriter Scotty Campbell often had Brisco play with his band, and he told Billboard Canada this Al Brisco story: ''Back in the mid 90's, Al got a call from some young gun country kid who wanted a Steeler to give the band a more country look. Somebody recommended Al. They're tuning up for sound check. The lad says 'Do you know 'Amie' by Pure Prairie League?" Al looks at him kinda bewildered. The kid says 'Don't worry about it..just watch me for the changes and hang on.' Al, still looking bewildered says, 'I was in Pure Prairie League...that's me on the album.'''
The Ottawa Valley HoF bio noted that ''Al Brisco knows steel guitars from top to bottom. After building his first unit, he went on to work with Eddy Fulawka in creating pedal steels. Leaving 'the road' in 1981, Brisco spent the next ten years at Cosmo Music in Richmond Hill. For a long period, he ran Steel Guitars of Canada, an organization he founded in 1979, and was in constant demand in North America and Europe for seminars and conventions.''
Brisco's playing career included a long stint accompanying Canadian country star and Hall of Famer Carroll Baker. Her Facebook tribute reported that ''my dear friend and steel guitar player, Al Brisco, said goodbye to this life and moved on to another. He had been a part of my life, both on and off the stage, throughout many years.
''Career-wise, Al never missed one day when he was playing steel guitar in my band, Baker Street. If he was booked to do something with another group when I needed him, he always got someone else to fill in for the other group. He would say, 'You are my priority and the best boss I have ever had.' I corrected him, telling him I was not his boss, just the female singer in the band. He would grin with that smile of his that drew everyone in so warmly. He was always complimentary to me, even when my voice was not up to par due to my many surgeries from long periods of intubation.''
Baker wrote and recorded a song entitled 'Play Your Steel Guitar for Me,'' and on Facebook she posted that ''I encourage steel guitar players to learn that song in memory of Al.''
The last of the many country groups Brisco played in over his long career was The Plowboys. In their Facebook tribute, the band reported that 'he was one of the founding members of The Plowboys and our original steel guitar player. He was with us from the beginning in 2016 until his retirement in 2023.
''Do yourself a favour and search 'Al Brisco steel guitar' and you'll discover what he meant to the tight-knit world of steel guitar and Canadian country music. His resume and accomplishments are well known to those in the know about steel guitar. We are honoured and humbled to be the last band of his professional career. He was, and still is, our North Star in Country Music. Rest in peace Al. A bar and one. Steel kicks it off.''
As news of Brisco's passing spread, so too did other tributes on social media, confirming the impact he had on country music in Canada.
In its Facebook tribute, the Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAO) termed Brisco ''One of Canada’s most influential steel guitar players. His distinctive sound graced countless recordings, his passion inspired generations of musicians, and his contributions helped shape Canadian country music. Beyond his remarkable talent, Al was a cherished friend to so many throughout the country music community. The tremendous outpouring of love and memories being shared today is a testament to the impact he had on countless lives. Thank you, Al, for the music, the friendships, and the legacy.''
In her Facebook post Carroll Baker also noted that ''Al was a stickler for musicians being properly dressed on stage. That's easier said than done, especially if there is someone in the band who wishes to stand out from the others. When I asked for specific colors for the band to wear, it was Al who said, 'Tell everyone white top and black pants.' He was right. We had a mutual respect for each other. I could write a book about Al Brisco about the many years we worked together.
''Al was a private man who would rarely say anything derogatory about anyone; if he did, I paid attention because I knew if Al was not happy with a musician, he would tell me. He trusted me to keep it between the two of us.''
''Al, keep your feet on the pedals, the steel bar in your left hand, and your picks on your right hand fingers and thumb. You never know when someone will want to hear 'Appledale Ride.' Al Brisco, 'The Man of the Steel.'''
Keith Glass, guitarist in Prairie Oyster, sent Billboard Canada this tribute: ''Al Brisco was a pioneer and unofficial ambassador of the pedal steel guitar in Canada. He was responsible for putting together several pedal steel guitar summits, including one I remember in Richmond Hill, Ontario with Doug Jernigan, an American steel guitar master, as the special guest. Al played with everyone, literally everyone. He played on a Pure Prairie League record they made in Toronto in the '70s, which was where his name first came to my attention.''
Scotty Campbell, to Billboard Canada: ''In Canada...we have a wealth of superb steel players. My music? Steel calls the tune...and to work playing real hardcore country music like mine needs great Steelers like Al Brisco, Bob Lucier, Bob Taillfer, Burke Carroll..Joe Allain. It is their chance to take that instrument to town.
''Al Brisco played alongside some of the absolute best anywhere. Al played with us a fair bit. I think the best compliment I'd hear regularly is 'Jesus! Al's playin' like he's 20!' Steelers are a different breed of cat...a private club populated but guys who chose to play an extremely difficult instrument. Al was 'The Dean' of legendary Canadian Steelers...and we'll all miss him.''
In the tribute he sent Billboard Canada, Greg Brisco recalls Al's reputation: ''Musician: 'Are you by any chance… ?'Me: 'Yes, yes I am.' Over the years of performing music throughout this vast country, I’ve often encountered veteran performers who will recognise the surname and approach me wondering if I’m related to and/or know of Al Brisco.
''It has become so frequent that I’ve often answered them before they had a chance to finish the question. Al is iconic and legendary within the music industry in Canada and abroad. He’s revered in multiple genres of music. He was a great influence on me to be sure.''
''One story that stands out was when Derek Trucks' manager (in the mid 2000’s) called me to ask if I was related to Al. I confirmed that I was his nephew and got excited as I was and still am a huge Derek fan. I gave them Al's contact information and left it at that. Anyhow, weeks go by and I hear nothing from either party.
''I eventually ask Al if Derek Trucks contacted him and he said yes. I found out Derek wanted to fly Al down to Texas for two weeks to give personal daily lessons to him and Al declined the offer and sold him a Cindy Cashdollar instructional DVD. I was gobsmacked and Al simply said that he needed to run his store and couldn't shut it down that long. There are many, many more stories and I look forward to encountering as many as I can in the years to come.''
International
Robert Byron “Bob” Jamieson, an American music industry legend whose career at major record labels included a five year stint as president and general manager of BMG Canada, died on May 27, at age 81. He suffered a stroke eight years ago.
An obituary in RAMP noted that ''After graduating from Babson College — and much to his father’s disappointment, taking his first job counting records at a warehouse in Queens — Jamieson went on to forge a remarkable career in the music industry. His journey began at Columbia Records in 1968 and he moved on to senior positions at Epic, CBS Records, PolyGram and BMG Canada.''
In its obituary, Hits Daily Double called Jamieson '''An affable and highly civilized presence in an industry not always known for those qualities. Jamieson earned widespread respect during a trajectory that took him from promotion rep to the highest levels of the biz. His greatest impact came during his run atop RCA in the second half of the 1990s. Taking over a label that had lost momentum, he streamlined operations, revamped marketing and repositioned the roster, helping engineer a turnaround that restored RCA's competitiveness.
''During that period, the label had success with the Dave Matthews Band, Christina Aguilera, NSYNC, Foo Fighters, Natalie Imbruglia and Robyn while benefiting from a distribution relationship with Loud Records that brought Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep and Big Pun into the fold.''
RCA's dramatic turnaround around under Jamieson's leadership actually became a 1999 Harvard Business School case study as a success story. The study's abstract noted that ''In 1995, Bertelsmann-owned RCA Records was considered a 'tired and old' record label. By 1999, the company represented a number of the 'hottest' acts in the music industry.
''Nevertheless, the company's position (as well as that of the entire music industry) was under attack. Retail and radio consolidation, an escalating number of product releases, increasing marketing costs, and new technology (that enabled musicians to market and sell music direct to consumers via the Internet) were reducing margins generated by physical product. With the new technology came new competitors that appeared to offer artists more creative and financial freedom. While this case highlights the turnaround of RCA Records, it focuses more on the challenges CEO Bob Jamieson and general manager Jack Rovner faced amidst these industry threats.''
Although American media obituaries of Jamieson made scant mention of his time heading BMG Canada, just prior to taking over at RCA Records, industry colleagues and peers here were quick to credit him with reinvigorating the Canadian company in his five years here. Jamieson moved to Canada in 1991, when he was appointed the president and general manager of BMG Music Canada.
Now director, radio & artist engagement at Sony Music Canada, former BMG Canada exec Warren Copnick recalled Jamieson's leadership to Billboard Canada in this tribute: ''I vividly remember Bob’s arrival. I was a wet behind the ears young radio promotion rep. There was a lot of talk about his past accomplishments in NY and Australia and being an American coming in to run BMG Canada many of us were unsure of what the future held.
''To our delight Bob was a true breath of excitement and energy not to mention his business IQ that transformed BMG Canada from 'the little guy' amongst the majors to a company that believed we could be #1. We suddenly had swagger; we handled ourselves with our chins up knowing we could take on the larger competitors and believed there was no task too large for BMG Canada to take on and win…and win we did!''
''Bob changed how a major label operated in this country; we weren’t just a Canadian operation, we were a MAJOR LABEL. His people skills were second to none, his management style was collaborative and anyone who met him felt empowered and excited about the music industry. When he left to run RCA NY we were all proud, he was our president still with a staff filled of ex BMG Canada executives. We worked RCA product with extra vigor because we wanted to make Bob proud of BMG Canada.''
In 2002, a year after being named chairman of BMG North America by then-chairman/CEO Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, Jamieson became chairman of an expanded RCA Music Group, a position he held for three years. The later RCA roster included such acts as The Strokes. Jamieson also negotiated the company's first exclusive American Idol recording agreement.
Hits Daily Double observed that ''''A lifelong record man with deep roots in promotion, Jamieson was known as much for the way he conducted business as for the results he achieved; he combined commercial instinct with uncommon diplomacy and, unlike many executives of his era, inspired genuine affection among colleagues, artists and competitors alike.
''Following his departure from RCA, Jamieson remained active in the business, continuing to be a valued adviser and mentor. His influence could be felt through the many executives he helped develop and the relationships he cultivated throughout the industry.''
During his stint heading BMG Canada, Jamieson was highly popular amongst his colleagues and music industry peers. That was shown by tributes posted on social media and others offered to Billboard Canada. Here is a selection:
Former BMG Canada executive Ken Bain, to Billboard Canada: ''Bob was the poster child for making sure employees worked as a team. He had a special gift to make sure the job got done BUT that we all had fun doing it. So many fond memories of this special man.
''A good memory was when he acquired Blue Jay tickets the year they won. He picked employees who had never been to a game and made them go so they could witness a remarkable year for the Jays. And after they won he made those employees a special framed plaque with ticket and special pictures. He was a one of a kind and we are all very fortunate that we got to witness his greatness.''
Now with Slaight Music, veteran label executive James Campbell, to Billboard Canada: ''Bob Jamieson changed my life for the better in so many ways…From the moment he walked into the BMG Music Canada Office at 151 John St, Toronto, in February 1991 and sat down right beside me at a crowded boardroom table, I knew I’d just met a very special human.
''In the ensuing five years Bob proved to be the best 'Boss' anyone could ever hope to work for and with. He was an inspirational leader, an astute executive, a true gentleman and a really fun guy! He instinctively identified and evaluated talent, whether musical, business or industry related and always provided appropriate opportunity and positioning for growth and success. 'What do you really want to do here Jim? ' 'Well Bob, I’ve done A&R, promotion and marketing, but I’d really like to focus my efforts full time on the International artist development of our domestic roster.'
''He made it happen quickly and I‘m just one of a myriad of colleagues to whom he provided similar opportunity. BMG had significant global success with Cowboy Junkies, The Jeff Healey Band, Love Inc, Sven Gali and Crash Test Dummies. He turned BMG Music Canada around in a relatively short period of time, all the while morphing a team into a family that worked hard and played hard together.''
''He had an unmatched Joie de Vivre and was a master of inclusion. Our BMG team along with all of our Toronto based artists attended every home game of the 92 and 93 World Series and after the 92 series was over, Bob collected all of our ticket stubs and a few weeks later we were each presented with a plaque that featured that ticket and the caption 'You Were There!' In the summer of 94 we all attended the Eagles Hell Freezes Over reunion concert.' The list of innovative team building initiatives we experienced under Bob’s leadership is endless.
''When Bob left BMG Music Canada to head up RCA Records in New York, I was offered a 2nd opportunity to join Bob’s team and work in New York as vp international, where I witnessed Bob implement the exact same vibe and team concept that had worked so well here. He inevitably led the US team to even greater success with the Dave Matthews Band, Foo Fighters, Christina Aguilera and more.
''He encouraged and helped carve individual paths for us all to reach our full potential and pursue both our creative and business dreams in the music industry. He was a loving family guy and that love extended out and into our families as well. I’m fortunate to have remained somewhat connected to Bob through most of the years since he first experienced his so undeserved health issues. Over the last decade, he worked very hard to 'get back to being Bob' and he did a remarkable job for as long as he was able. Yes, I had been missing the Bob I worked and played alongside, but I miss him so much more now. Rest easy my dear friend.''
Ed Preston, former head of BMG Canada (then RCA Canada) from 1976 to 1982, to Billboard Canada: ''I did not have the opportunity to work with Bob after I left RCA/BMG, but Bob kept me abreast of many major events that were going on there and Included me in a couple. I do know that the BMG Team loved working with him. He was held with a great deal of respect in the Canadian music industry.''
Veteran Toronto music publicist Jane Harbury, to Billboard Canada: ''Bob was our president during my 10 years at BMG. He was one of the best humans I have ever known. He supported everyone and as a result I know we ALL made every effort to achieve. I was a freelance publicist for Classical / Jazz working with artists ranging from The Chieftains to Kermit The Frog and all artists in BMG Strategic.
''Bob managed to get some tickets to a playoff game when the Blue Jays were on their way to World Series Champs back 30 + years ago. I was one of the folks he gave a ticket to. When BMG moved across John Stretr to the MuchMusic building we'd meet every Thursday morning and we'd have our meetings in the boardroom which was in the centre of the floor in a glass cage. Many times we'd hear the tinkle of a bell and it'd be Bob riding a two wheel bike, round and around the Boardroom, weaving as he went by.''
''I know I loved this man and I'm pretty sure most staff felt the same way. I also know that Bob loved his family fiercely. The world is poorer for his loss - I know I'm richer for knowing Bob.''
During her 15 years at BMG Canada, Margaret Spence worked under Jamieson as manager media relations. She tells Billboard Canada '' I have many fond memories of Bob's time there. We were all so sad to see him return to the U.S.. Bob literally changed the corporate culture of BMG Music Canada by leading with a straightforward but highly supportive demeanor. Bob was down to earth and led by giving respect to each one of us. It was a uniquely special time, for which I am very grateful.''
Warren Copnick, to Billboard Canada: ''Only a very special executive can transform a company’s culture, Bob was one of them …a great music man that I still owe a debt of gratitude to. After all he gave me tickets to the Joe Carter homerun game!''
Russell deCarle, vocalist and frontman of Canadian country music legends Prairie Oyster, sent this tribute to Billboard Canada. ''On hearing the news of Bob’s passing one of my first thoughts was of the loss of an old school record guy, one of a generation we’re not likely to see again.
''Bob’s arrival in Canada as the president of BMG was such a breath of fresh air. One of the first things he did was prioritize the domestic roster and it seemed like not too long after our records were consistently going platinum and double platinum. It was a joy to work with Bob and it showed in the respect he received from the staff and artists. Everyone worked hard, but there was lots of fun to be had with him at the helm. So glad to have had the time working and hanging with such a great guy.''
Toronto record industry veteran Cameron Carpenter, to Billboard Canada: ''Although I never had the honour of working for Bob when he ran BMG Canada I did have the pleasure of working indirectly with him when he ran RCA in New York. I will never forget the 'artist bonding' sessions he had at El Teddy's in Tribeca and his annual SuperBowl parties that he and Judy hosted at their Connecticut home. A remarkable man and a music industry legend that will be missed.
Former MuchMusic TV personality/host and author Kim Clarke Champniss on Facebook: ''Easily one of my fave music industry people. I loved seeing him in New York. One of my favourite memories is the time I was in the city and Bob asked if I was attending the Dave Matthews’ concert at Giants Stadium. I said I was not, and Bob said 'you are now.'
''He put me up at his wonderful Greenwich home, I got to meet the family, saw the show and then DJ’d at the after party around the pool. He was one of the 'Hit Men.' Bob will always have a place in my musical memories.''
Canadian music journalist Larry LeBlanc on Facebook: ''So sorry to hear about Bob's passing. I knew him from his CBS years because I worked with Blood, Sweat & Tears. His run here in Toronto at BMG was a welcome breath of fresh air. He was always open, always returned his phone calls, always so very level-headed. I could go on and on.''
Canadian guitarist/recording artist turned platinum-selling record producer David Bendeth worked closely with Jamieson at BMG Canada, then at RCA Records in the U.S.. He posted this tribute on Facebook: ''There are many of us that were touched by this man Robert Jamieson. Bob was a guiding light in the music industry. Loved by many artists and by all of the people that had the amazing opportunity to work with him. He is also the man that brought me with him to New York. I will forever be indebted. RIP Bob.''
Veteran Toronto artist manager (Crash Test Dummies, The Pursuit of Happiness) and indie label head (Handsome Boy) Jeff Rogers offered this tribute to Billboard Canada: ''Bob Jamieson had a million dollar smile and he used it for good effect. I had the great fortune of becoming friends with Bob while he was at BMG Canada and into his years at RCA.
''He greeted everyone with a firm handshake, looked them in the eye and smiled. I don’t even remember him being stressed or angry. He still always got what he wanted but was happy to revise when he listened to his team or the managers and artists. He opened doors for me, my label and of course for my management client Crash Test Dummies.
''Bob had a knack of knowing who to put together and built teams. When he helped me set up Handsome Boy, he asked if I knew Nadine Gelineau. I did but not as well as I would get to. He put her in charge and she and Bob changed the game for Rusty and Handsome Boy. He made every win a colossal win, he softened the blow of a loss. He kept the ship upright. He took the BMG team and made them global superstars and he made it seem like that is just what was going to happen. Crash Test Dummies and I benefited greatly.
''The most common thing people have said to me about Bob is that he was one of the good ones. That hardly covers his impact as a person, a mentor or a leader but it is true he was one of the good ones. I am grateful for crossing his path and being in that orbit.''
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the American Stroke Association at stroke.org. A Celebration Of Life will be planned, with details TBD.
Peabo Bryson, a double Grammy-winning and hitmaking singer of legendary love songs, died on June 2, at age 75, his rep confirmed to Billboard. Bryson had suffered a stroke and was under medical care.
Billboard reports that ''Over his decades-long career, Bryson placed 12 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, starting with 'Lovers After All,' his 1981 duet with Melissa Manchester, and including three top 10 hits. He topped the chart in 1993 thanks to his recording of Disney’s 'A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme)' with Regina Belle. Bryson had previously found success with another Disney animation classic, recording 'Beauty and the Beast' with a then-23-year-old Celine Dion and reaching No. 9 on the Hot 100 in 1992.
''Those two Disney success stories also brought Bryson his two Grammy wins out of eight nominations, with both duets taking home best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal in back-to-back years (1993 and 1994).
Celine Dion shared a heartfelt message on X paying tribute to her former duet partner and collaborator: ''I’m heartbroken to hear that we lost Peabo Bryson today. His incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance. He was so wonderful and generous to me all those years ago, when we recorded 'Beauty and the Beast.' He made me so comfortable, as I was just learning to sing in English. He will remain for me always as a real symbol of the joy that music has brought to my life. His voice and his talent will be missed," she said in her tribute.
One of the last posts on Bryson’s social media accounts was an April carousel of family photos celebrating his 75th birthday. “This is 75!!,” the photos are captioned. “Thank you for all my well wishes,” he added with a heart-hands emoji.
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Published by ARTSHOUSE MEDIA GROUP (AMG) under license from Billboard Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Media Corporation.
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