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  • Oral History

Jimmy Bowen

November 27, 1985 OHC34 54 min.
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Biography


Record producer. Born November 30, 1937. Full name James Allen Bowen. Produced several important artists during the 1960s, including Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis Jr. Moved to Nashville in 1977 and subsequently worked for several major labels as the head of their Nashville department. Produced several artists including George Strait, Reba McEntire, Waylon Jennings, and Garth Brooks. Retired in 1995.

Interview Summary

1985 November 27
(54 minutes)
Music industry executive Jimmy Bowen draws upon his long career in the music industry to analyze the current trends in country music. He discusses the different sounds in country music; radio demographics; crossover records; country music fans; giving artists a role in their music; musical trends; looking for balance in his artist roster; the longevity of country artists; and the role of new technologies.