Biography

Music industry executive. Born December 18, 1949. Career active 1970s-2000s. Began career in 1971 at RCA as a budget analyst. Appointed head of RCA Nashville, 1982. President of RCA Records Label US, 1990-1994. Appointed head of the RCA Label group, 1994. Under his leadership, RCA Nashville became a highly successful label with an artist roster that included Alabama, the Judds, George Strait, Keith Whitley, and Clint Black.

Interview Summary

1985 November 15
(44 minutes)
Music industry executive Joe Galante discusses changes and trends in country music. Discussion includes traditional and contemporary country sounds; the musical style of different artists; commercial vs. artistic endeavors; the music industry as a business; the popularity of different artists, including the Judds, George Strait, and Keith Whitley; the role of the market place; and influences in country music.