Biography

Steel guitar player and music industry executive. Born March 25, 1927. Died March 24, 2000. Full name: Joseph Hale Talbot III. Steel guitarist for Hank Snow, 1950-1954. In the 1960s became part owner of two pressing plants, Precision Record Pressing, Inc., and United Record Pressing, Inc. In 1965 he established Harbot Music (with Ted Harris). Managed the Nashville office of SESAC, 1967-1971. In the mid-1980s organized (with daughter Jana) the Talbot Music Group. Served as board chairman for the Country Music Foundation (CMF) and the Country Music Association (CMA), and served as lifetime director for the CMA.

Interview Summary

1974 March 15
(1 hour, 34 minutes)
Music industry executive Joe Talbot talks about the experiences and events that contributed to his successful career. Discussion includes his lifelong interest in country music; his introduction to playing the steel guitar; his musical influences; his start in the music business; auditioning for Hank Snow; his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry; recording “I’m Moving On”; his playing style; the attitude of Nashville towards country music during the early years of the industry; playing for Bill Monroe while still attending college; the conflict between his creative interests and the business demands of the industry; his series of jobs during his move from musician to business executive; his association with Ted Harris and the start of Harbot Music publishing company; his association with SESAC; establishing his record pressing plants; and memories of individuals within the industry who contributed to his success.