Buddy Killen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Buddy Killen (born November 23, 1933 - November 1, 2006) was a record producer and music publisher, and a former owner of Dial Records and Tree International, the largest country music publishing business, before he sold it in 1989. He was also the owner of Killen Music Group, involved with more diverse genres of music, such as pop and rap.
Contents |
[edit] Life
Killen was a bass player in the Grand Ole Opry before he was hired, in 1953, to listen to new songs in a new business started by Jack Stapp, the manager of the Grand Ole Opry. When Stapp died in 1980, Killen became the sole owner of what would become Tree International. During his early career he worked with artists such as Dolly Parton, Dottie West, Roger Miller, Joe Tex, Ronnie McDowell and T. G. Sheppard.
[edit] Later career
With his Killen Music Group, Killen published some songs on the soundtrack to the film Idlewild. He also co-published the popular "Me and My Gang" by Rascal Flatts and worked with artists such as Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire and Bill Anderson.
[edit] Death
Killen died at his home in Nashville, Tennessee on November 1, 2006. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer.
