Episode 44 Joe Galante: Iconic Record Label Executive

Joe Galante has held several executive roles at various companies including being the youngest person to run a major country record label, RCA’s Nashville division. He later became the chairman of BMG Music Group and later of Sony Music Group. He is noted for his role in developing the careers of Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Alabama, Martina McBride, Vince Gill, Clint Black, Miranda Lambert, the Judds and many, many more. He has spent a lifetime impacting the world of country music and has so many stories to tell. From his earliest memories of listening to the Beatles to starting his own band, he’s always been influenced by music. He never thought he’d be working in the industry though. After leaving college with degrees in marketing and finance, he connected with his first record company and has been making moves and waves in the industry ever since. One of his very first experiences with acts was with Waylon Jennings. Despite having a fantastic tour following, Waylon hadn’t had a great deal of radio play. Joe stepped in and helped build Waylon into a country music star. Listen as we chat about his work with Dolly Parton, Clint Black, Alabama, The Judds, Vince Gil, Ronnie Milsap, The Dave Matthews Band, and more. Even better, Joe digs into how the industry has grown, changed, and evolved over the years. Has it been for the better or worse? It’s hard to tell, but it has definitely changed and both Andy and Joe miss the time of creating true music classics. This was a fantastic interview filled with amazing insights into the past, present, and future of the music industry. Listen in to hear it all.   Show Highlights: [00:10] Andy shares a bit about Joe’s background and experience in the industry.  [01:24] Which project was his favorite to work on with producer, Mark Wright?  [01:53] What is Joe’s earliest memory of being moved by music?  [02:47] How did he find out about all of the artists that moved him at an early age?  [05:11] Was he always interested in getting into the industry or did he happen into the business?  [06:33] How does he look back on his rapid rise through the ranks?  [08:39] What were some of his big epiphanies that changed the industry?  [11:39] Joe’s thoughts on building and managing a successful team.  [13:02] How did his turnover rate affect his reputation?  [14:33] What was his approach to developing and nurturing artists?  [16:50] Learn about his time working with Waylon Jennings.  [20:00] Additional thoughts on Waylon Jennings and artist relationships.  [21:01] How he approached building and promoting Alabama.  [22:03] Joe talks about helping Ronnie Milsap crossover into various music genres.  [23:22] Listen as Joe dives into his experiences with Dolly Parton and her career.  [25:11] What did he see in The Judds that other representatives didn’t?  [27:07] How did he help Vince Gill promote as country music shifted and changed?  [29:29] From country to ZZ Top, The Dave Matthews Band, and Wu Tang Clan. [34:00] What was his relationship like with producers?  [35:23] His thoughts on how songwriting has evolved.  [39:30] What has changed over the years with the number of writers on songs?  [43:52] How does he look at the business as a whole today?  [50:59] Joe shares how he’s spending his time now.   LINKS & RESOURCES Joe Galante: Wikipedia   Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 39 Mark Wright: Hit Producer & Songwriter   Follow The Music Makers:  The Music Makers on Instagram The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection. Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment Check out Andy's Other Podcast: The Wedding Biz