industryLIFE: Country Music Hall of Fame Places Behind-The-Scene Stars In The Spotlight

Most people who desire to be apart of this business are those whose talents are obviously singing, dancing or acting. However we know that after a gig or two or three behind the magic curtain, you can get bit by that bug and before you know it you are adding you organizational skills, phone etiquette etc to the mix and becoming a #BTS Star in your own right. 

Now with so much going on with the folk front and center its hard to even think about the people backstage screaming on headsets or yelling over text messages until you catch a glimpse of them in a random shot of the crew during the credits or as the camera pans left and catches their likeness, then you may wonder what the hell does that guy do. Often more than you can imagine!

So while on a trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, TN we were delighted to see an exhibit that put a spotlight on jobs behind the scenes!!

There encased in glass were bobble heads representing the #BTS Star roles. From managers, administrators, lawyers, publicist, tour managers, directors, grips, PAs and more, they all had a place to be recognized for working their asses off to give an audience a great show or product. 

Andy our tour guide, a lively man told us he spent most of his career on music row but was now retired and spending most of his time at the museum. He never did mention what exactly he did on music row but that's another story. 

The museum is filled with memorabilia from some country music greats like Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn right beside the current hot girl Taylor Swift. As we toured we saw Elvis' gold plated piano (I thought rappers balled out!) and other cool stuff but when we got to the area housing the behind the scenes careers our hearts jumped. Andy made a point to tell our group that even if you can't sing or dance you can still be apart of this industry. A great experience overall and one the whole family can enjoy! 

Great job CMHF...Hip Hop Hall of Fame you've got next! 

industryLIFE Book Series: Who's In Vol. I?

Vol. I featured some well known faces, places & things.  Can you name them all? Get ready, Vol. II is coming!

We Salute Shakir Stewart

November 1, 2008 Shakir Saeed Stewart's life ended by his own hands. A successful music industry executive, engaged to be married with two small children was dead. He was 34 years old.

First reports stated he had been shot, possibly killed in a robbery attempt. Then confirmation, Shakir committed suicide. He lead a life filled with star power. Forever the friendly, charismatic, laid back guy who had the details on who was having a party, rockin a show or recording the next big track. His demeanor was cool and friendly, when you'd see him at a gathering, party, video shoot or just grabbing a bite to eat at Marco's Pita, Shake radiated warm energy.

2008 something changed. Friends remembering seeing him in April of that year and noticing he was a little different. Still cool, obviously working but a bit aloof. In early June it was announced that he would take the spot Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter left vacant and become Senior VP Def Jam Records. Shake had hit a career milestone. He was at the top of the food chain, something he had worked for and earned. Then fall came. The day after All Hallow Eve. That Saturday morning began with text messages, phone calls, email messages etc. Calls from LA, New York and Atlanta all asking "What the hell is going on with Shakir?" Nobody had solid answers. Then confirmation from a life long friend. Shakir was dead, he committed suicide. Silence replaced the buzzing phones and message lines. Weeping filled the air. People gathered in small groups to try to make since of it. Was he dealing with some deep depression? He had been deeply affected years prior when his longtime girlfriend was killed in a traffic accident during Christmas. Was it the pressures of the music business? With a position like the one he was in, sure there was going to be pressure but what kind to make you take your own life in the house with your fiance and children? No one knew except for the man who lay dead on the bathroom floor.

The service in his honor at Morehouse's King Chapel was filled with celebrities, friends, acquaintance, business partners past and present and associates.You could hear a pin drop. The speakers spoke of the man who lived a full life. The video showing his life in pictures had the room choked up but still very much composed. As we watched and sat silent, the elephant in the room whisper why? But still no answers.

Most have come to grips with the idea that they will never know the truth as to why Shake took his life. Some have committed to remembering the man that they knew as just that, the man that they knew. A cool dude always trying to make something pop. It is with that notion that we also remember Shakir Saeed Stewart, a smart, charming, well dressed and respected son, father and friend. May your memory live on.

Industry Life and Times Writers

Industry Life and Times

Industry Life and Times began as a project to document and record experiences from those who have worked, lived and been apart of the music and entertainment world. We set out to create a capsule of stories, experiences and appropriate fodder from across the current music, entertainment and sports community.

Since that time, our goals changed and grew into more. From the blog came the ebook and then the ebook grew into a series. We are very happy that you have decided to stop by and visit with us and as always we hope that in creating this space, where we document and share adventures from the life and times of those in and round the business of music and entertainment, that you enjoy our stories, learn from our mis-steps and share your feedback.

(Note: We change or do not mention some of the names involved to protect the guilty.)

Industry Life Book Series