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Jim Foglesong Obituary
Kristin Whittlesey, a spokeswoman at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music where Foglesong had been a faculty member since 1991, said Foglesong died Tuesday morning. A statement from his family released through the Country Music Hall of Fame said Foglesong died at a Nashville hospital after a brief illness.
Foglesong, a West Virginia native, began his career in New York as a session singer, producer and record executive and moved to Nashville in 1970 after helping Columbia Records launch subsidiary Epic.
He began as the head of independent label Dot Records in Nashville and, following a series of mergers, took over as president of Capitol Records' Nashville division from 1984-89 where he helped launch the career of Brooks, country music 's best-selling artist.
"Today, the music industry lost its greatest diplomat for kindness, tolerance, faith, and sincerity," Brooks said in an emailed statement. "But do not weep for Jim, I have never met a man with a stronger faith, anyone who knew Jim knows where he is now. Instead, weep for those of us who are left here without him ... truly, a great, great man."
Brooks wasn't the only musician whose career was touched by Foglesong before he turned to academics later in life. Late in his career, he oversaw label rosters that included Brooks, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Barbara Mandrell, Don Williams, Roy Clark, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty.
All have joined him as members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2004.
"He was such an important influence on my career as my record company president for most of the years I spent recording," Mandrell said in an email statement. "He was a loving and caring friend who provi ded thoughtful wisdom and guidance."
After retiring from the business, Foglesong taught at Trevecca Nazarene University and Vanderbilt, where one of his students was future country music star Dierks Bentley.
CHRIS TALBOTT, AP Music Writer
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Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
49 Entries
Fran Cole
July 13, 2014
I worked on a show here in Nashville many years ago with Leslie, and then visited her in New York later. Just wanted to share my expression of sorrow at your loss. Hope this last year has eased the pain somewhat, and that your life is at peace now.
Fran (used to be Ross) Cole
Antioch, TN
Marilynn Harmon
December 2, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Foglesong. Grief can be so hard but our loving Heavenly Father can help us to cope.-2 Corinthians 4:7. Also he can give you the strength beyond what is normal. May his love and support help you through this difficult time that you're enduring at this time in your lives.
Allan Werst
July 18, 2013
Jim was one of the finest gentlemen I've ever known. It was an honor to know him.
May he rest in peace.
How you can show support
July 16, 2013
You are in our thoughts and hearts. Many dear memories and prayers will surely bring you comfort. Phillipians 4:6,7
July 15, 2013
I first came in contact with “Professor Foglesong” when I took Business of Music as an elective credit hour at Vanderbilt in 2001. We struck up a great friendship as I was one of the few Vandy kids in the large class who was legitimately interested in pursuing the music business as a future career path. I saw him as a wealth of knowledge – and was awestruck at his professional experience and signings of some of the most impactful artists this format has ever seen. After graduating from Vanderbilt, Professor Foglesong offered to be a reference for helping me land my first job, and we kept in touch regularly. I was always happy to return to his class every semester at his request for a “guest speaker” when they got around to covering the radio promotion portion of the course material. It was always a joy to meet him for dinner at Noshville prior to the class – and we'd talk about everything under the sun, and even at 90 years of age he still had a genuine interest in learning more and more about the ways the business continues to progress and change. He taught that class up until last year – and he was nearly 90 at that time! His sweet soul & genuine love of music – and experience as a singer & performer that preceded his business career – were some of the things I admired most. The level of integrity that shrouded this man has been a powerful inspiration in my life. What an incredible life and legacy!
- Jordan Pettit, Warner Music Group
July 15, 2013
What an honor to have had the chance to know Jim both professionally and personally. His passing leaves a huge void in our lives and in the community. Thoughts and prayers are with Toni and the entire family.
Paul G. Moore
William Morris Endeavor Entertainment
David Jenkins
July 14, 2013
Jimmy, although I knew your father only through you, I could distinguish him as a fine community leader,a music industry monolith and his loss is all our loss here in Tennessee.
Laura and Dominic Martin
July 14, 2013
Jimi and Kay - I've read many of the articles about James Sr. He sounds like such a wonderful, loving, caring man who changed the lives of many, many people. I wish I could have met him. Dominic and I send our most sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Judi Sachs
July 14, 2013
Prayers are with you and your wonderful family. Your constant encouragement was a blessing in my life.
Kyndel Batson
July 14, 2013
Growing up I never had my biological grandparents on either my mom or dads side. They passed before I ever got the chance to know them. Jim Foglesong was my husband (Shawn Batson's) grandfather. I had the pleasure of calling Jim - Grandaddy for an amazing 19 years of my life. Grandaddy was such a kind spirit. I loved him very much and will always consider him my grandfather!! Will miss him tremendously!!!! Love you grandaddy!!!
Michael Kosser
July 13, 2013
Thank you for the privilege of your friendship, Jim. And Toni, thank you for sharing him with us all these years. You both set very high standards for the rest of us.
Abby Browning
July 12, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sending warm thoughts and hugs.
Dwayne & Abby Browning
Georgia Mock-Bedwell
July 11, 2013
I was one of those priviledged people employed at Capitol Records during Mr. (Coach) Foglesong's time.
I'll never forget the morning he was late for our weekly staff meeting because he'd spent the night at his church caring for the homeless who were housed there. He truly exemplified the compassionate Christian. We were blessed to have him as our leader at Capitol, and the Nashville music community was blessed by his life's work.
Toni, James Jr., Cindy, Leslie and Rusty, I am so sorry for your loss. Wish I could be there with hugs. Love to you all. Georgia Mock-Bedwell
Paul & Dez Zamek
July 11, 2013
I had the distinct and unforgettable pleasure and privilege of working with the late and truly great Jim Fogelsong twice...once in South Africa where I was head of ABC Records and again in Nashville when I coordinated the 1986 Capitol Records International Music Conference. Oh how lucky I was..and oh how we all..artists,industry people, students and generations to come -will miss this most musical, wonderful, charming, knowledgeable, gracious and loving man. My thoughts and prayers go out to Toni and all Jim's family and friends.Jim will be truly missed and never forgotten...he will be remembered till the rivers all run dry..
Paul Zamek.
Joe Giles
July 11, 2013
Jim Foglesong's death is a great loss to the Nashville community. The term "a gentleman and a scholar" is a perfect descriptor for him.
July 11, 2013
Psalm 65:2
Vince Lewis
July 11, 2013
Jim was one of the nicest and kind men that I have ever met in or out of the music business. A great legacy from a proud Mountaineer.
July 11, 2013
so sorry for the loss,"happy are the mericiful,since they will be shown mercy."matt.5:7...dm
July 11, 2013
Jim: Although I never worked for you, I worked with you at Capitol in Nashville and that was a true blessing. A man of your intellect, integrity, and concern for your fellow employees was indeed a rarety in the record business. RIP good and faithful servant.RIP good and faithful servant.
Ralph Black Hendersonville, TN
Jan Staats Volk
July 10, 2013
To know Jim was to love him. How could you not? I'm so grateful for the 10 years of making music with such a classical musician (PhD from Eastman) who was an impeccably precise, wonderfully expressive singer with a beautiful tenor voice and the ability to harmonize creatively. I'm glad I got to ease some pain with a few songs in the hospital last week. Tony and family, my deepest sympathy, and sincere offer of help during this time.
Linda Ordini
July 10, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
1997 Studio w/ Jim Fogelsong, Damon Smith and Deryk Ruth
Damon Smith
July 10, 2013
Jim Foglesong was an honest, ethical, soft spoken pioneer of the country music business. He is a major reason that I live in Nashville today. Jim Halsey introduced me to Jim in 1997 and he produced my very first Nashville Demo. He was an amazing man to be around. They don't many men like Jim Foglesong anymore.
Jim Foglesong 1997 w Damon Smith and Deryk Ruth
Damon Smith
July 10, 2013
Cynthia
July 10, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
G. Freeman
July 10, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
July 10, 2013
JIM WAS THE BEST IN ALL AREAS OF THE MUSIC BIZ AND OUT HE WAS ALL ABOUT "THE MUSIC" NOWDAYS NOT SO MUCH BOBBY FISCHER
July 10, 2013
God must have needed you more than we, here on earth, need you. Connar Andrews, Mt. Shasta, ca.
R. Pettigrew
July 10, 2013
With deepest condolences.
July 10, 2013
May God of love and the one that comforts mankind be with the families of Mr. Jim Foglesong Psalms 55:22 thru your burdens upon God because he cares for you all
Adrian Barnette
July 10, 2013
We'll miss you !
July 10, 2013
May you find comfort in the Hearer of prayer. Psalm 65:2
Rex and Edwina Gardner
July 10, 2013
We were sorry to hear of Jim's death. God bless you, Toni, in
your time of sorrow
Joyce Delaney
July 10, 2013
I had the honor of meeting Jim years ago in Georgia. What a nice man he was. rest in peace
Shelly Rosenberg
July 10, 2013
Toni, I am so saddened by Jim's death. My heart goes out to you and your family. I look forward to seeing you soon and giving you a huge hug.
debbie nielsen
July 9, 2013
such a loss ! you are all in our prayers.
From all of our family/to yours..@Vicky-Andy
July 9, 2013
BETTYANN CAPOGRECO
July 9, 2013
DEAR JIM : I DID NOT KNOW YOU BUT THANK YOU FOR HELPING THE CARREER OF LORETTA LYNN. SHE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE COUNTRY SINGERS. CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY, AND REST IN PEACE.
Tonya Wilson
July 9, 2013
I was very saddened to hear of your loss. Mr Foglesong was a great colleague, mentor, and friend. Having him as a Music Business Professor was like having Einstein teach you math. I also know that he was my brother in the Lord, and this morning God said "Well done my good and faithful servant, well done"
Becky Fragasse
July 9, 2013
To Toni & all the Foglesong Family,
Jim was a blessing to all of his friends here at The Cumberland at Green Hills. As his name was a "song" throughout his life, we are grateful for all the music he made possible for so many to enjoy.
Nancy Davis
July 9, 2013
I'll never forget when you came to town to Brentwood Tennessee. Meeting you & your son Jimmy. I will never forget your genuine love for others. It just really shone through and you were one of the sweetest men I've ever met. Jimmy I'm so sorry you lost your father.
JoAnn
July 9, 2013
To the Foglesong family, please accept my condolences for your loss. In the days ahead, may the love of family and friends comfort your hearts. I pray that God will give each of you the strength needed to carry on.
(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
Maryanna Clarke
July 9, 2013
I never heard anyone say anything negative about Jim, and I never heard Jim say anything negative about anyone. For the music business, that's saying something!
Victoria&Andrew
July 9, 2013
our condolences
rip jim`
thank you for
the music icon
of many-and best
of Garth Brooks
GodBless you~Jim~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Judy Wray
July 9, 2013
I count as a major blessing in my life the years I worked as Jim Foglesong's assistant at Capitol-EMI Records. It was truly my privilege. Jim was the epitome of integrity. Through his leadership, friendship and life example he was a great role model. And, I must also mention, his sense of humor was superb.
My husband, Johnny, and I send our love and condolences to Jim's beloved wife Toni and the entire Foglesong family.
Scott Chamberland
July 9, 2013
Rest in Peace
Dwayne Bickham
July 9, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
July 9, 2013
Sorry for your loss. May God be with you.((2Cirinthians 1:3,4)
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