NASHVILLE, TN. (Black Patch Records press release) -
Black Patch Records announced today their executive staff and Board of Directors. Johnny Slate has been named Chairman of the Board – CEO, with Dick Beacham named President. Board members include Ronnie Romans, Mark Capps, and Mike Strineka. Additional staff appointment announcements will follow at a future date.
Known as one of the true �song men' in the Nashville music community, Johnny Slate began his career as a songwriter with Pamper Music, which was then owned by Willie Nelson, Ray Price, and Hank Cochran. The firm was later purchased by Tree Publishing. Slate's writing career included terms with Green Grass Publishing and House of Gold Publishing. With his eclectic writing skills, he scored cuts on artists as diversified as Ringo Starr, Kenny Rogers, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Gladys Knight, Sammy Davis Jr., Johnny Cash, and the Four Tops. Slate focused his attention on music publishing and was appointed CEO for API (Affiliated Publishers Inc.) in 1989. In this position, he guided the careers of notable writers Kerry Kurt Phillips (Pickup Man), Andy Spooner (Home), Ken Spooner (If The Devil Danced In Empty Pockets), Kim Williams (New Way To Fly –Garth Brooks No Fences), and Howard Perdew (So Help Me Girl). Slate opened IMAGE Management in 1990. The firm discovered and developed the careers of Joe Diffie, Tim McGraw, Ty Herndon, and the Sons of the Desert. He produced albums for both Joe Diffie and Sons of the Desert. Slate's musical talents have contributed to more than 55 million in record sales.
Dick Beacham comes to Black Patch Records with over thirty years of experience in both radio programming and tour bookings. He began his career in 1973 in Augusta, GA as a member of the US Army. Beacham served as a DJ, programming the country play list for the American Forces Korean Network. He served as NCOIC in charge of country programming at WFG at Ft. Gordon, GA. From 1977 to 1981 Beacham programmed the country play list for AFN S.H.A.P.E. Belgium, with the American Forces Network Europe. Beacham retired from the military in 1983, and relocated to Nashville, securing a position as a booking agent with the Joe Taylor Agency. Two years later he opened his own agency, The Beacham Agency, whose clients have included Joe Diffie, Collin Raye, Tim McGraw, Becky Hobbs, Eddie Raven, Jeannie C. Riley, and Martin Del Ray. He continues today as a buyer for talent in venues across the nation. As President, Beacham will be responsible for the day to day operations of Black Patch Records, and will consult with Slate on label policies.
"The philosophy at Black Patch Records is to completely develop the career of its flagship artist, Ron Williams, prior to signing other artists. Major record labels are dinosaurs," stated Slate. "Changes in the way of doing business will be necessary to keep up with the �instant demand' of consumer. Today's consumer buys on impulse and does so online. My vision is that within the next three or four years this industry will be single driven, with downloads being the primary source for consumers to purchase music. We have, however, secured traditional distribution with CBuJ Distribution, and will market Williams' album project through their extensive resources including Wal-Mart.com."
CBuJ Distribution is a multi-service distribution company specializing in marketing, promotion and distribution and is servicing the Black Patch Records account inclusive of William's "Natural Thing," due to street on July 20th. CBuJ President and CEO, John Burns stated, "Black Patch Records' first venture, "Natural Thing," has impressed every outlet I've presented it to. Ron Williams' true country style holds up against the classics of this genre, such as Keith Whitley and Merle Haggard. In a market hungry for a true country sound, I expect this project to be in demand. We're shipping on a national basis out of the box."
"It all boils down to the music," continued Slate. "For this genre to succeed, it must seek direction from its history while combining techniques from outside the industry. That is one reason why we have chosen board members from both within (Mark Capps) and outside the industry (Ronnie Romans and Mike Strineka) to provide fresh ideas and marketing input," stated Slate. "The Country music genre started with individuals communicating their heartfelt feelings, using songs as their form of expression. When you heard Hank Williams sing "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry", the listeners heard the feelings in his voice, and related to the emotions. We at Black Patch Records will insure that we utilize experience from both yesterday and today in making our business decisions, and stay true to the format's roots," concluded Slate.
Black Patch Records recently launched Ron Williams' first single "I'm Tired of Being Something (That Means Nothing to You)" to radio. Black Patch Records has secured the radio promotion services of GrassRoots Promotion, partnered with Quarterback Records, whose team will function as Black Patch Records' regional field staff, providing coverage of all 250 reporting radio stations in a label environment. In addition, Black Patch Records has hired independents Stan Byrd, Ed Mascolo, Ralph Carroll, and Chris Taylor. A video in support of the single has been filmed by Vintage Flick, is due to be released soon.
