Bill Lowery

Bill Lowery was born October 21 1924 and died June 8, 2004.

Early successes

In The early 50's, Bill Lowery was the top country music disc jockey in America. He also was a pioneer TV host on Atlanta television. A diagnosis of cancer left Lowery wondering how to provide for his family. His first move was to go into the music publishing business. Although the music industry told Lowery that no music company could be based anywhere but New York, Chicago, Nashville, or Los Angeles, he never wavered in his belief that Atlanta could be a true music city. So, along with associate Dennis "Boots" Woodall, Lowery formed Lowery Music Company, and was involved in independent record production and promotion. Early hit songs published by Lowery Music included a string of country music hits for major labels, but two Lowery Music songs that really put the company on the map were early country-style, or rockabilly hits: "Be Bop A Lula" by Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps, and "Young Love", recorded both by Sonny James and movie actor Tab Hunter. Lowery is credited with being involved in the earliest recordings of Ray Stevens and Jerry Reed for Capitol Records. By the way, he beat the cancer.

NRC days

In 1958, Lowery formed National Recording Corporation in Atlanta. To raise capital, sales of "founder's contracts" were made by a group headed by Ray Griggers. After initially recording at WGST Radio studios, stock sales allowed NRC to set up its record pressing plant, record distributorship,and recording studio, with Ray Stevens, Joe South and Jerry Reed as the staff band. Due to early hit records like "Robbin' The Cradle" by Tony Bellus, as well as manufacturing and distribution of other labels, NRC was making its mark in the music field, but behind the scenes, there was reportedly something going on with the stock sales, driving NRC into bankruptcy in April, 1961. Lowery called NRC "his only failure".

Continuing the dream

Lowery did not give up on his dream, continuing his publishing company, along with studio ownership, and artist management of a list of successful artists. Prior to his death, Lowery Music was sold to Sony/ATV Music Publishing. His work with the Friends of Georgia Music organization assured that Georgia-based artists would be honored in the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame. Artists with which Lowery was connected include (but are not limited to): Joe South, Jerry Reed, Ray Stevens, Mac Davis, Tommy Roe, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Dennis Yost & The Classics Four, and Billy Joe Royal.

Lowery died Tuesday, June 8, 2004 after a four month battle with cancer.

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