The Producers p. 3

Home Music Visuals Writing Column About Us

COLUMN: Sound Board

The Producers, cont’d

By Ilona Goin

<< previous

<< back to Writing

Brown’s roots are in gospel music, which led the consummate piano player to perform with the Oak Ridge Boys and Elvis Presley. “Tony is one of the few producers who is also an excellent musician, and therefore understands the creative side as well as he does the business side,” said Jon. It is that blend of musicianship, people skills, and business acumen that makes him such a top-notch music maker and multi-Grammy Award winner. Brown has produced George Strait, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Steve Earle, The Mavericks, Lyle Lovett, Wynonna, Jimmy Buffett, and Brooks and Dunn, among others.

“He is a visionary, constantly coming up with new ideas, always forging ahead and finding a way to get the maximum potential out of everything,” Jon continued. “Tony has a wonderful talent for putting the right team of people together to produce something that is inspired and fresh. And he is masterful at project planning—he knows exactly how to put together the right musicians, the right songs, the concept, and the marketing plan for the artist he produces.”

“But what stands out most about Tony,” Jon added, “is that he has an incredible amount of vitality, energy, and focus. He pours that into everything he does, which motivates everyone involved to do the same. I feel that is a key reason for his huge success: he can convey his vision with enthusiasm, and the whole project thrives on it.”

Each producer has, in his own way, given his best to the music industry. All have left an indelible impression on the musicians who have had the good fortune to work with them—some of whom have become producers in their own right thanks to lessons learned from their mentors. Jon is among those who owe a debt of gratitude to these great music makers who have served as outstanding examples and teachers.

9 Dimensions

Discography

Angst and Worship at the Opera