Paul Cohen (music producer)

Paul Cohen (born November 10, 1908 in Chicago , † April 1, 1970 ) was a pioneering American producer and manager of country music and president of the Country Music Association .

Paul Cohen started out as a talent scout for the Decca record company . In 1945 he took over the country music division as the responsible manager. Two years later he opened Castle Recording's, the first recording studio in Nashville . He made records there for the first time with the singers Red Foley and Ernest Tubb . An important foundation stone for "Music City", the future center of country music, was thus laid. The careers of stars like Kitty Wells and Patsy Cline began here. His biggest failure was the rejection of a young singer named Buddy Holly for "lack of talent".

Cohen stayed with Decca until 1958 and was then replaced by his assistant Owen Bradley , who would surpass him in success and influence. After founding his own label, Todd Records, he took over the Nashville branches of Kapp Records and ABC Records for a few years each. In 1967 he took over the office of president of the influential Country Music Association CMA for one year .

Paul Cohen died of cancer in 1970. Six years later he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame for his services as a manager and producer .

Web links

• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum - Paul Cohen