Biography

Nashville record producer and music industry executive. Born December 11, 1946. Career active 1970s-2000s. Began career as keyboard player. Late 1970s moved to the role of producer. Worked for RCA Nashville and for MCA Nashville. Production credits include George Strait, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Wynonna Judd, Steve Earle, Nanci Griffith, and Lyle Lovett. With Tim Dubois (former head of Arista Nashville) formed Universal South in 2002.

Interview Summary

1987 October 27
(1 hour, 30 minutes)
Record producer Tony Brown talks about the role producers play in the popularity of country music. Discussion includes his decision to sign Steve Earle; the work of producer Paul Worley; the changing role of the producer; his goals as a producer; Nashville recording studios; the job of the producer; comments on investments of time and money in producing an album; mixing an album; how radio affects the producer; the producer’s influence; and digital vs. analog recording.