Jerry Bradley, a renowned record executive who honed his skills under the tutelage of country music legends Owen Bradley and Chet Atkins, passed away on Monday at his residence in Mount Juliet, Tenn. at the age of 83. Elice Cuff-Campbell, the senior director of media relations for BMI Nashville, announced his death, though no specific cause was given.
One of Jerry Bradley’s most significant contributions was his role as the driving force behind the groundbreaking compilation album “Wanted! The Outlaws” released in 1976. This album featured music by Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Tompall Glaser, and Jessi Colter, and was a rowdy and irreverent success that challenged the established Nashville Sound associated with his father and Chet Atkins. It even became the first million-selling album in the history of country music, shaking up the industry in the process.
Jerry Bradley’s forward-thinking approach led him to embrace the rising outlaw aesthetic of artists like Nelson and Jennings. He astutely packaged this emerging trend, even modeling the album cover after a Western-style “most wanted” poster with mug shots of the four singers. To appeal to the younger, rock-oriented audience, Bradley enlisted Chet Flippo, a Rolling Stone journalist, to write the liner notes. This marketing and visual approach proved instrumental in positioning Nashville as a hip and happening music destination.
Capitalizing on the success of “Wanted! The Outlaws,” Jerry Bradley went on to sign future superstars like Ronnie Milsap, Eddie Rabbitt, and the band Alabama during his tenure at RCA. These acts produced numerous chart-topping hits that injected a fresh, pop, rock, and soul sensibility into country music.
In addition to nurturing emerging talent, Bradley also played a pivotal role in boosting the careers of established country stars. He produced chart-topping hits for Charley Pride and oversaw the creation of Dolly Parton’s first million-selling album, “Here You Come Again.” Furthermore, he contributed to Elvis Presley’s mid-1970s comeback on the country charts. Bradley’s legacy as a producer and executive was characterized by his coaching-like approach rather than being a musical leader.
Jerry Bradley was born on January 30, 1940, in Nashville. He grew up with a deep appreciation for music, witnessing sessions by renowned artists at the family’s recording studio, Bradley’s Barn. After working at Forest Hills Music, the family’s publishing company, Bradley joined RCA in the 1970s. He eventually took over as the head of RCA’s Nashville operations, following Chet Atkins. After leaving RCA in 1982, Bradley became the general manager of the Opryland Music Group, where he further shaped the careers of rising stars like Kenny Chesney before retiring in 2002.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Jerry Bradley served as a board member of the Country Music Association. His involvement was crucial in the development of the CMA Music Festival, an annual event that showcases hundreds of artists performing for thousands of fans over four days.
Jerry Bradley is survived by his daughter, Leigh Jankiv; son, Clay; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Patsy Bradley. His wife, Connie Bradley, a prominent figure in the country music industry, passed away in 2021. His marriage to Gwynn Hastings Kellam, the mother of his children, ended in divorce, and she passed away in 2001.
Reflecting on Jerry Bradley’s entrepreneurial spirit and accomplishments, Kyle Young, the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, emphasized that greatness isn’t inherited but achieved through action and innovation. Bradley recognized that he couldn’t imitate his father and uncle’s talents and manners; he had to carve out his unique path in the industry. This mindset led him to disrupt country music and leave an indelible mark on the genre’s evolution.
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