Bill Lowery
For the U.S politician from California see Bill Lowery (US politician).
Bill Lowery Born October 21 1924 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
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,
Lowery died Tuesday, June 8, 2004 after a four month battle with cancer.
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