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10 Questions with ... Anne Sarosdy - Yarbrough
May 13, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Mike O'Malley actually hired me as his intern in DC, then went to work at Narada Records in Milwaukee. The job was eventually eliminated, so I moved to Nashville not knowing anyone. I ended up getting a gig at Capitol/Liberty within two weeks. I worked there, Curb, Magnatone, Audium, and now I'm with Tenacity Records.
1) First off, congratulations on your new gig at Tenacity Records! The team over there is flawless. How did you become involved?
Thank you so much! I am blessed to be included with this wonderful team. I had been working with David Haley at Edgehill Music and Media. He actually hired me during CRS last year. Then one year later at CRS this year he approached me about coming to Tenacity!
2) What made you decide to get into the Music Business?
I knew it early on - back in high school. A guy I was dating was studying TV at James Madison University. It was all his fault. Gave me the fever! I got an internship when I was in college at a Country station that had turned into one of the first Classic Rock stations. Mike O'Malley hired me even though I blew the interview. I love that man! I got the promotion gig when I graduated.
3) When, and what drove your move to Nashville?
I left DC in 1987 to Milwaukee for a publicity/promotion gig at a label. It was a great opportunity and what a great town! After less than two years they said that radio didn't sell records and that they had eliminated my position. I thought: New York? Los Angeles? Naw- Nashville, 1982. I had a job with Catino and Cerami at Capitol/Liberty/Patriot Records. The next three years were heaven!
4) How do you think radio has changed since you first started, until now? Were there any surprises when you got back into the business?
Surely consolidation and technology. I cannot imagine five to ten years from now. There weren't really any surprises when I got back into it. I was never really too far from it. I guess just a lot of new faces!
5) Who have been some of your mentors? Did anyone ever have a "special saying" that stuck with you?
Definitely Bowen, Catino and Cerami. David Haley for sure and now Mike Kraski! Special saying? Yes, from all of them: "Get the f@#!ing add!!!!"
6) Have you always listened to Country? And what are your other favorite types of music?
I really didn't listen until I was in high school. There was a big stigma if you listened to it in Northern Virginia at that time. I love all kinds of music, from Classical, Rock, Classic Rock, Instrumental, Jazz, Smooth Jazz Country. I could go on!
7) Who is the most impactful artist you've worked with? Maybe a story that is special to you.
Wow. I have worked with so many. John Berry, Kenny Rogers, Daryle Singletary, Dwight Yoakam, Wynonna, GE Smith, Suzy Boggus, Ray Price, Great Plains, Billy Joe Walker, Jr and John Jarvis. There are many special stories that I think I need to keep to myself but probably the most special time I remember is when Curb/Universal closed. I was on the road with Wy and she wrote a special note in a book called "God Calling". She knew how upset I was about the label closing. It was very heartwarming.
8) Tenacity is a relatively new company- what are some of the pros and cons from working at a start-up independent label from a major label?
I have worked at both so this isn't new to me. Opportunities abound. I like the smallness to Tenacity. We have a great group of folks and we talk every day. No politics that I have to deal with like the majors. It's tough to get some radio to take you seriously but we are here to stay. Can't get rid of me that easily! WE ARE TENACITY!
9) Who are some of the newer artists in Country that you are excited about?
Let me see, Bill Gentry and Darryl Worley! It is great to have Darryl back in it.
10) If you weren't at Tenacity, what would be your dream job?
That is easy. Working with children. Everyone thought that I would have had 10 kids and unfortunately that didn't happen. All the neighborhood kids come to "Miss Anne's" house to see what new toys I have!
Bonus Questions
1) What is something that nobody knows about you? I promise, I won't tell.
I can wiggle my little toe. My husband told me to tell you that I snore.
2) Tell me your favorite David Haley (SVP/Promotion at Tenacity Records) story. I could write a book about all of the "pearls of wisdom" he has given me.
I don't really have a "story" to tell. He has ALWAYS been very gracious with me wherever I was working or he was working, never an unkind word.
3) What is your favorite song in the whole world?
There are too many but probably the "Navy Hymn". Hearing it sung at the chapel at the Naval Academy is truly amazing. It makes me so very proud of my father.
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