10 Questions with ... Kenny Rodgers

NAME:Kenny Rodgers TITLE:Manager/National Promotions COMPANY:Word Entertainment FORMATS:AC IND LOCATION:Nashville, TN BORN:Cullman, AL RAISED:Cullman, AL

Brief Career Synopsis:

As college ended, I landed an internship with EMI CMG through an alumnus from my college. There I learned under the supreme tutelage of the Great Grant Hubbard, Andrea Kleid and Brian Thiele. Through that experience I met some great people I now proudly call friends. I applied for a position at Word; my internship ended at noon and at 5:30 I was offered the position at Word. I can definitely say this is where God wanted me to be.

1) What made you want to get into the music business?

Until recently I wouldn't have known how to answer this question, that is, until I had a phone call with a former schoolmate. After an hour into our catch-up call, my best middle school friend asked what I was doing. When I explained it he paused for a minute and said how proud he was that I got to do what I loved. He went on to explain that out of our graduating class, only I and one other friend were doing what we really loved. Long after the call ended, this conversation resonated with me. I knew I always wanted music to be a part of my life and that it meant a lot to me but had never thought long enough about how lucky I am to be able to call this passion "work." I suppose sometimes it is easier for others to see things in us that we cannot see ourselves.

2) Brag on the artists you work with for a second. What's happening with them?

If I can take off my "label hat" here and speak from the heart, I truly feel that we have wonderful artists here at Word. Anyone who gets to spend 10 minutes with Mark Schultz, Big Daddy Weave or Point of Grace leave the conversation in amazement of these great people with great talents. We also are fortunate enough to have emerging acts like Stellar Kart, BarlowGirl and Needtobreathe whose careers all continue to blossom with each new album made.

Putting my label hat back on it really feels like 2008 could be a year of big things for Needtobreathe. They recently had their first ever #1 single, "Signature of Divine (Yahweh)," and have made an amazing sophomore album. They continue to get great licensing placement in TV and in movies including the recent release "P.S. I Love You."

3) What do you like most about your job? The least?

I would say being part of the family atmosphere at Word is great. Win or lose, at the end of the day, we do everything as a team. I also love developing relationships with station friends across the country. The least? I guess for this and any other job the fact that the workweek is five days and the weekend is two. I mean seriously, who decided that!

4) What are the most important tools you use to stay on top of the formats growth and daily changes?

Probably my insane num chuck skills. OK, seriously, a lot of things including spending time with those more experienced than me, keeping close to ever changing technological trends, such as social networking.

5) Who has had the biggest impact on your life spiritually, personally and/or professionally?

Respectfully skip for now [it's a big question]

6) If you could have any job outside the music business, what would it be?

Surely I can't be alone here, but I think I am funny enough that I could totally be an actor on a sitcom or in movies. I mean there are so many shows now that get cancelled so quickly due to not being funny enough, and I have made a life out of not being funny enough.

7) What book have you read that touched you or taught you the most?

As a label we recently read the book "Body Piercing Saved My Life," an outsiders view on "the phenomenon of Christian rock." There is some challenging stuff in there.

8) What's it really like to work with James Riley?

James is someone I really lean on here at work. Having been doing this longer than most anyone else in the industry his knowledge and calm demeanor really help keep things balanced. It also really helps that he and I share a passion for great classic rock music.

9) Did you make a New Year's Resolutions? Have you kept any of them?

I did not make any resolutions per say but did go into this New Year with the mindset of making improvements in my life, such as making more and spending less, being happier with what I have and looking less at what others have, and also to get in better shape before my high school reunion this year.

10) Let's get it out there. How often do people make a joke about your name? Do you have a standard response?

Oh goodie, I cannot even get out of a questionnaire without this?! Standards always include something about "the gambler," "Dolly Parton," the major league pitcher and also the now defunct Kenny Rogers Roasters chain.

1) What are you listening to right now?

It is really great to live in a city with such a thriving local music scene. On any given night you can walk in somewhere and hear someone who deserves to have a record deal. For whatever reason I also still play John Mayer's "Continuum" like it's a new release and Band Of Horses new album "Cease to Begin."

2) Do you have musical guilty pleasures? Are you embarrassed about any music on your iPod?

I have some Patsy Cline on there. I guess that may shock some people. OK, OK, you win, I am certain there are one or two N*Sync tracks on there as well, but c'mon!

3) Cat or dog person?

I am bipartisan but currently have an amazing dog Bandy.

4) If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you, and why?

A guitar, I have wanted to learn for so long but always put it off, so this might be a good opportunity. MacGyver, if anyone can get us off this island, he can, and an iPhone because, hey, if for some reason MacGyver fails, this surely would be my next best option for rescue.