10 Questions with ... Kerry Wood

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• Kerry Wood Entertainment - President - 2001- 2010
• Polygram Records, Mercury Records, Island/Def Jam/Universal Records
• VP of Adult Formats - 1984 -2001
• RCA Records - Local promotion (covering five states out of New Orleans) - 1984

1) What led you to a career in the music business?

Music has always been a passion of mine. When I found out I could get paid for doing something I loved, I knew this was the career for me!

2) What were your early jobs in the music business?

• Director of Publicity for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
• Manager/Buyer for Peaches Records
• Merchandiser for Columbia and Epic Records

3) What made you want to get into the music business? Who were your early mentors?

I met the local RCA Rep when I was 16 years-old in high school. I couldn't believe someone had such a great job. I focused all my energy toward getting a local Position. Several years later (he was no longer there) I was hired for that very job.

I met with Mel Delatte who was the Indie and I convinced him to hire me. I met all the VP's of promotion and they all played a part in mentoring me including John Betancourt of RCA, Charlie Minor at A&M, Vince Faraci at Atlantic, Reen Nalli of ATCO, Frank Dileo at Epic, and Dan Vallie (at that time he was the PD of B97). Dan didn't work with indies, but still he allowed me to come to the station and helped guide me. Butch Waugh was my Regional at RCA and David Leach was the Senior VP at Polygram/Mercury and Island Def Jam.

4) What is the biggest thrill about breaking new music to the masses?

Hearing the song on the radio and knowing I was a small part of something that touches so many people.

5) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?

I've developed a lot of great relationships over the years with programmers and I still love being a part of the artist's careers and watching them grow.

6) How do you stay in tune with today's music audience and consumer trends?

The charts, radio, iTunes, and my 15 year old,

7) If you were not in the music industry, what could you see yourself doing?

My other passion is nutrition. I would be doing something to help people eat healthier.

8) What's been the most significant change in the business since you've been in it?

Digital Downloading.

9) Who is your favorite artist that you have ever met or worked with?

Jim Brickman is one of the most professional artists I've worked with. Lionel Richie also fits that description. I have greatly enjoyed working with them.

10) Go back in time. With the state of the industry today and knowing what you know now, would you still have chosen your same career path in the Music Industry? And, would you recommend a younger sibling to make a career in the Music Industry?

Yes. I was fortunate to experience the industry at its height. It was fantastic to be a part of it.

1) What do you do in your spare time?

I jog, ski, read, cook, garden, and I volunteer helping people.

2) Do your remember the first record that you ever bought? What was the first concert you ever attended?

The first record I ever bought was Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. My first concert was Alice Cooper, The Doobie Brothers, and Dr. John.

3) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

WTIX/New Orleans, LA.

4) What music do you listen to when you're not working?

Usually something relaxing, I like Brazilian music.

5) What are the first and last things you do when at the office every day?

Turn the computer on. Turn the computer off.