Launching a Country Star – The Jim Dowell Story

In this episode of The Music Business Gameplan, we sit down with Jim Dowel—the man who discovered and managed country hitmaker Sammy Kershaw. From small-town Louisiana stages to major label record deals and platinum-selling albums, Jim shares the behind-the-scenes journey of launching one of country music’s most recognizable voices.

Hear how he spotted Sammy’s potential, the strategy behind his breakout success, and the hard lessons learned navigating the business side of the music industry. Whether you're an aspiring artist, manager, or music business pro, this conversation is packed with real-world insight, candid stories, and timeless advice from a manager who’s been in the trenches.

🎧 Tune in and discover what it really takes to build a career that lasts.

Mastering the Long Game with Jerry Kimbrough
Podcast: The Music Business Gameplan

In this episode, we sit down with one of Nashville’s most respected guitarists and educators—Jerry Kimbrough. From laying down tracks in the studio with top-tier artists to lighting up the stage with Ray Stevens, Jerry has built a multi-decade career on skill, strategy, and staying power.

We dive into the inner workings of session life in Music City, the dynamics of performing live, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career as a working musician. As an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt and MTSU, Jerry also shares what today’s students need to understand about the evolving music industry—from business fundamentals to creative resilience.

Whether you're a musician, manager, or aspiring artist, this episode is packed with wisdom, war stories, and a gameplan for thriving in today’s music business.

Behind the Beat with Dave McAfee: The Business of Touring with Toby Keith 

In this exclusive episode, we sit down with Dave McAfee, longtime drummer and music director for Toby Keith, to uncover what really goes into running one of country music’s biggest touring machines. From building a powerhouse live band to managing logistics, budgets, and business decisions on the road, Dave shares what it takes to deliver a stadium-caliber show night after night. 

Tommy Tutone sits with the Music Business Gameplan. He clears the air about the background of one of the most iconic hits of all time, 867-5309/Jenny. Tommy also lets us know what he has been doing, provides insight into his new release, "How Good", and shares his interest in multiple genres of music.

Jamie Brantley, Guitarist, Vocalist, Songwriter, and Tour Manager, shares his experiences with the greats of all time on the Music Business Gameplan.

David Northrup is one of the most respected musicians in the Nashville country music scene. In this episode, he shares his stories and gives us a little drum lesson

The dynamic Doug Carter out of Nashville is today's guest.

Listen as John Albani shares his experience producing some music industry giants. 

 

"Dive deep into the legendary career of Robert White Johnson, the hitmaker who has shaped the of music today.

This episode features a captivating conversation with the man behind Celine Dion's breakthrough hit "Where Does My Heart Beat Now" and the producer who guided iconic bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Peter Wolf, and even the Beach Boys.

Hear firsthand about:

-The creative process behind some of the biggest hits of the 70s and 80s.

-Unforgettable stories from the studio with rock and roll and country royalty.

-The evolution of music production and the challenges of capturing the magic on tape.

-Robert White Johnson's enduring legacy on the music industry.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear from a true legend and gain invaluable insights into the art of making music that moves the world."

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Belt, a rising star in the Nashville country music scene who's bringing back the true spirit of traditional country. Hailing from Texarkana, Texas, Nathan's music is steeped in the rich history of country music, drawing inspiration from legends like Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson.

We'll delve into Nathan's journey from his roots in Texarkana to making his mark in Nashville. Discover the stories behind his heartfelt songs, learn about his songwriting process, and hear him perform live. This is a must-listen for fans of authentic country music who appreciate raw talent, genuine storytelling, and a timeless sound.