Some of you know Bob Kernen, jācapps’ CEO as a techie guy. But while Bob is proficient in all things digital, he has a deep love and appreciation for music and the people who make it. His GrokMusic startup was all about music discovery, so he knows the in’s and out’s of the industry and what makes it tick.
Sometimes in life, we get the opportunity to veer outside our normal comfort zone to experience a different world. These excursions can take us to events and/or places that are off our beaten paths. Invariably, these are helpful, eye-opening journeys that bring perspective to our jobs and to our lives.
Here’s Bob’s story about one of those quick side trip to Music City. – FJ
I had the great good fortune last week to attend the Country Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Nashville. It was my first time to Nashville and it didn’t disappoint.
Nashville is about music the way Detroit is about cars. It’s just everywhere. While sitting in the very cool hotel bar having an afternoon refreshment, and two young women walked in with guitars in their hands, I knew this was a special place.
The ceremony that evening made a big impression on me, too. As each of the inductees was honored, a common theme emerged: the strong bond between these radio personalities, radio stations and their listeners.
Each person who stood up on that stage thanked their listeners prominently. And not in a Kanye “Thanks to all the fans” throwaway. No, they expressed genuine and specific gratitude toward the people who listen every day, who approach them on the streets, and who take the time to call in.
Inductee Karen Dalessandro from WMIL/Milwaukee told the story about a listener who came to the station when she was at her first job as a 19 year-old with a gift for her – a small pewter figurine of a cowgirl. Then she pulled that figurine out and showed it to everyone. After more than two decades, she still had it because it meant something to her.
Then the artists got into the act. Mike Kennedy of Q104/Kansas City was inducted into the Hall by his friend, John Rich of Big & Rich. Rich told the story of dropping in on Mike at his house while on tour. Mike complimented his rhinestone boots, and Rich gifted them to him on the spot. At the induction ceremony, Rich was wearing another pair of ornately sparkly boots at the ceremony, and when Kennedy came on stage, he was wearing the boots that Rich had given him.
As a Rock N’ Roll guy, I was especially impressed by the intimate triumvirate of Country radio, Country artists, and Country fans. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that relationship?
Finally, the Artist Career Achievement award was presented to the great Dwight Yoakam.
He talked about the importance of radio to his career and then professed his love for it. He admitted to spending a lot of time listening to satellite radio, but said that “every hour or so” he turns on “regular radio” just to hear the “voices” and get “the flavor” of the local area.
He said that when he turns to broadcast radio, it is “magic in my ears.”
There has always been something special in the Country DNA that seems like a missing chip in the Rock family. Among many Rock and Classic Rock artists, there is often a sense that this type of acknowledgment to radio isn’t necessary, cool, or even something of a burden.
There is a gratitude culture among Country stars that has obviously been passed down from generation to generation that expresses that deep, warm appreciation for radio. Country programmers and DJs are considered part of the success story, and that brings everyone together.
At a time when there’s friction and even animus between performers, labels, stations, and pure-plays, the warmth and sincere feelings of appreciation on display at this event was sadly surprising, leaving me with a wish that Rock artists and the stations who have always played them could have had a few tables near the stage to watch the love fest.
That relationship between listener, radio and artist, that ability to create that “magic” is what every radio brand should strive for – whether they’re part of the content or the distribution.
An injection of gratitude for Rock radio – from the people who make the great music to the hard-working radio folks who play it and promote it – would be amazing to see.
Our congrats to the other inductees, including our friend, Joel Raab.
Bob is a seasoned entrepreneur and startup specialist, but has also worked for major media brands including Martha Stewart, A&E Television, Hearst and Microsoft. Throughout these experiences Bob’s focus has been on new product development around emerging platforms with an emphasis on user experience and monetization.
At jācapps Bob oversees strategy and operations for the company that has produced over 1200 apps, which have been downloaded over 25 million times.
Bob is also an Emmy Award-winning writer and published author.He has a BA (Cinema-Television) from the University of Southern California.
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Great read guys. Fred, as you know, I’ve done many years of rock and then a lot of country. The relationship between country music, radio, labels and artists is truly indescribable.
Glad it was such a cool experience for you Bob, it’s an amazing town.
It really was, Dave. It just reminded me of everything that has always been cool about music and radio’s role in it. As for Nashville, I really want to go back and explore more.
Thanks,
Bob
Hi Bob
It was such a great pleasure to spend that evening with you. As part of this cross genre household, you pretty much had the exact same first Nashville experience as I did years ago.
It comes with much envy as well and a sincere wish rock artists / labels would work toward nurturing that same kind of relationship with radio. I do admit that over the last couple years witnessing a few emerging rock bands taking that Country lesson and making the effort.
I spent most my career in Rock Promotion. I guess I notice it most in hindsight. So many lost artist opportunities due to being rock stars rather than forging personal relationships with radio programmers.