Oklahoma's own Jim Halsey, legendary music manager/agent, impresario, teacher and now author, will be featured at an exhibit opening and reception in his honor at the Oklahoma History Center, on Wednesday, April 7. The 1800-square-foot "Starmaker: Jim Halsey and the Legends of Country Music" exhibit will begin with a public signing event for Halsey's book, "Starmaker," from 3-5 p.m. on April 7. Halsey has been the agent for more than 40 top music stars over the past 60 years and built the largest country music agency in the world. In Halsey's honored career, he has guided and in many cases discovered stellar names like Roy Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Merle Haggard, the Judds and many more.
On display will be many items and memorabilia highlighting key events in Halsey's momentous career, from gold and platinum albums marking his clients' (Hank Thompson, Roy Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire, The Judds, Mel Tillis, Merle Haggard, Clint Black, Tammy Wynette, Freddy Fender, Don Williams) incredible achievements to awards and citations presented to Halsey for his stellar contributions to the music industry. Also shown will be posters from events worldwide where Halsey worked his promotional magic, pictures from first of their kind Las Vegas events and items from the landmark 1976 Soviet Tour, where Halsey clients Roy Clark and The Oak Ridge Boys tore a wide hole in the Iron Curtain with just their warm enthusiasm and immense musical talents. From the Halsey Archives there will be never-before-seen contracts to the stars, and guitars signed by such luminaries as Roy Clark, Wanda Jackson, The Oak Ridge Boys and even rock and roll giants such as Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones and The Doobie Brothers.
Historic Halsey Company posters, artist rosters, contracts and artist development plans will reveal the depth to which Mr. Halsey was dedicated to his clients and the music industry, which could never be the same without him.
When Halsey sold his company to The William Morris Agency, he founded the Jim Halsey Institute, which focuses on helping others pursue their dreams in the music industry. In his new book "Starmaker," released by Tate Publishing nationwide this month, Halsey continues that mission by sharing the secrets he learned while shepherding the careers of entertainment giants.
