Benton visited QDR on a radio tour last spring. He was about to release a song called "Carolina," that seemed perfect for our radio station. Listeners showed they'd support it, we were dying to play it, but the label never officially released it (read my original post to learn why that's important).
A short time later, his label closed leaving Benton professionally homeless. I recently learned that he no longer has the rights to any of the music he wrote or recorded during that contract, and a few legal battles are pending.* Essentially this guy didn't just lose a job, his boss stole his wife and kids too. That's a mighty metaphor; I have no reason to believe adultery occurred.
Flash forward to today. The big man presses on and is looking for a little help.
I'm not asking you to throw a bunch of money at the guy. It looks like he's well on his way to his goal anyway. Just keep BB in mind when you hear his song on the radio or he shows up in your town. He makes music for all the right reasons, and only the soulless can ignore that.
*This story was relayed to me by a third party, and has not been checked for accuracy. Aside from his radio visit, I've never met Benton, nor have I ever seen him perform. That sort of makes my appreciation for him a little creepy, but I get that a lot.
6 comments:
Thanks for thinking of Benton and taking the time to keep his name in memories. In regards to your disclaimer, I hope you find and opportunity in the near future to hear this man sing and see him perform. I do know Benton well and he is the real deal. A total package. You will not find a more down-to-earth real-life person anywhere. He not only has an amazing talent in both singing and writing great music, he also has the charisma, stage presence, and appeal to leave everyone wanting more!! It is only a matter of time and a few of the right opportunities and this man will be finally getting the attention he has earned and so greatly deserves!
Benton is a great man with a great heart and the most AMAZING voice. He can and will sing almost anything you throw at him and this makes his shows ROCK! Keep on Rockin it Benton!!
Ive been watching bention for YEARS and supported him since he was with a band called econium. This guy is TOP notch talent and so down to earth. His story is heart wrenching... He has been at this for a very long time and its about time all this kids hard work pays off.
Benton is an amazing guy aside from his talent as a singer, songwriter and performer. I have had the privilege of playing in his band for the past few months and he has touched my life in a huge way. I do believe he will go far and will continue to make a difference through his music, if you get the chance to see him, don't pass it up. I appreciate the response his supporters have given us and hope it will continue, Thanks!
A band called Parmalee wrote "Carolina" and asked Benton to perform it because they were a rock band. Now, Parmalee has gone country and is re-recording the song.
I have heard from some sources in Nashville that he is being held captive by his publishing company(Wide Open Music Group), which is also owned by the former owner of the label that closed!
It gets kinda blurry from there, I was told that the president of the company has never really believed in Benton's talent or writing ability, so why would they keep him locked into a publishing deal?I do know that they have not paid him any money to write for them!
I saw Benton several months ago in Franklin, TN and ask him about some of it. It is amazing how polite he was about these people, but I could tell that it is affecting his career greatly. He wouldn't really tell me anything specific, but he did say that he never wanted to sign the publishing deal but felt if he didn't that the label owner would be upset and terminate his record deal as a a result!
Sounds like Benton was on the way to some potentially great things and pride has caused some people to stoop to devilish levels, in an attempt to keep him from succedding!
I was told to you check out your blog and I am glad I did! I just hope there are enough people out there like yourself, who are willing to at least voice their concern on his behalf! I have been in this town a long time and I have seen several of the top artists make their way up! I have also seen some who should have had the chance, never get it! I just pray Benton is not one of the unlucky ones!
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