Something Funny About Byron Kennedy
• After four and a half years with BBR Music Group, Byron Kennedy has resigned as VP of Innovation, Radio and Streaming for Stoney Creek Records and will devote his full attention to pursue opportunities in comedy, which has long been a personal passion. Jon Loba remarked, “I want to thank Byron for leading the Stoney Creek team to new heights. Under his tenure, they made history by delivering back to back No. 1’s on Jimmie Allen; further cemented Lindsay Ell‘s stature as one of the most unique and accomplished females in the genre and was instrumental in introducing King Calaway and showing the world what an accomplished group of musicians and vocalists they are. His closing salvo was starting the early buzz on Blanco Brown and Parmalee‘s new single, ‘Just The Way,’ which stations started playing before it was even shipped.”
Loba continued, “While Byron played such an important role at BBR, I always encourage staff to pursue their passions, even if that means losing someone who means so much. When Byron started having some very real success with open mic nights, I encouraged him to take the leap and dive fulltime into something he has dreamed about his entire life. We will be cheering him on all along his journey… and will hold him accountable when he thinks he is too big for meet and greets!”
Kennedy notably spent 15 years with CBS Radio, rising to VP of Programming for Sacramento and PD of Rhythmic KSFM & Country KNCI. He made the transition to the label side in June 2016, joining BBR as Director of West Coast Regional Promotion for Wheelhouse Records. He was named VP of Promotion at Stoney Creek in Dec. 2017. Kennedy remarked, “I’d like to thank Jon Loba and Carson James for taking a chance on me when I wanted to leave radio and move to the record side, when no one else would. The last four and a half years working in Nashville and for BMG have been some of the most amazing and gratifying years of my life. I think the transition from records to comedy will be an easy one for someone who has spent the last few years being laughed off the phone every time I tried to hand them a hit. It might in fact be why Jon Loba has been so supportive and encouraging me to follow this new path.”
Kennedy added, “As hard as it is to leave an incredible company like BMG it would be even harder to not explore the opportunities that have recently presented themselves. Stay tuned for some exciting news and developments right around the corner!”
