Gormley Named Head Of Sho-Bud Records

• Sho-Bud, the iconic American pedal steel guitar company, is expanding into recorded music. To that end, the company has tapped veteran music executive Mike Gormley to lead Sho-Bud Records, its label and publishing operation.

Gormley will work with Sho-Bud co-CEOs Dawn Jackson and Will Jackson and CFO/General Counsel Fred Waid, directing the label’s A&R, artist development, marketing, distribution, publishing, sync and placement, and overall recorded-music strategy. “Mike brings an exceptional combination of industry experience, artist development and strategic vision,” said Dawn Jackson. “His understanding of both music and brand storytelling makes him the perfect person to guide our label and publishing division.”

Dawn Jackson founded Sho-Bud Music in 2002, earning a No. 17 Billboard Country-charter and several sync placements before the family turned its focus to rebuilding the pedal steel guitar brand. Its label has since been relaunched and renamed Sho-Bud Records, giving the company a direct role in recording, releasing and promoting the artists who play its instruments, with more signings and releases expected through the year. Its 2026-27 release slate features Rocco DeLuca, Hatfield Rain, Eddy Dunlap, and re-releases from Robby Turner and Lloyd Green.

The Ottawa-born Gormley is a former Mercury Records executive and VP of Publicity and assistant to Chairman Jerry Moss at A&M Records, and co-Founder of the management firm L.A. Personal Development (L.A.P.D.) with Miles Copeland. His current work includes a continuing relationship with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jeff “Skunk” Baxter.

“Sho-Bud is not simply a brand. It is part of the sound of American music,” said Gormley. “When a name carries that much history, the responsibility is to honor it, protect it and help introduce it to new audiences. That is exactly the kind of work L.A.P.D. was built to do.”