Paul Cohen (record producer)

Paul Cohen ( born November 10, 1908 in Chicago, † April 1, 1970 ) was a pioneering American producer and manager of country music and president of the Country Music Association.

Paul Cohen began as a talent scout for the record company Decca. In 1945 he took over as manager in charge of the area country music. Two years later he opened the Castle 's recording, the first recording studio in Nashville. With the singers Red Foley and Ernest Tubb he took there the first time on record. An important foundation for the " Music City ", the future center of the country music was laid. The careers of stars like Kitty Wells and Patsy Cline had their beginning here. His greatest failure was the refusal of a young singer named Buddy Holly because of " lack of talent ".

Cohen remained until 1958 with Decca and was replaced by his assistant, Owen Bradley, who should surpass him of success and influence yet. After founding his own label, Todd Records, he took over for each number of years, the Nashville branch of Kapp Records and ABC Records. In 1967 he took over for a year, the Office of the President of the influential Country Music Association CMA.

Paul Cohen died in 1970 from cancer. Six years later he was admitted due to his merits as a manager and producer in the Country Music Hall of Fame.