Beloved music industry Radio Promotion and A&R professional Mike Owens passed away suddenly on Sunday evening, Sept. 2, from a massive heart attack at age 53. A longtime member of the music industry, he most recently served as VP Creative at Sea Gayle Music.
“Music For Mike,” a benefit concert held on Sept. 25 at War Memorial Auditorium was filled with artists who held Mike in the highest regards. Artists like, Alan Jackson, Diamond Rio, Kix Brooks (Ronnie Dunn could not attend as scheduled), Brad Paisley, Pam Tillis, Phil Vassar, Steve Wariner and more. Backing this line-up is veteran touring band, Sixwire.
Proceeds from this moving event will go to the Mike Owens Family Trust. In 2014, Mike was diagnosed with end stage renal disease and had been placed on dialysis awaiting a donor kidney. His treatment had led to other health issues and mounting medical bills. He is survived by his wife Radeana Menhusen Owens and their daughter Savannah.
One of our guest contributors, Kim Stahl was in attendance that night and sent a quick recap on what a moving and special event it was:
“I did not have the honor of knowing Mike Owens but knew this was an important event and with all the big names performing, it was something I truly wanted to be part of. After last night and hearing from so many artists that I have admired for years, I know he was a well-respected man in the music industry. ‘
“It was my first time attending an event in the War Memorial Auditorium and it is an amazing place. The venue was at full capacity and the evening was hosted by Tim DuBois, Former President, Arista Nashville who was a long-time friend of Mike’s. Throughout the evening, artists shared their stories of Mike with heartfelt fondness.”
“This night is something I will not soon forget, it is a shining example of country music coming together to make a difference in people’s lives and to show admiration and respect for one of their own.”
The lineup was as follows: “Music for Mike”
Diamond Rio – “One More Day,” “Meet in Middle”
Alan Jackson – “Chattahoochee,” “I Don’t Even Know Your Name”
Blackhawk – “Every Once in Awhile,” “That’s Just About Right”
Kix Brooks – “Rock My World,” “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone”
Lee Roy Parnell – “On the Road,” “Hearts Desire”
Brad Paisley – “I’m Gonna Miss Her,” “He Didn’t Have To Be”
Pam Tillis – “Maybe It Was Memphis,” “Don’t Tell Me What To Do”
Steve Wariner – “The Tips Of My Fingers,” “Where Did I Go Wrong”
Phil Vassar – “For A Little While,” “I’m Alright,” “Just Another Day In Paradise”
Ending the evening, Phil Vassar and Lee Roy Parnell sang Merle Haggard’s, “Working Man Blues.”
Thanks Kim for the review and the pictures...Look forward to having you join us again
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