[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 62 (Wednesday, May 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   CONGRATULATIONS POLYDOR-NASHVILLE

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB CLEMENT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 18, 1994

  Mr. CLEMENT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join music fans around the 
world and congratulate PolyGram on the opening of its Polydor Nashville 
office. PolyGram has made immeasurable contributions to country music 
and Tennessee with Mercury Records. And now under the guidance of Alain 
Levy, PolyGram is expanding its presence in Nashville and the music 
industry by opening Polydor Nashville, its second record label in Music 
City.
  Polydor is one of the most recognizable names in music, boasting such 
acts as Eric Clapton, James Brown, and the Atlanta Rhythm Section, and 
has a reputation worldwide as a company that believes in its music. 
With the growth of country music and the success of Mercury Nashville, 
PolyGram decided the time was right to revive the Polydor label in 
Nashville.
  Polydor Nashville is headed by Harold Shedd, who has perhaps been 
responsible for more success in country music than any other music 
executive. Shedd is known for finding unique acts who appeal to a broad 
audience, and among Harold Shedd's past discoveries are Alabama, Toby 
Keith, Billy Ray Cyrus, the Kentucky HeadHunters, K.T. Oslin, and Sammy 
Kershaw.
  Now he's ready to unveil a new generation of great artists who 
include Amie Comeaux, Graham McHugh, the Moffatts, Shane Sutton, and 
Chely Wright. And they will join such stars as Toby Keith, Davis 
Daniel, and Clinton Gregory as the first acts on Polydor Nashville's 
roster.
  Coupled with Harold Shedd's quest for new sounds is the imagination 
of Steve Miller, Polydor Nashville's vice president and general 
manager. Steve Miller was the force behind the launch of Billy Ray 
Cyrus, whose first album broke all records sales of a debut album, 
including those of the Beatles and Elvis Presley. For his achievement, 
Steve Miller was the only music industry executive named to Advertising 
Age's Marketing 100 list.
  Polydor Nashville will release its first single on June 6, with Chely 
Wright's ``He's a Good Ole Boy.'' And I believe this is just the 
beginning of many firsts for Polydor Nashville.
  I would like to thank Alain Levy and PolyGram for its support and 
contributions to Nashville and American music. I would also like to 
extend my congratulations and best wishes to Harold Shedd, Steve 
Miller, and the Polydor Nashville staff.

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