Nashville Mourns the Loss of Buzz Cason, Pop Music Pioneer
Music industry enthusiasts worldwide are mourning the loss of buzzy figure, Buzz Cason, who passed away on Sunday, June 16, at the ripe age of 84. Known for his multi-faceted contributions to Nashville’s dynamic music scene, Buzz Cason’s influence permeated through music publishing, studio ownership, artist management, songwriting, record producing, and much more.
Early Days and Contributions to Rock & Roll
Born James E. Cason, the native Nashvillian pioneered the first rock & roll band in Nashville, named ‘The Casuals’ during his high school days in 1956. The band sparked rapid interest and scored a regional hit, “My Love Song for You,” just a year later in 1957. This marked the beginning of Cason’s notable influence in Nashville’s music industry.
Hit Records and Blossoming Career
Following his early success with The Casuals, Buzz went on to form a doo-wop harmony group called The Statues and scored a chart hit with “Blue Velvet” in 1960. His solo artist career amplified his popularity even further, with the pop hit “Look For a Star” in 1960.
Continuing to juggle multiple roles in the industry, Buzz formed a duo with “Ronny,” known as Bucky Wilkin. Apart from occasional collaborative records, he also created solo works for varied record labels, serving as a testament to his chameleon-like versatility in music.
Behind the Scenes Magic
Not just a natural in front of the music scene, Cason was also an artist with business acumen. He and Bobby Russell, another songwriter, formed a song-publishing company in 1966. The duo discovered future stars like Jimmy Buffett, co-wrote songs with them, and published early songs that were soon destined for prestige.
The Creative Workshop
One of Buzz’s outstanding contributions is establishing The Creative Workshop in Berry Hill, Nashville in 1970. This cemented the neighborhood as an alternative to Music Row’s entertainment district, offering artists a new space to create and perform. Numerous artists, including the likes of Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris, have recorded at this studio.
Navigating Multiple Genres
True to the buzz he created, Cason navigated multiple genres effortlessly. His work spans over rock & roll, pop, country, rockabilly, and even ad jingles for renowned national brands. He has worked sound magic alongside music legends like Elvis Presley and Kenny Rogers, to name a few.
A Legacy Lives On
Even as we mourn the loss of an industry giant, Buzz Cason’s legacy is immortalized in the halls of music history. The Country Music Hall of Fame celebrated his unwavering contributions in the “Poets & Prophets” series in 2014. The Nashville Film Festival, in 2019, shed light on his career in the documentary Berry Hill: From Creative Workshop and Beyond.
Buzz Cason’s departure from this world leaves a gaping void that will be hard to fill, but his countless contributions to the music industry will continue to inspire upcoming artists and serve as a beacon of guidance for aspiring music entrepreneurs
