Expanding its prominent client roster (Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and author
Frank Peretti), management company Blanton Harrell Cooke & Corzine announces new strategic partnerships to further advance
the company’s growth.
The company has forged a partnership with Mitch White, president of Nashville-based Moose Management, and has signed
new Vertical Music artist Kara. Effective as of Sept. 3, White joins Blanton Harrell Cooke and Corzine as vice president of
artist development, and will bring along his Christian music clients, Word Records artist Fernando Ortega and Rocketown
Records artist Watermark.
“We believe Mitch’s talents complement our current strengths,” says Blanton Harrell Cooke & Corzine partner Dan Harrell.
“He has strong relationships with radio and concert promoters, and we’re looking forward to him bringing his expertise and
relationships to us as we break Kara and work with other developing artists.”
“I’ve considered a strategic partnership for some time in order to become more effective as a manager and to better serve my
artists,” White says. “At the same time, I’ve always been very deliberate to make sure it was with the right organization. This
really feels like a perfect match.”
Ortega joins Amy Grant on her fall 2002, 24-city “Legacy… Hymns & Faith Tour,” which kicked off Sept. 6 in Atlanta.
Ortega and Watermark first signed with White in 1997 and 2000, respectively. The move to Blanton Harrell Cooke & Corzine
affords both artists greater opportunities to reach out en masse with their music.
“We feel like Fernando and Watermark are a great fit, and we’re looking forward to being part of what we believe these
artists can become,” Harrell says. “Our overall influence and relationships with labels can really be a strong asset to these
artists.”
White adds, “Blanton Harrell Cooke & Corzine’s reputation speaks for itself. They have years of experience at the highest
level in the industry. I believe they will be able to provide opportunities for Fernando and Watermark that I might not have been
able to provide alone.”
“These guys are music business legends who still approach their work with enthusiasm, care, honesty and integrity,” Ortega
says. “I am honored and thrilled to be a part of this new relationship.”
One of White’s first responsibilities in his new role will be day-to-day management and career development of new Vertical
Music artist Kara. After singing background vocals for Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans and Point of Grace, Kara
joins Blanton, Harrell, Cooke and Corzine on the cusp of the release of her debut project, Kara, released Sept. 3, on Vertical
Music, Integrity Music’s modern worship imprint.
“I grew up listening to Michael W. Smith and Amy,” Kara, 23, says. “I remember blaring Amy’s Unguarded in my room. So
touring with her was a dream come true. Now, signing to the same management that has nurtured her career from day one, I feel
honored and humbled that God has blessed me like this. They already feel like family, and I am more motivated than ever to
follow this path God has set forth.”
“The Vertical Music debut of Kara will be something very special for the market,” says Danny McGuffey, chief marketing
officer and senior vice president of Integrity Music. “Spending much of her life singing behind the big names in this industry has
prepared her for what God has in store, which I think will be quite significant. Beyond the incredible production beats a heart
yearning to see her generation really understand the art of surrender. Get ready for Kara!”
Kara is the first new artist Blanton Harrell Cooke & Corzine has signed since reforming the company last November.
“She’s an amazing young artist and we love the record,” Harrell adds. “We think Kara’s potential is huge. There are really no
limits to what someone with her talent can do. We’re excited to partner with her.”
While White will have the opportunity to sign new artists in his new role with Blanton Harrell Cooke & Corzine, Harrell
said the company will first be focusing on “getting our arms around Fernando and Watermark and breaking Kara as a new artist.”
“We’re energized to see these artists join our roster, as well as Mitch,” he said. “This is good growth for our company as we
look toward future opportunities.”
Since 1980, Dan Harrell, Mike Blanton, Jennifer Cooke and Chaz Corzine have managed the careers of some of the
entertainment industry’s top artists and authors, including Grammy winners Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, along with
best-selling author Frank Peretti (This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness, The Oath and Prophet). Blanton Harrell Cooke
& Corzine artists have sold in excess of 38 million records and received numerous Grammy and Dove Awards.
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2002 Spotlight: Fernando Ortega
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