Newspaper Page Text
Bill Lowery behind some of the best music recorded in Georgia
From the Crates
1
Kelly McCoy
is a veteran Atlanta
broadcaster who
writes about the
days popular music
only came on vinyl
records, which often
were stored in crates.
Even if you’ve never heard of Bill Lowery,
I’d bet my money and yours you’ve heard his
music.
For over 50 Years, award-winning Bill
Lowery Music published hundreds of songs,
covering rock, country, pop, gospel, rhythm
& blues, comedy, and more... selling
millions, and millions of records.
“Mr. Bill” had the first music-publishing
company in Georgia. It began in 1952. Later,
he operated Southern Tracks Studio and the
Southern Tracks Records label. Over the years,
he was connected to artists such as Tommy
Roe, Billy Joe Royal, Jerry Reed, The Tams,
Ray Stevens, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Alicia
Bridges, Dennis Yost and the Classics IV, BJ
Thomas, Lynn Anderson and Joe South.. .just
to name a few.
When I was a child and then, later, as
a teen, I heard many Lowery hits on my
transistor radio, 45s, albums, 8-track and
cassette tapes. I saw his artists on the Ed
Sullivan Show, American Bandstand and
other TV variety shows.
Little did I know that I’d get to hang
with such greatness. My experiences with this
legendary family are because of a longtime
friendship with Butch Lowery.. .Bill, and
Billie’s only son.
Over the last 45 years, we’ve been to
concerts together, enjoyed countless lunches
and dinners and played many racquetball
matches in the ‘80s. Butch taught me darts at
the Rusty Nail on Buford FFighway. We’re still
in close contact today. It’s certainly nice to be
writing about a close friend who is still alive.
We don’t often get to do that.
The annual Lowery Music BBQ event was
like a family reunion. You never knew who
you’d see there: friends from the radio and
music industry; the Lowery family and staff;
recording stars, athletes and people from all
over the region.
Mr. Bill was, of course, the ultimate host.
One year at the party I was having a beverage,
and chatting with a gentleman, and realized
it was Billy Joe Royal. Ray Stevens came
walking by. The party was held outdoors in
the parking lot of the Lowery Music offices on
Clairmont Road. There would be a huge tent
with seating. Great Q and beverages. Live
entertainment from a Lowery artist. A lot of
old friends hugging, and high fiving.
(Lto R) Kelly McCoy, his late wife Cary, former Atlanta Falcon Mike Kenn, and Music Promoter johnny
Bee at a Lowery barbecue
(Lto R) Butch Lowery, Music Promoter Geno Rumple and the late Herb Emory, local broadcaster and
traffic guru
A couple of quick stories:
Mike Clark was one of the main engineers
at Southern Tracks and was quite secretive
on who was recording in “his” studio. One
particular year, Butch was leaving the office
and saw some gentlemen shooting hoops at a
basketball goal in the parking lot of the studio.
Lie greeted them and asked who they’d been
working with. They replied, “Bruce.”
Butch asks, “Bruce who?”
With “duh” expressions on their faces
they answered, “Springsteen!”
Of course Butch was surprised, and
pleased that one of the biggest superstars
in the country was in their studios making
music.
Mike was a man of few words, and it took
a lot to impress him. Lle’d played with and
recorded with many big stars in his time and
was a “star” himself Lie told me one evening
he walked into a common area of the studio,
and there was Bruce writing a song on a legal
pad. Lie stopped, paused, and thought, “that’s
pretty cool.. .Bruce Springsteen is writing a
song on my sofa in my room.. .how ‘bout
that.”
Unfortunately, Bruce never showed up at
any of the picnics.
If you travel Clairmont Road these, you’ll
see the Bill Lowery Parkway sign. I was
traveling by the studio one day, and a Lowery
song came on the radio. I called Butch to say,
“I’m on Billy Lowery Parkway, in front of your
office listening to a Lowery record.. .how cool
is this?”
It just so happened that his mother was
in the car with him. What were the odds of
that happening? Definitely a Lowery Music
moment. It was the last time I spoke with
Miss Billie.
Great people with great souls who gave
Georgia, America, and the world great songs
and music that has endured the test of time,
and will continue to do so.
BJ Thomas died from lung cancer while I
was working on this article. Lie was 78... not
ancient, but no spring chicken.
It’s a reminder that these greats in every
genre are aging out but their songs will be
here and musical memories passed along the
way to fit in that golden oldies/classic songs
category. Quite a few are “still kickin’,” but
not performing. I was in an establishment in
Athens recently, and heard an Atlanta Rhythm
Section song, and it made me smile.
Do a little research on Lowery Music.
You’ll be quite impressed. I’m going to go call
Butch.HU
AtlantalntownPaper.com
July 20211 INTOWN 41