ACU students with ambitions in the field of entertainment media had a rare opportunity when they spent time with Michael Blanton (’74), a co-founder and partner of Blanton, Harrell, Cooke & Corzine (BHCC), a Nashville-based entertainment management company. Blanton met with faculty and students to encourage the pursuit of entertainment and media careers.
“We are excited to welcome Michael Blanton back to his alma mater,” said Tim Johnston, director of ACU’s Career Center. “These one-on-one career mentoring sessions are an example of ACU alumni giving back to their alma mater in a personal and meaningful way.”
Ten ACU students interested in entertainment careers, were selected to participate in one-on-one sessions with Blanton. An informal lunch also was held with a larger group of students and included a question-and-answer session with Blanton, as well as Steve Green, business manager for author Max Lucado.
Blanton spoke about integrating his faith with his career in the music business.
“I want to be a Christian in the middle of a mainstream world,” he said. “I want to be standing on a solid rock. You have to know who you are and be in the world and not of the world.”
Green advised students to use their education to follow their dreams.
“There’s a time when your passion and training cross. When they do, that’s a sweet spot,” Green said.
Last fall, the Career Center surveyed current students regarding their career ambitions in entertainment, and also asked key campus leaders to identify students whose passions lie in that field. Students were then invited to participate in this mentoring opportunity – some one-on-one, the others in the lunch Q&A session.
Blanton’s career in the music industry began in 1977, when he took a job with Word Records, then located in Waco, Texas. After a few months, he was sent to Nashville to open Word’s office there, and met Dan Harrell, with whom he later launched Blanton/Harrell Entertainment. Their first client was Amy Grant; the roster later included Michael W. Smith, author Frank Peretti, Rich Mullins, Kathy Troccoli, and many others. In 1981, Blanton and Harrell created Reunion Records and Reunion Publishing, companies that would first be home to Michael W. Smith and Kathy Troccoli. Blanton also worked with long-time friend Brown Bannister, an old ACU classmate, and Wayne Kirkpatrick to develop their careers as songwriters and producers.
In 1997, Blanton began serving as co-president of Gaylord’s Idea Entertainment. Then, in 2001, Blanton/Harrell became Blanton, Harrell, Cooke & Corzine. Blanton and Harrell, along with fellow managers Chaz Corzine and Jennifer Cooke, now provide exclusive management of an illustrious roster of Christian artist. Recent signees with BHCC include Point of Grace, Bebo Norman, Aaron Shust, and most recently, Travis Cottrell. In addition, BHCC has become home to American Idol finalists Melinda Doolittle, Phil Stacey and Chris Sligh.
“This is the first of many career mentoring sessions we hope to facilitate between our alumni and students,” Johnston said. “Alumni connecting students to the real world of work is another reason why ACU is a great choice for students. In these difficult economic times, the value of an active network stands out.”
If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.
