2015 Inductee

Clarence Spalding is the founder and President of Spalding Entertainment, a highly successful artist management company within the music industry having offices located on historic Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee. Spalding Entertainment represents some of country music’s most notable stars, including Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Kix Brooks, Teri Clark and many future stars on the rise.

Clarence Spalding grew up in Lebanon, Kentucky; after graduating from Marion County High School, he enrolled at the University of Kentucky and majored in communications. While in college, Clarence’s love of music and his desire to be involved in the music business motivated him to schedule show bands for on- campus fraternity and sorority parties. Making connections along the way, Clarence soon added the task of booking talent for local clubs in and around the Lexington and Louisville area.

In 1980, Clarence booked a young Central Kentucky band into … night club in Lexington, Kentucky. The group, Exile, had seen success with their pop hit, “Kiss You All Over,” but, at the time, were in the middle of redefining themselves as country music artists. Clarence became the band’s road manager and was very influential in landing Exile a record deal with the Nashville division of Epic Records in 1982.

On the road, Clarence developed friendships and relationships throughout the industry and in the late 80’s decided to accept an offer from Stan Moress’ management group and settled in Nashville to work with legendary performers such as Lorrie Morgan, K.T. Oslin, Eddie Rabbitt, Mike Reid and Restless Heart.

In 1993, Spalding joined the Titley Management Team and worked directly with the newly signed duo, Brooks and Dunn. Spalding’s management of the talented pair helped establish the group as one of Country Music’s brightest and most well known stars. Recognizing Clarence’s handling style and major role in the success of developing new stars, the company changed their name to reflect the influence of the team’s newest management star. Titley Management Team became, Titley/Spalding and Associates.

Spalding ‘s attention to detail, his organizational skills and his people-first mentality have led to the respect and admiration of the entire Nashville music community. He has served as Head of the CMA Music Festival Committee as well as serving on the Executive and CMA Awards Television Committees.

In 2004, Spalding started his own management company, Spalding Entertainment.

In 2007, he was voted to serve as President of Country Music Association’s Board of Directors overseeing the activities of the organization with megastar board members, including Trace Adkins, Kix Brooks, Jay DeMarcus, Sara Evans, Troy Gentry, Brad Paisley and John Rich.

Recently, Spalding Entertainment has joined a consortium of 9 founding partners to form a powerhouse of trend setting music managers called Maverick! Collectively, the Maverick brand represents more than two dozen of the planet’s biggest artists from different genres; Madonna, U2, Alicia Keys, The Roots, Jill Scott, Paul McCartney and Jason Aldean just to name a few.

Through his leadership, management skills and vision, Clarence Spalding has positioned Spalding Entertainment for unprecedented growth and future success at the top of the music industry.