Mike Borchetta, Nashville Music Industry Veteran, Dies at 84

Nashville music industry executive Mike Borchetta died on Saturday (June 14) at age 84, Billboard has confirmed. The news was first reported by Country Aircheck.

Borchetta served as vp of promotion at Curb Records from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, and also worked at labels including Broken Bow, Capitol, RCA, Mercury and Rebel Engine. Along the way, he promoted music for numerous country and pop artists, including 29-time Billboard Country Airplay chart-topper Tim McGraw (Borchetta was key in McGraw’s signing with Curb Records), Hal Ketchum, The Beach Boys, Wayne Newton, Glen Campbell, The Four Seasons and Dusty Springfield. He also served as president at Lofton Creek Records, helping propel Heartland’s song “I Loved Her First” to No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart in 2006.

In an Instagram post, McGraw shared, “I am saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary music executive, Mike Borchetta. I came to Nashville the day my hero Keith Whitley died — on a Greyhound bus with only the clothes on my back, a guitar and a big dream. About as green as they come. I was able to get a meeting with Mike while he was working at Curb Records. He pretty much said we are signing you on the spot. I will be forever grateful for his belief in me. Gonna miss seein’ ya at my shows but I know you will be looking down with a smile. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Rest in peace my friend.”

Beyond music, Borchetta and his wife Martha also raised and trained thoroughbreds.

Several of Borchetta’s children followed in his footsteps, forging their own successful music industry careers, including Big Machine Label Group CEO/chairman/founder Scott Borchetta (known for working with artists including Taylor Swift, McGraw, Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line). Another son, Chris Borchetta, has worked at several labels, including Big Machine, Lofton Creek, Star Farm and Nine North, and launched an eponymous promotions and marketing company. Adelle Borchetta, has worked as director of radio promotion and marketing at Nine North Records, Turnpike Music and Edgehill Music and also launched an eponymous promotions and marketing company. And another daughter, Angela Borchetta, has worked at companies including Universal South, RCA and Big Machine; she also founded White House Promotion and Marketing.

Scott Borchetta wrote a tribute to his father on Instagram. “This Legend’s time here is done… without you, there’s no music biz or racing in my life… your memory shall live on… and you’re riding shotgun today in the #48 Chevrolet Xfinity car… Love you, dad…”

Information on funeral services is pending.