Creative director, BMG/Chrysalis
In his 20-plus years in publishing, Chris has worked with some of the giants in the industry. He learned the ropes at Almo-Irving from David Conrad, widely revered as one of Nashville’s top “song men” who attracted talents like Kent Robbins and Mike Reid to the company. While he was there Chris signed a new writer named Craig Wiseman who went on to become 4-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year.
From there he teamed up with Bob Doyle (Garth Brook’s manager) and Kye Fleming (3-time BMI Writer of the Year) to launch Dreamcatcher Music with a handful of songs and 2 writers in their first staff-writing deals. During his 18 month tenure there, Chris scored 18 cuts and 3 singles including Pam Tillis’s “Mi Vida Loca.”
From there he began a 10 year run at BMG where he worked with notable songwriters such as Marcus Hummon and Hugh Prestwood, and signing emerging superstar talent like David Lee and Barry Dean. Chris was responsible for and a part of a steady stream of hit songs including “Prayin’ For Daylight”, “Check Yes or No,” “The Good Stuff” and “Live Like You Were Dying.”
In 2004 he founded Oglesby Writer Management as a joint venture with 19 Entertainment that produces American Idol. Along with managing the careers of developing and established songwriters including Rodney Crowell and Dan Couche, Chris became instrumental in developing the career of Carrie Underwood. His ties with 19 Entertainment remained strong after his company became independent in 2010, producing #1 hits with Kip Moore’s “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck” and Jake Owen’s “Alone With You.”
In 2013 Chris returned to BMG (now BMG/Chrysalis), but working at a publishing giant has not changed his down-to-earth style or his continual quest for new talent.