Breaking: Buddy Lee Attractions Reportedly Shutters

– Buddy Lee Attractions

After more than 50 years of operation, Nashville-based talent agency Buddy Lee Attractions has reportedly closed.

The news broke via Music Row when the publication received a statement from the Agency’s CEO Donna Lee confirming the shuttering.

Pollstar reached out to company representatives upon hearing the news but hasn’t yet heard anything back. 

Originally opening in 1964 as Aud-Lee attractions, over the years the agency has represented George Strait, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Hank Williams Jr. and Dixie Chicks. 

The company was saddened by the passing of Karen Vogel, its GM, bookkeeper and “office mother,” in 2016. Two years before that, Kevin Neal, Jason Aldean’s agent at the time, left his position as president of BLA to become a partner at WME. Prior to that, former Buddy Lee Attractions CEO Joey Lee, who represents Miranda Lambert, joined WME as partner in 2010. 

That year Buddy Lee celebrated its 50th anniversary by expanding its offerings to include music artist development, music publishing, professional speaking and guest appearances. 

Former Buddy Lee Attractions agents Cass Scripps and Jake Kennedy ended up at UTA this year, though both came by way of other agencies before.

At press time BLA listed Naomi Judd, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Vanilla Fudge, Paul Revere’s Raiders, famed baseballer Pete Rose and many others as clients.

Vanilla Fudge co-manager Bruce Pilato of Pilato Entertainment, Marketing & Media told Pollstar that the band had a relationship with Steve Peck , who booked a few shows with them, but they were not exclusively repped by BLA, so their business wouldn’t be very impacted. 

Over the years the Buddy Lee Attractions’ agents and tours have brought home multiple Pollstar Awards.