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Fitzgerald Hartley Co. Shuttering After 42 Years
– Vince Gill
Vince Gill will continue to be represented by Larry Fitzgerald though Fitzgerald Hartley is closing.
Longtime management company the Fitzgerald Hartley Company is closing the doors at its locations in Nashville and Ventura, Calif., after 42 years in business, co-founders Larry Fitzgerald and Mark Hartley announced today (May 6). But it won’t mean retirement for the pair – Fitzgerald will now focus solely on client Vince Gill while Hartley will continue to manage artists and develop film and television properties.
At the same time, sources tell Pollstar that Brad Paisley will continue to be managed by Bill Simmons, who is moving to a new management company being launched by Rob Beckham, the former WME Nashville partner who left the firm last year. Chris Young is also expected to move to the new firm.
Beckham was unavailable to comment at press time.
Over the years, Fitzgerald Hartley has managed a diverse roster in addition to Gill, including Chris Young, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Glenn Frey, Olivia Newton-John, Paul McCartney, Toto, Rufus & Chaka Kahn, Patty Loveless, Restless Heart and The Brothers Johnson, among many others.
“Mark and I forged a collaboration that has been successful, both personally and professionally, beyond our wildest dreams,” Fitzgerald said in making the announcement. “Now I want to concentrate my efforts toward Vince. Though his accomplishments thus far have been enormous, I believe our partnership has been a cornerstone of my career, and I know we have many mountains yet to climb.”
The company is to close by year’s end.
“It has been a great ride and does not seem like a 42-year run,” adds Hartley. “We have been blessed to be able to collaborate with such amazingly talented artists and partners.”
“Although closing the doors on FitzHart after 42 years is difficult, looking back on all the incredible artists’ careers that Mark and I have been a part of has been an absolute privilege,” continues Fitzgerald. “Who knew that closing down a business is almost as difficult as creating one?”