Black Women Music Executive Survey 2024: Part 2

The enduring impact Black artists have on music as an art form can’t be overstated, pushing forward all genres – and many times creating new ones – from folk to hip-hop to house. As part of Pollstar’s celebration of Black History Month we reached out to several Black women executives who help bring music to live, with the aim of learning more about the state of the industry from their perspectives. In honor of Women’s History Month, we proudly present part two of the survey.

Survey Participants
Grace Blake
Programming Director at City Winery NYC Hudson Valley and Concerts in the Vineyard

Mari Davies
VP, Booking and Talent at Live Nation Urban

Kara Hailele-Griffin Coleman
Director, Marketing + Product Development at WMG Global Catalog/RHINO

Heather Lowery
President & CEO at Femme It Forward

Tobi Parks
Owner of xBk, Co-Founder of D Tour, VP of National Independent Venue Foundation, Entertainment Attorney

Yves C. Pierre
Agent at CAA

How did you make your way into the industry?

Grace Blake: Music and live performance was always a part of my family life. Both my parents were medical professionals who loved the arts and were active members in the Kingston Choral Society in Kingston, Ontario, in Canada. I fell in love with the arts at an early age attending their concerts, and then learning to play the piano and the flute. This love of performance drew me to pursue music education at Queen’s University and then to study the Theatrical Arts at George Brown College, Canada. The joy and passion of seeing so many creative artists on stage was the catalyst that sparked my love to curate diverse programming.

This led me to the world of jazz, and to work as a talent buyer at the Iridium, only to later head the Programming and Artist Relations Department. Next, I produced two award-winning PBS series “Front and Center” and “Speakeasy,” which featured performances by superstar talent such as Shawn Mendes, Sting, Sheryl Crow, Gary Clark, Jr., Liam Gallagher, and many more. I was also honored to produce season one of “MTV Live SetList,” with performances by Dua Lipa, Kaleo, Børns, Léon and more, prior to them playing bigger stages.

Working in such environments provided the opportunity to move into the role as Programming Director at City Winery NYC, Pier 57, City Vineyard, Hudson Valley and Concerts in the Vineyard to create diverse programming with legacy and breaking artists that best fit the various City Winery spaces … creating one-of-a-kind experiences that allow artists to deliver something magical that perhaps exists outside of their comfort zone. What kind of fascinating artistic outcomes might be generated by challenging an artist to safely explore new ideas in a uniquely curated environment?

I thoroughly love the fast-paced nature of such an environment, as it challenges me to constantly adapt to the circumstances and actively search – from sourcing popular music, spoken word, and special events to discovering emerging artists that will satisfy a large community.

Mari Davies: I started as an artist’s assistant for Fabolous in 2008 and would step into every necessary role in his daily business operations, quickly establishing myself as the go-to for all things — which helped me develop strong relationships with the label, booking agents, promoters, publicists, radio execs, etc.

Kara Hailele-Griffin Coleman: I honestly made my way into this thing the same way I’ve been able to make my way through it: on the strength of my relationships. Relationships really are everything. And not the slick, transactional kinds. Real ones. Real friends. Real connections. Real appreciation of and respect for the people you eventually choose to be “your people.” I have worked at all three major label groups, a Grammy-winning mastering studio, and an indie record label … I’ve done copyrights and publishing, corporate oversight and business development, artist development and tour marketing, studio management, product development and strategic marketing … and with every single role, I know exactly who put me in position to win. I’m eternally grateful to all of them.

Heather Lowery: I made my way into the industry through dedication, perseverance, intuition and by doing the work. From launching new tours to promoting new shows, I took risks and I jumped at opportunities I believed in. While there were setbacks and challenges, I learned from any mistakes and remained committed to my goals. I also had the benefit of receiving wisdom from women who believed in me and my potential. That is why I want to support the next generation of women in music through our Next Gem Femme mentorship program.

Tobi Parks: I started in this industry as a musician and went on to spend most of my career working with a major label. I have always had a passion for community, artist development, and artist advocacy. I opened my venue, in part, to not only provide a platform for developing artists, but to also share the knowledge I’ve gained on both sides of the industry. At my core, I just love music, creating cool things, and helping to build pathways for others to share their talents.

Yves C. Pierre: I was fortunate to become a Def Jam College Rep my sophomore year at the University of Maryland College Park. During that time, I was able to develop what would prove to be lifelong, career-changing relationships at Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam, spending years working at both labels. Those relationships and knowledge gained led me to artist management, and in 2012 to the agency world, to my now home at CAA.

Who is/are your mentor/mentors and what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from them?

Blake: I’d have to say my mother is my mentor and continues to be. She taught me the word “can’t” limits our ability to succeed and by removing the “t”, “can” moves us away from being stuck and moves us beyond the wall we put up to limit ourselves, to overcome the obstacles and challenges in our way. Trust, trust, trust your instincts — they are seldom wrong. Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy your successes along the way.

Davies: There are many execs I’ve long admired whether from afar or up close and personal including Sylvia Rhone, Desiree Perez, Nicole George-Middleton, Valeisha Butterfield, Big Jon Platt, Arthur Fogel, Cara Lewis and Shawn Gee. But I was very fortunate to have Caroline Yim as a mentor and friend since 2012. I sharpened my skills as an agent, a business woman, a talent representative and talent curator under her. I watched her discover massive talent like Kendrick Lamar, Kehlani and Jhené Aiko. I also watched her navigate the ups and downs when you lose clients and how to bounce back and keep growing your book of business.

Hailele-Griffin Coleman: I know that generally when we think of mentorship, we tend to look up. And aspirationally it makes sense—we all do it. But I actually like to find mentors in the folks around me. Throughout my career, it’s been my peers that I genuinely lean on for advice and counsel. The people I’ve come up with who know the landscape because they were in the trenches with me. It’s a reminder that you can find inspiration anywhere and that sometimes the best advice can come from the unlikeliest places. And the best advice I’ve ever gotten — that is so much easier said than done! Trust!! — is “Don’t take it personal.” Also, “Keep it cute” because I tend to be verbose haha!

Lowery: While I haven’t had any traditional mentors, I’ve had so many women share their wisdom and insights with me during my journey. From my incredible mom to the Fox Entertainment exec Carolyn Forrest who took me under her wing when I was at Spelman college, to Cara Lewis, Sylvia Rhone, Suzanne de Passe, Phylicia Rashad, Bell Hooks, Toni Morrison and so many other Black women artists, execs, authors, and actors whose words, influence or career journey has shaped the woman I am today. I learned from these women that talent alone isn’t enough. Persistence is critical to actually following through on a dream and reaching your goals. I also learned never to be afraid to carve my own path. For whichever path you choose, mentorship can be a critical source of information and inspiration. I started Femme It Forward to carry that torch and empower young women of color across the country.

Parks: My mentor is Andrea Finkelstein at Sony Music. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have Andrea in my corner as both a mentor, an advocate, and a friend. Andrea has been in the music business for 40+ years and is, indeed, the smartest person I know. The lessons I’ve learned from her are numerous but most importantly to know the business inside and out, don’t be afraid to speak your voice, and to be tenacious. I’m also mentored and supported every day by my NIVA / D Tour friends (family). Too many folks in that group to name, but they know who they are and I’m grateful everyday to have them in my corner.

Pierre: The three mentors in my life have been Mignon Espy, Chaka Pilgrim, and Jaha Johnson. I worked with them early in my career, and their support and advocacy completely changed my life for the better. The biggest lesson was to keep your word, try to keep an open mind, and most importantly, do the work.

What advice do you have for Black women entering the business?

Blake: When it comes to finding success as a woman — particularly as a Black woman in the music industry — our strength often comes from the other inspirational women around us. We have certainly come a long way in terms of leadership, however, there’s still work to be done. We’ll only get there if we come together and pay it forward – this equity is a priority of mine in my own work, mentorship, and leadership.

It has always been important for me to recognize my perspectives as a Black woman in the work that I do. Art allows us to reflect on our own lived experiences, and it brings people together in unique ways – allowing us to share creativity, culture, and community.

I always stress the importance of collaboration. It is imperative to network and work with your competitors, and find that overlap in the Venn diagram where shared and common ideas come together. There is plenty to go around. Be warm, be honest, be outgoing, and clearly have a solid peer support system around you. One may not always be comfortable taking risks, however I encourage it is the only way to exceed your highest expectations. In addition, “put yourself on the line.” Find ways to give back by sharing your knowledge with the ones coming behind you and don’t forget to honor the ones who paved the way for you.

My favorite African proverb speaks to where we are and where we’ve yet to travel: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Davies: Stay true to your voice and vision and know that you have absolute value. Your opinions, perspective, musical tastes, cultural understanding etc are important and are a reflection of our community and need to be represented and advocated for in these buildings. Be confident in knowing this is a strength and show up authentically.

Hailele-Griffin Coleman: A friend of mine posted on Instagram once: “Surround yourself with people who will fight for you in rooms you aren’t in” — and that’s it right there. Find your people and hold on to them. Build community wherever and however you can. It will be the thing that carries you through.

Lowery: Show up. Take up space. Do the work. Be an asset. Trust your gut. Let your intuition be your compass, your filter, and your guide. If you put forward your best effort — one that is rooted in a genuine belief in your goals and purpose — you will inevitably be unstoppable.

Parks: You’ll be told no far more often than you’re told yes. Keep fighting and don’t give up. If you believe in your goals and you’re willing to work hard for them, there will be people there to help you see them through. Even though the journey can feel lonely, you’re not alone. I’ve yet to meet a person who isn’t willing to take a phone call and/or give advice. Lean on those of us you see. It’s not about competition, it’s about collaboration and lifting each other up.

Pierre: Find a mentor and have women in your corner as a support system. This business is complicated and requires a lot of your time both personally and professionally, but a support system of sisters is a salve that is unlike anything else.

What was your favorite concert or live event in the last year?

Blake: I have to say there were so many unbelievable tours in 2023 that we were all waiting for. It’s like asking who is your favorite child? Beyoncé’s “Renaissance Tour,” Hiatus Kaiyote and Lawrence were among the tours I walked away feeling like, “What the heck did I just experience?!” I’m excited for Lawrence’s “Family Business” tour this year!

Davies: It’s hard to choose just one but our “Reunion Tour” with Kirk Franklin, The Clark Sisters, Tye Tribbett, Israel Houghton and the Manns in arenas was such an incredible production and the energy was so positive and uplifting and obviously, “RENAISSANCE TOUR.” I saw it three times. Beyoncé is just so inspiring and such a master of performance and entertainment. That production was next level! It was transformative … it was everything.

Hailele-Griffin Coleman: Rock The Bells at Forest Hills Stadium. The venue is iconic, the staging was immaculate, the performances were pure magic and the energy in the building was all love. It was such a vibe.

Lowery: I loved seeing SZA performing in front of thousands on her sold-out “SOS” tour. I booked one of SZA’s first college shows 10 years ago and most recently honored her at our second annual “GiveherFlowHERS Awards Gala.” She’s truly a voice of her generation and it’s been beautiful to watch her growth and her journey.

Parks: There are so many, it’s hard to name. I suppose I’d say the most special for me was probably Alana Springsteen at my venue, xBk. I love when my label worlds and promoter worlds collide in my little Midwestern city. Not only is Alana one of my favorite new artists, but I had some dear friends come in for the show. The night really exemplified what this is all about for me: experiencing a great show with a great artist with your favorite people!

Pierre: I have two. The first is Usher — I’ve been a fan of his for three decades, and to see him perform the way he did all of last year during his residency was mesmerizing. The second was Lil Yachty. Witnessing a young man who knows who he is as an artist and performer is a beautiful thing.