Find a Grave Larry Willoughby (1950-2021)

Larry Willoughby
Birth 24 Feb 1950
Houston, Harris County, Texas, USA
Death 14 Jan 2021 (aged 70)
Burial Details Unknown
Musician

Where is Larry Willoughby buried?

He started out as a country singer and songwriter and went on to become Vice President of Artists and Repertoire (A&R) for Capitol Records Nashville where he helped shape the careers of many country stars, among them Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan.

Larry Willoughby Grave Site

He got his big break in music when he earned a spot in Guy Clark’s band. Under Clark’s guidance, he refined his own songwriting and performing skills. It did not take long before he landed a recording contract with Atlantic Records. His debut album, “Building Bridges,” rose to No 47 on the Billboard charts in 1984. The title track from the album reached No. 55 as a single but 12 years later, it took him to new heights.

In 2006, Brooks & Dunn turned “Building Bridges” into a Grammy-nominated, Top 5 single. It featured guest vocals from Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow and was nominated for Musical Event of the Year at the CMA Awards and Best Country Collaboration With Vocals at The Grammys.

Where Was Larry Willoughby born?

He had spent several years on tour after the release of his “Building Bridges” album, then found himself drawn to the business side of country music. He signed on as tour manager for country stars Rodney Crowell and Rosanne Cash, before moving in the direction of artist development.

After a stint as director of membership with American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), he was recognized for his talent for listening, pitching and placement of songs by renowned producer, Tony Brown and hired as Director of A&R at MCA/Universal Records.

Larry Willoughby (1950-2021)

During Willoughby’s tenure, MCA became known as the “Golden” label recognized as the industry leader throughout the 1990s with major successes of recording artists, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Wynonna, Trisha Yearwood, and The Mavericks. Even with his move to Capitol as VP of A&R, he kept a hand in songwriting.

His songs have been recorded by such artists as Waylon Jennings, Rodney Crowell, Eddy Raven, Big House, the Amazing Rhythm Aces, Nicolette Larson and the Oak Ridge Boys.