If Donald Trump can do it, so can Tandy Rice — so went the thought process behind the establishment of George Jones University.
GJU is a two-day seminar held twice a year at Jones' Franklin home, geared toward providing students with enough business acumen to safely build a career in the country music industry.
Class resumes Sept. 25-27, and about 150 people are expected to attend, 50 more than for the spring session.
"If they come and listen to us, they will never be taken advantage of by the dark side of the system," said Rice, dean of GJU and a former president of Country Music Association. "A slick enough salesman can talk young artists into anything. Our goal is to empower them."
Tandy was on his way to give a speech in Charleston, S.C., when he heard Larry King interview Donald Trump. Trump was talking about his new idea for Trump University, but Rice found the concept lacking in connection to the local population. He was less than intrigued.
"I thought the people I work with could care less about that," he said. "It would be boring as the devil. About that time a car pulled in front of me with a sticker that said, 'Proud graduate of Hamburger University.' I thought, 'That's what's lacking with Donald Trump, is joy and laughter.' "
On his way back home, Rice tuned into WSIX, where George Jones' wife Nancy was discussing George's dwindling radio presence. The problems, many of which Rice said Nancy chalked up to corporate ownership of stations, small playlists and no respect for "the little man," gave him an idea.
"A light bulb went off over my head," he said. "I thought: I'm going to put together a training format for the little man, and we're going to have it lighthearted and fun and deal with issues important to the little man. I'm going to contact George Jones and ask to use his name as a beacon to attract attention to this idea. I'm going to start a university for my people, and what could be a bigger name for my people than George Jones?"
Three rules enforcedRice got permission from Jones to use his name, and class first commenced in 2006 with a set of ground rules the university still abides by today. No drinking, no smoking and no being late for class.
"All three things are diametrically opposed to the way George used to be," Rice said. "We observe those rigidly. If you're a youngster and want to come and study and sit at the feet of the masters, you are as safe as if you were in the arms of Jesus."
Priced at $400, the package of classes is carefully crafted to educate students about all areas of the music business, not just on how to succeed as an artist.
Jones not on facultyThis year, guest speakers include: Bob Whittaker, former general manager of the Grand Ole Opry; Helen Cornelius, artist and Grand Ole Opry member; John Zarling, director of new media for Big Machine Records and The Valory Music Co.; Martha Moore, publicist, So Much Moore Media; Philip K. Lyon, attorney, Phillips & Lyon PLLC; Stephen Cochran, artist on Aria Records; Blair Durham, attorney; and Bill Cody, WSM and GAC broadcast personality. Each presenter will spend 30 minutes telling the class about the ins and outs of their respective professions and spend another 30 minutes answering student-generated questions.
"I don't think anyone could ever say they were bored," said Sherry Massaro, director of marketing at GJU. "If you want to be in the business, everything taught is something you need to know, whether it's today, tomorrow or in the future. I believe it's for everyone from novice through professional. We make it such a great environment, and everyone has the opportunity to speak about where they are in their career."
But don't sign up expecting a glorified meet-and-greet with George Jones. While classes are held in Jones' rehearsal studio on his property, the singer's schedule is completely separate from the seminar and an appearance from him isn't expected. Organizers like to keep the focus squarely on education.
"We're not selling anything, but we can tell you about the politics of Music Row," Rice said. "We can tell you how to finance your career. We can tell you how to make the Internet work for you, and we have roughly 15 subjects exactly like those. This enterprise is not about George Jones. It's about the business of music. We have some people who have been to every single one of them."
But even GJU veterans have something new to look forward to this session — a talent competition has been added for those interested in participating. It will kick off the evening of Sept. 25, and the winner will be announced Sept. 27. The winner will receive the opportunity to open for Jones on one of his upcoming tour dates. Second place gets the chance to play a show during Country Radio Seminar week in March, and third place wins an autographed guitar.
"It's exciting to me just to talk about it," Rice said. "It's quite a thing in a blue-jean atmosphere. I think this is the sixth one coming up, and all have been very successful. But this looks like it's going to be a doozie."
To register or for information, visit www.georgejonesuniversity.com.
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