On Sept.11, 2013, 101 Ranch Records announced its official label launch, including the appointment of industry veteran, Doug Howard, as president. Founded by RayLynn Records creator Bob Simpson, the label’s office will be based in Nashville, Tennessee. The first signing to the label will be accomplished singer, songwriter, actor, producer and filmmaker Mark Collie. Tammy Collie, VP/GM of RayLynn Records, is also a member of the 101 Ranch Records management team.
Doug Howard joins 101 Ranch Records with experience from a notable and respected music career within the industry, which most recently included self-started ventures including Vandermont Music Group, focusing on both music publishing and artist development, and WHAT MATTERS, a second production company launched in 2012. He previously held highly esteemed positions including Senior Vice President of A&R for Walt Disney owned Lyric Street Records, SVP/GM of Disney Music Publishing Nashville, and VP/GM of PolyGram Music Publishing Nashville.
“It’s an honor to be working with Bob on the launch of 101 Ranch Records and we’re very excited about the road ahead of us,” said Doug Howard, president. “Mark Collie, who is a tremendously talented performer and songwriter, is a great fit as the first artist signing to the label and we look forward to him joining us on this new journey.”
Mark Collie has won over both critics and fans with his raw rockabilly sound, superbly crafted songs and high-energy live show. Mark has also had a successful series of roles in television and film, including parts in independent works as well as appearances in big-budget productions like “The Punisher.” Collie will reverse his role and go behind the lens as filmmaker for an upcoming project that combines his love of film and music. Details on that project will be announced shortly.
“I’m thrilled to have a new home with 101 Ranch Records and to be working with a terrific team with Doug, Bob and Tammy,” says Mark Collie. “There are some new and exciting projects coming up on the horizon that I look forward to debuting with the label.”
101 Ranch Records marks the second record label venture from Texas business man Bob R. Simpson after the 2011 launch of the gospel label RayLynn Records. An innovator and leader, Simpson has been at the helm for multiple successful business ventures, including the multi-billion dollar deal to merge his XTO Energy company with Exxon and the resurgence of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers.
