Company: JRE Artist Management
Principal / Owner: John R Edwards
John Edwards’ introduction to the music industry was anything but ordinary. In 1987, he began working alongside renowned French composer, arranger, and conductor Michel Colombier in his home studio. Immersed in the creative process of an artist whose work crossed film, television, classical, jazz, and pop music, John recognized that he had been given a rare opportunity to learn the industry from the inside.
From there, Michel introduced John to legendary engineer Frank Wolf (Cher), which ultimately led to an introduction to A&R legend John Kalodner, a connection that changed his life. They became close friends, and both John Kalodner and Aerosmith manager Tim Collins became mentors to him.
From the beginning, John Edwards knew he was getting a master class from two of the music industry’s true heavyweights, relationships that would grow into close friendships lasting more than 20 years.
Company: JRE Artist Management
Principal / Owner: John R Edwards
John Edwards’ introduction to the music industry was anything but ordinary. In 1987, he began working alongside renowned French composer, arranger, and conductor Michel Colombier in his home studio. Immersed in the creative process of an artist whose work crossed film, television, classical, jazz, and pop music, John recognized that he had been given a rare opportunity to learn the industry from the inside.
From there, Michel introduced John to legendary engineer Frank Wolf (Cher), which ultimately led to an introduction to A&R legend John Kalodner, a connection that changed his life. They became close friends, and both John Kalodner and Aerosmith manager Tim Collins became mentors to him.
From the beginning, John Edwards knew he was getting a master class from two of the music industry’s true heavyweights, relationships that would grow into close friendships lasting more than 20 years.
Through John Kalodner, he was introduced to many of the top artists and rock stars of that era. “I knew it was a special time and something to be grateful for every day,” John recalls. He soaked up everything they taught him and gained a firsthand understanding of what separates great talent from lasting success, lessons that continue to guide his approach today.
In the early 1990s, John founded Get Real Management, representing Grammy Award-winning engineer Francis Buckley and working with artists, producers, engineers, and songwriters across a wide range of projects. Over the years, his work brought him alongside respected names throughout the industry, including Oliver Leiber, Jeff Beck, Jeff Lorber, Slash, Joe Cocker, Teddy Riley, and others. Most recently, he contributed to projects involving Keith Urban’s Ripcord and Lady A’s Heart Break, continuing a career built on trusted relationships and a passion for great talent.
After spending a few years focusing on other ventures, John had no plans to return to artist management. Then a friend introduced him to a young country artist named Sammy Paige. As John tells it, “I wasn’t looking for anyone. But the moment I heard Sammy sing, I knew it was something special.” A gifted vocalist, songwriter, and creative director, Sammy combines authentic artistry with a fearless drive that is rare at any age. Her talent and vision convinced John to do something he hadn’t considered in years: build a management company around a single artist. That’s how JRE Artist Management was born. And as John likes to say, “Why not take one more wild ride?”
Through John Kalodner, he was introduced to many of the top artists and rock stars of that era. “I knew it was a special time and something to be grateful for every day,” John recalls. He soaked up everything they taught him and gained a firsthand understanding of what separates great talent from lasting success, lessons that continue to guide his approach today.
In the early 1990s, John founded Get Real Management, representing Grammy Award-winning engineer Francis Buckley and working with artists, producers, engineers, and songwriters across a wide range of projects. Over the years, his work brought him alongside respected names throughout the industry, including Oliver Leiber, Jeff Beck, Jeff Lorber, Slash, Joe Cocker, Teddy Riley, and others. Most recently, he contributed to projects involving Keith Urban’s Ripcord and Lady A’s Heart Break, continuing a career built on trusted relationships and a passion for great talent.
After spending a few years focusing on other ventures, John had no plans to return to artist management. Then a friend introduced him to a young country artist named Sammy Paige. As John tells it, “I wasn’t looking for anyone. But the moment I heard Sammy sing, I knew it was something special.” A gifted vocalist, songwriter, and creative director, Sammy combines authentic artistry with a fearless drive that is rare at any age. Her talent and vision convinced John to do something he hadn’t considered in years: build a management company around a single artist. That’s how JRE Artist Management was born. And as John likes to say, “Why not take one more wild ride?”