When selecting the artistic manager who has discovered and guided the most illustrious musical talents in the business, go no further than Jim Halsey.
Jim Halsey was born on October 7, 1930 in Independence, Kansas. At the age of 12, Jim demonstrated his innate talent for leadership as a major general of the Junior Marines at the Washington School in Independence. Under Jim's direction, his troops would appear in local parades and events.
Jim Halsey's professional career spans 50 years. He guided the careers of many musical stars such as fellow inductees Roy Clark, Merle Haggard, and Wanda Jackson.
Jim maintained one of the most effective and aggressive booking and management companies in the world. The pioneering efforts of Jim Halsey have expanded the horizons of country music into Europe and Asia. His 1976 tour, presenting Roy Clark and the Oak Ridge Boys, in the Soviet Union won praise both culturally and in diplomatic circles.
Jim Halsey's expertise encompasses more than just management. His business experience includes broadcasting, banking, ranching, music publishing, real estate, and investments. Jim's focus for the past few years has been on education. He lectures at universities around the world. His popular seminar series, "How to Make It In the Music Business" is filled with information on the industry. From 1995 to 1999, Jim created and served as director of the award-winning music and entertainment business program at Oklahoma City University. He is currently focused on the Halsey Institute of Music and Entertainment Business in Tulsa. The institute encompasses 22 courses covering all aspects of the music business. Halsey was elected in 1984 as president of the International Federation of Festival Organizations.
Jim received an honorary doctor of fine arts degree in 1992 from Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas. In 1998, Governor Frank Keating presented Jim with the Governor's Award for Arts and Education. In 1999, Jim received a Medal of Honor from the Cherokee Honor Society in Tahlequah. Jim, his wife, Minisa Crumbo, and four children live in Tulsa.