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Dave Lory
Event and Show Producer
Professional Background
Dave Lory is a distinguished figure in the arts and entertainment industry, boasting over 30 years of diverse experience that highlights his profound impact on music and event production. He has established himself as a producer of successful festivals, award dinners, and corporate events, showcasing an impressive portfolio that includes high-profile events like the Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner and the Grammy’s Heroes Awards Dinner in New York. Additionally, Lory has played an instrumental role in notable music festivals such as the New Music Seminar, which has been a significant platform for aspiring artists since 1986, and the Escape from New York Music Festival, held in Southampton, NY, alongside the renowned Secret Garden Party in the UK.
As a seasoned producer, he has orchestrated the Grammy’s National Unsigned Band Contests, providing a crucial launching pad for emerging talent. One of his notable achievements includes the Hawke Fest, a themed event designed specifically for CEOs of major marketing companies under Hawke Media. In collaboration with major sponsors, he produced VH-1’s Idols and Icons show, which featured legendary musicians such as Paul Simon and John Mayer and was hosted by the acclaimed Randy Jackson, further exemplifying his ability to merge music with corporate sponsorship effectively.
Education and Achievements
Dave’s educational background laid the foundation for his thriving career in the music industry. He studied Music Business and Music Performance, culminating in a bachelor's degree from New York University. This academic grounding has enriched his professional endeavors, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of both the business and creative aspects of the music industry.
Beyond his production work, he has held prestigious roles in international marketing and artist development, serving as the Senior Vice President for Mercury Records Group, where he helped the company attain the status of the #1 International Company each year during his tenure. His expertise in artist development was further exemplified in his senior leadership role at Artemis Records, which was recognized as the #1 Independent Label of the Year consistently under his guidance.
Lory's influence extends to artist management as well. He has represented renowned artists like The Allman Brothers Band and Gregg Allman’s solo career, Jeff Buckley, Courtney Love, Ronan Tynan, Duncan Sheik, and Ronnie Spector, the lead singer of the iconic Ronettes. His depth of experience in artist management showcases his capacity to nurture talent and guide artists through the complexities of the music industry.
Authorship and Future Projects
In addition to his extensive production and management roles, Dave Lory is also an accomplished author. His book, “Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah to the Last Goodbye,” published by Post Hill Press (an imprint of Simon & Schuster), was released on the 21st anniversary of Jeff Buckley’s tragic death. This poignant work captures the essence of Buckley's artistry and personal journey, and Lory is also the executive producer of a film currently in development that is based on the book. This multi-faceted approach to storytelling through both literature and film underscores Lory's commitment to preserving and sharing the legacy of influential artists.
Organizations and Leadership Roles
Throughout his career, Lory has held various prominent positions that reflect his leadership and vision within the arts and entertainment sector. His roles have included Chief Operations Officer at Conroy And Associates and Chief Executive Officer at David Lory And Associates, where he demonstrated exemplary strategic oversight and operational management. Additionally, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of DJL Live Music Productions and Executive Director and Producer at the New Music Seminar, illustrating his dedication to fostering musical talent and providing platforms for artistic expression.
Lory has also contributed significantly to other major music entities, having worked as Vice President, International at Island Def Jam Music Group, and held the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Worldwide Entertainment Group. His diverse leadership experiences across multiple organizations have shaped him into a well-rounded professional, equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of the music industry.
Achievements
- Produced high-profile events such as the Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner and Grammy’s Heroes Awards Dinner.
- Developed successful music festivals including New Music Seminar and Escape from New York Music Festival.
- Led international marketing strategies as Senior Vice President at Mercury Records and Artemis Records, maintaining their top rankings in the industry.
- Managed iconic artists including Jeff Buckley, The Allman Brothers Band, and Courtney Love, showcasing a commitment to advancing their careers.
- Authored “Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah to the Last Goodbye,” capturing the legacy of a brilliant artist, along with producing a forthcoming film adaptation.
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