On Dec. 10 Bill Hearn, chairman/CEO of Capitol Christian Music Group, died in Nashville, Tenn., from cancer. He was 58 years old.
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The son of Billy Rae Hearn, Bill Hearn got his start in the industry with Sparrow Records. During his career, he worked with Christian artists such as Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs, Tye Tribbett, Amy Grant, Mandisa, Matt Redman, and TobyMac before assuming the same role his father held at Capitol Christian Music Group.
Hearn's producing efforts earned Hearn two GRAMMYs during his career, first for 1995 for his contributions to Amazing Grace — A Country Salute To Gospel for Best Southern Gospel, Country Gospel Or Bluegrass Gospel and again for 2009 for his work on the collection Oh Happy Day, which earned Best Traditional Gospel Album.
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In 2015 he was honored with the T.J. Martell Foundation’s Frances Preston Lifetime Music Industry Achievement Award.
A great friend to the Recording Academy, Hearn served the organization as a past Trustee.
"Following in the footsteps of his late father Billy Ray, Hearn played an essential role in the formation of the renowned Christian music company — Capitol Christian Music Group," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "Hearn will not only be remembered for his impressive list of achievements, but for his philanthropic efforts, kind spirit and commitment to his craft."
