( CNN ) -- Jim Foglesong , a famed Nashville music executive and producer who played a key role in launching the careers of such notables as Garth Brooks , George Strait and Suzy Bogguss , has died . He was 90 . His death on Tuesday morning was confirmed by a statement from Vanderbilt University 's Blair School of Music , where Foglesong taught for more than 20 years . `` Jim was a grand gentleman with a marvelously generous spirit , '' said Mark Wait , dean of the school . `` He had a great ear for music of every kind , and he gave freely of his expertise to countless students and young professionals . '' Foglesong 's career spanned more than a half-century and included stints as a performer , producer , record company president and industry eminence . `` Jim was one of the first people I met when I came to Nashville , '' recalled George Strait in a statement to CNN . `` I would wish that for every newcomer . His kind and gentle demeanor is rare today . He signed me to my first record deal , and his support and friendship was something I treasured . We will all miss you , old friend . '' The onetime vocalist -- who `` worked in a bank and sang in a Baptist church and a Jewish temple to pay for rent , food , and voice lessons , '' according to his biography on the Country Music Hall of Fame 's website -- eventually worked under Arturo Toscanini , produced recordings by Julie Andrews , oversaw a variety of labels and helped make hits of songs by Barbara Mandrell , Freddy Fender , the Oak Ridge Boys , Merle Haggard and Reba McEntire . He was one of the people who helped launch Epic Records in the 1950s , then and now one of Columbia 's primary labels . After stints at Epic , RCA , Dot and MCA , Foglesong joined Capitol Records ' Nashville division . It was there he helped guide Brooks , who released his first album in 1989 and became country music 's best-selling artist of all time . `` Today , the music industry lost its greatest diplomat for kindness , tolerance , faith , and sincerity , '' said Brooks in an e-mailed statement . `` But do not weep for Jim , I have never met a man with a stronger faith , anyone who knew Jim knows where he is now . Instead , weep for those of us who are left here without him ... truly , a great , great man . '' After leaving Capitol , Foglesong became an educator . A statement from the Blair School notes that his `` Business of Music '' course , a weekly three-hour seminar , was one of the school 's most popular offerings . He also oversaw the music business program at Nashville 's Trevecca Nazarene University . Foglesong chaired the boards of directors of the Country Music Association and the Country Music Foundation , and was active in a variety of other local organizations . He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004 .
Alan Foglesong was executive who helped guide development of Garth Brooks , others . Executive was a legend , heading record labels , and music . Executive was also popular professor at Vanderbilt for many years .