Century II Promotions

ONE OF GOSPEL & COUNTRY MUSIC
LEGENDARY GREATS DIES

July 29, 2007

(NASHVILLE): One of Nashville's most colorful and great promoters of Gospel and Country music, Cecil D. "Sonny" Simmons II, died today in the VA. Medical Center in Nashville after a long illness. He was 75 years old.

Simmons, who was one of the original organizers of the Gospel Music Association, was born in Akron, OH, and raised in Alabama. He was the son of prominent Baptist minister, Rev. Cecil D. Simmons Sr. After graduating from high school, he attended and graduated from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL. After college, he worked with his father, serving as music minister at his dad’s churches in Alabama and Ohio.

While working in his music minister positions, Simmons became interested in the Gospel music industry and producing Gospel concerts. He moved to Nashville in the mid-1970s and opened a successful Gospel music booking agency, Century II Promotions Inc. He is also responsible for producing and syndicating a successful television show, Music City Special, which featured Gospel music artists with a mix of Country music stars.

Later, he added a Country division to his company, as well as a production and tour management division. He worked with thousands of artists, including many of the biggest names in entertainment such as Dolly Parton; Gold City; Alabama; The Happy Goodman Family; Jerry Reed; J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet; The Oak Ridge Boys; Steve Martin; and Garth Brooks.

His agency was the first to spear-head a nationwide, 57-city, three-year tour with corporate sponsor R.J. Reynolds Co. The tour featured Alabama; Mickey Gilley; Johnny Lee; Juice Newton; and The Thrasher Brothers.

Although Simmons’ company spawned success, it was his honest, no-nonsense, straight-forward business approach that made Simmons a favorite among working artists. “Sonny was like a second father to us,” said Lynn Fox of The Fox Brothers – one of Simmons’ most successful acts. “He was always looking out for our best interest, and he always treated us fairly. We were blessed and honored to have known and worked with one of the true giants in the music industry.”

Simmons’ “giant” status is reflected by positions and memberships he held in the various music/entertainment organizations in Nashville. In addition to being one of the founding members of the GMA, Simmons was a six-term president of the Nashville Association of Talent Directors and was a life-time member of the Country Music Association.

He was also a member of the International Country Music Buyers Association; the Outdoor Amusement Business Association; the International Association of Fairs and Expos; and the Showmen's League of America. He was also a Lifetime Director of the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals.

In 2002, he was the recipient of the Pioneer award given by the Christian Country Music Association. He was also honored with other awards on numerous occasions by his music industry peers.

He is survived by his mother, Jennie Bell “Granny” Simmons; three daughters, Candace Simmons Gurley; Cynthia Simmons Klein; Teresa Simmons; one son, Terry Simmons; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 2, at 1:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home at 660 Thompson Lane in Nashville, TN. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 31, from 5 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, August 1, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Woodlawn.

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This obituary news release was written by:

Daniel L. Johnson
Johnson Management & Media
www.johnsonmanagementandmedia.com

If you have any questions or for additional information,
call Johnson at (615) 480-4066.