Webster News

Kirt Webster: Nashville's PR czar to the stars chats with Examiner

Created on Thursday, 16 February 2012 03:33 Published Date

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Article By: Lisa R. Rollins (Nashville Country Music Examiner)
Once in awhile, those who work behind the scenes to facilitate the careers of those beneath the spotlight’s glare are so dazzlingly adept at what they do that they gain their own renown within both their chosen industry and the local community in which they operate.

In Nashville, Kirt Webster is one such high-profile professional who, thanks to his hard work and creative vision via the eponymous Webster & Associates, has achieved not only international recognition in the field of entertainment PR and marketing, but also “celebrity-next-door” status in his chosen city of residence, Music City U.S.A.

For those involved in the big business of country music, this Tennessee transplant’s name has become synonymous with not only a host of the genre’s top stars, but also its superstars, such as Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, whose careers have eclipsed their original country-music calling to become cultural icons that are known worldwide.

These days, the Webster & Associates’ client list reads like a veritable who’s who among country hit-makers, from Grand Ole Opry stars to Country Music Hall of Famers, as well as winners of CMA trophies, ACM Awards, Grammy honors and beyond. And oh yes, Webster’s been known to represent a rocker or two in his day, not to mention those whose names are at home on the silver screen.

From George Jones, Jamey Johnson, Randy Travis, Wynonna Judd, The Oak Ridge Boys and Janie Fricke, to Hank Williams Jr., Ronnie Milsap, Kevin Costner, The Roys, Kid Rock, hit-songwriter-turned-hot-crooner Lee Brice, Lee Greenwood and Australia’s The McClymonts, and then some, Webster and his locally based staff are on call for all things media to enhance the performers’ careers and image, while also satisfying entertainment journalism’s demand to share the latest news about the stars with their audiences.

Needless to say, with such a star-packed roster of entertainers to his company’s credit, this Webster named Kirt has become a household name in music ‘n’ media circles, not to mention a trusted PR rep among his clients and a “go-to” source for reporters who want “the real skinny” when it comes to the latest entertainment headlines.

The ever-busy and always-gracious Webster recently took time to field a few questions from Examiner.com about his stellar rise to success, his favorite Nashville haunts and even his hobbies. What follows is an excerpt from this recent chat with one of Nashville’s most-beloved “Celebrities Next Door.”

Q: What do you like about living in Nashville, and how long have you resided here?

Kirt: “I have lived in Nashville for 17 years, coming from the small town of Gilbert, Arizona. Gilbert is within the Phoenix suburbs, but a small farm community—or it was when I was living there. I love Nashville as it is a ‘big city,’ but a ‘small community.’ Nashville offers everything from entertainment (and) five-star restaurants, to one of a kind events. There really is nothing that Nashville doesn’t offer.”

Q: After 15 years in public relations on the country-music side, what still motivates or inspires you about your job?

Kirt: “I absolutely love my job. Helping people create their image, public persona and overall brand is truly an amazing process. When I moved to Nashville, I had $1,400 in my pocket and a dream. Money was never the motivator for me, (because) growing up, although not poor by any means, we didn’t come from money. So it was instilled in me early on to get out and work to make a living.

“My mother was a hairdresser and eventually went to work at the USPS, and my father worked at a defense assembly plant—just common blue-collar people that worked 40 hours or more a week to take care of the family. So it is the way I was raised that makes me love what I do and that ‘bringin up’ process that inspires me to do better each day.”

Q: Who have been some of your favorite clients over the year, and why?

Kirt: “This is a hard one because all the clients mean something special to me. It was Merle Kilgore, Hank Williams Jr.’s manager, who gave me my real big start when he hired me for Hank Williams Jr. So Hank and Merle always have a special place in my heart. Through them, I started working with Kid Rock … (and) so the snowball effect took place once I landed Hank Williams Jr. as a client.

“Both Hank and Kid Rock rank high on that list because they are family to me. I travel to their homes and stay the night; they take me to the Super Bowl and on family events. Those two artists are some the most caring people you will ever meet in your life. Yes, they have their ‘special’ sides to them that make them ‘who they are’ … but deep down, I absolutely love them and would take a bullet for them.”

Q: What would people be surprised to know about you--just something no one would imagine?

Kirt: “Growing up I was in junior high and high school choir, but growing up on the heavyset side, I soon realized that esthetics were a big part of being a performer. So it was that point that I realized I wanted to be on the other side of the microphone and camera, and become a publicist. I have struggled with weight issues my whole life, but it has also taught me some valuable lessons along the way, too.”

Q: What is your favorite place to grab lunch in Nashville, and why? And what do you order?

Kirt: “It’s truly a toss-up. When I am having a business meeting, I typically go to The Palm, as the food is very consistent with a friendly atmosphere. I would order Ahi Tuna, iced tea and sometimes the 'Gigi' salad.

“When I am casually having a ‘homestyle’ meal, I go to Cracker Barrel. The food is great and there is such a variety. I eat too many things to list.”

Q: Do you have any hobbies? I can't imagine you have much time outside work, to be honest.

Kirt: “I love to go to the woods and just see nature. I love walking around the lake and seeing the animals running around so freely. And as a complete opposite, I love New York. I bought an apartment in the City a few years ago, and it is absolutely amazing. I like to go to Broadway shows and just soak up the atmosphere on the City.”

Q: Do you ever feel like a "celebrity" yourself, and I mean ever? And if so, when?

Kirt: “Sometimes, and it is a weird feeling. But as I travel to almost every Hank Williams Jr. show with Hank, the fans have started to recognize me and they know that I facilitate the meet ‘n’ greet for Hank. So as soon as we land in the city we are traveling to and get to the venue, I typically walk the arena and see where things are to get my bearings.

“As soon as fans see me, they rush up to me to ask if they can meet Hank or what can they do to meet Hank? It gets quite overwhelming at times, yet it’s fun, too.”

Q: What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Kirt: “Merle Kilgore told me “You Got To Fake It Until You Make It” or you will not get anywhere. I took that to heart and learned how to fake it early on. Merle was the best advice person you could ever want to talk to, as he had done it all … be a manager, an actor, an artist and a songwriter. He was a truly amazing person. Heck, he was with Hank Jr. for over 40 years until his recent passing.”

Q: If you weren't a PR czar, what could you see yourself doing?

Kirt: “I am not sure. … This is what I wanted to do. I had a dream while in my teens to come to Nashville and work for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Now, I get to work with both of them, and it is a DREAM come true!”