R.I.P.: Lesly Simon, Veteran Nashville Executive

Lesly Smith ('73-'25)

Lesly Somerville Simon, a Nashville music executive with over 20 years of industry experience, died on March 27 after battling breast cancer for seven years. She was 52 years old.

A longtime music business professional, Simon was the General Manager of Garth Brooks' Pearl Records and Trisha Yearwood's Gwendolyn Records and spent time as the Vice President of Promotion for Arista Nashville/Sony Music Nashville.

As a member of SOURCE, the Country Music Association (CMA), the Academy of Country Music (ACM), Leadership Music Class of 2013, the Board of Directors for Country Radio Broadcasters and one of Billboard’s Top 100 Country Power Players, Simon was an integral part of the Nashville music community.  

In Music City, Simon started her music business career at the RCA Label Group. There, she worked in roles with artist management, promotion and marketing with both pop and country record labels.

Simon acted as the tour manager for country artist Mindy McCready on renowned tour runs with Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson and George Strait.

In promotion at Capitol Records, Simon also served an integral role in the airplay success of artists including Coldplay, The Beastie Boys, Kylie Minogue, Radiohead, Jane’s Addiction and Snoop Dogg.  

Before she joined Gwendolyn and Pearl Records, Simon worked at Arista Nashville/ Sony Music Nashville.

As the Vice President of Promotion, she oversaw radio promotion and marketing for a number of artists, including Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Cam.