The authors

Kent Anderson's passion for music began in elementary school, where he developed a love for the piano, trumpet, and eventually the bass. This early enthusiasm led to a lifelong career in the music industry as a musician, producer, published author, consultant, and educator. He is the author of It’s All About The Music Marketing Stupid (Second Edition) and serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago, where he teaches courses in the Business of Music, Entertainment Marketing, and Music Business: Decision Making.

Kent’s professional journey in the music industry began with managing record stores for Trans World Music Corp., the nation's largest music retailer. His career took him across multiple cities, including Quad Cities, Chicago, Short Hills, NJ, and Greenwich, CT. It was during this time that he was introduced to the founder of GRP Records, leading to a position as the Midwest Regional Sales Manager. After five years, Kent returned to New York to oversee the sales and marketing for GRP Records, working closely with legendary producer Tommy LiPuma. Under his leadership, GRP was named the #1 Jazz Label in the world for five consecutive years, with more than 30 Grammy nominations and annual domestic sales exceeding $25 million.

At N2K, Inc., Kent embraced the integration of music and technology. As Vice President under the mentorship of Phil Ramone, he played a pivotal role in the company's innovations, including the first-ever digital music download with David Bowie, one of the first e-commerce sites for music, and the development of the first online music player and 5.1 surround sound DVD. During his time at N2K, the company earned Billboard's title of #1 Independent Jazz Label of the Year, along with the top-selling contemporary and traditional jazz recordings.

While at Virgin Records, Kent was responsible for all sales and marketing for Virgin Associated Labels, including Narada, Real World, Luaka Bop, and Higher Octave. He collaborated with the Music Business Association to produce four consecutive #1 Billboard Jazz & Blues chart compilation albums.

As President and Executive Producer of A440 Music Group, Kent led the label to numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination and award for Best 5.1 Surround Sound Mix. A440 also earned praise from the press, including recognition in Chicago Tribune’s Top 10 Jazz Albums of the Year and L.A. Times Best Female Jazz Vocalist of the Year. Kent managed and produced recordings for a diverse range of artists, including Jackie Allen, Alice Peacock, Henry Johnson, New Soul Cowboys, Steve Cole, and Carrie McDowell.

Kent holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of Northern Iowa, where he studied Double Bass and performed with ensembles and orchestras. He also completed additional studies at the University of Iowa. Kent played professionally for ten years with big bands, jazz ensembles, orchestras, pit orchestras, and rock and R&B bands.

A voting member of The Recording Academy (The Grammys), Kent is also an Eagle Scout and the founder of C Sharp Consulting, LLC. He resides in Chicago, where he continues to practice and perform on both upright and electric bass.