Ben Farrell

Ben Farrell
BornJuly 17, 1946
Jackson, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedAugust 10, 2022(2022-08-10) (aged 76)
Alma materLipscomb University
OccupationPromoter
Years active52
OrganizationVarnell Enterprises
Known forPromotion of Garth Brooks
SpouseAutumn
Children1
ParentKerby Farrell

Ben Farrell (July 17, 1946 – August 10, 2022) was an American concert promoter who was best known for promoting Garth Brooks.

Early life

Farrell was born in Jackson, Tennessee.[1] His father was American professional baseball player, coach, and manager Kerby Farrell. After attending Lipscomb University, the younger Farrell was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and played for the farm clubs of the Houston Astros and the Chicago White Sox.[2] The US Army drafted Farrell in 1968, and he served two years.[3]

Music career

Farrell worked with Lon Varnell of Varnell Enterprises from 1970.[4] He assisted with concert promotions, marketing, and supervision of events for acts such as Elvis and Elton John.[5] Farrell started working with Garth Brooks in 1989.[6]

Farrell was nominated for Promoter of the Year several times by the Academy of Country Music Awards; and was inducted into the International Entertainment Buyers Association's Hall of Fame in 2016 after having booked or promoted more than 5,000 concerts.[7]

Death

Farrell died August 10, 2022.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Ben Farrell, Garth Brooks’ Longtime Concert Promoter, Dies at 76
  2. ^ Nicholson, Jessica (2022-08-19). "Ben Farrell, Garth Brooks' Longtime Concert Promoter, Dies at 76". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-08-21.
  3. ^ "Ben Farrell, Beloved Concert Promoter, Dies at 76 - Pollstar News". 2022-08-19. Retrieved 2022-08-21.
  4. ^ "Ben Farrell Obituary - Nashville, TN". Dignity Memorial. Retrieved 2022-08-21.
  5. ^ Iahn, Buddy (2022-08-18). "Legendary concert promoter Ben Farrell dies at 76". The Music Universe. Retrieved 2022-08-21.
  6. ^ Leimkuehler, Matthew. "Ben Farrell, longtime Garth Brooks concert promoter, dies at 76". The Tennessean. Retrieved 2022-08-21.
  7. ^ "Garth Brooks, Bob Doyle, Ben Farrell, and the late Joe Harris to be inducted into IEBA's Hall of Fame". Country's Chatter. 2016-05-05. Retrieved 2022-08-21.