Fred Foster

Fred Luther Foster (born July 26, 1931) is a songwriter, music record producer, and founder of Monument Records.

Related Topics:
July 26 - 1931 - Monument Records

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Born in Rutherford County, North Carolina, he struggled to help look after his family when his father passed away. At age 17, he moved to Washington, DC where he eventually worked for Mercury Records and then in 1955 went to ABC-Paramount.

Related Topics:
Rutherford County - North Carolina - Mercury Records

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Using his life savings, in September of 1958, he started the Monument Record Company (so named after the Washington Mounument in DC) where he remained active until 1983. Although running what was basically a country music record label, Foster is credited with the development of Rock and Roll legend Roy Orbison's career.

Related Topics:
1958 - Country music - Rock and Roll - Roy Orbison

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Foster played a significant role in Dolly Parton's early career, signing her to Monument in 1964, shortly after her arrival in Nashville, when no other record companies were interested.

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Amongst the songs for which he is noted, Fred Foster co-wrote (with Kris Kristofferson) Me and Bobby McGee which was a very big hit, both for Kristofferson himself, as well as for Janis Joplin.

Related Topics:
Kris Kristofferson - Me and Bobby McGee - Janis Joplin

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