Joann Berry

JoAnn Berry was born and raised in Waco, Texas where she began her music career as a DJ at KHOO radio station. She joined the Jim Halsey Company on the recommendation of Hank Thompson, a family friend, making her as one of the few female agents in the business. She booked dates on Red Steagall and a little red head named Reba McEntire as well as being involved with the careers of Oak Ridge Boys, Tammy Wynette, Roy Clark, Jimmy Dean, Minnie Pearl and Don Williams. After leaving the Halsey Company she managed Don Williams for a time, then got a call from the Dick Blake Agency in Nashville to come to work for his agency. With the encouragement of close friend, Minnie, she decided to accept the job and move to Nashville. At the Blake Agency, she was involved with the careers of Ronnie Milsap, The Statler Brothers, Merle Haggard, Brenda Lee and Steve Wariner and became the responsible agent for Barbara, Louise and Irlene Mandrell. Two years later, Dick passed away and JoAnn and Barbara formed a partnership and opened World Class Talent, a booking agency representing Ricky Skaggs, Randy Travis, Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell sisters and others. She also opened World Class Productions and produced shows with Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin and others. JoAnn kept World Class as a management company and managed such acts as Lorrie Morgan and Lynn Anderson, Don Williams and the Gatlin Brothers. JoAnn is working with the Christian Broadcasting Network and managing and developing new artists.