Cledus T. Judd, Bechtol manager Miles Bell dies

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 – Miles Bell, a longtime Nashville based artist manager whose clients included T. Bubba Bechtol and Cledus T. Judd, died on March 19 of kidney failure in Nashville. He was 61.

Over the course of a career spanning 30 years, the talent agent represented a wide variety of clients from all facets of the entertainment industry, including magicians, songwriters, and bands from various genres, such as country (The Moffatts).

"Miles was an unusual person," Bechtol said. "He had the one thing that a manager needs to have to be at the top of their game in today's entertainment world. He took great pleasure in other peoples success. That is hard to find in today's world. He was not selfish, totally into making comedians stars and did just that with a few big names today. I will miss him, both as a manager and a friend."

Born and raised in Clarksburg, West Va., Bell grew up in a musical household. His mother Winifred served as choir director both in the local high school and the family church. His father Bud played various reed instruments and had a big band called Bud Bell and the Buddies.

He was president and chief financial officer of Limeliters International from 1979 to 1991; Limeliters International became the largest purveyor of live entertainment to hotels and casinos in the United States, boasting a client list that included Don McLean, Janice Ian, Kool & The Gang, Mickey Gilley, The Commodores and Menudo.

As President and CEO of Miles Bell & Associates since 1991, the graduate of the University of West Virginia consulted with hotels, casinos and cruise lines with procurement of talent for entertainment, offering production shows, special events, name attractions and lounge acts. From 1985 to 1997, Bell was also President and CEO of Worldwide Entertainment Services, the largest DJ service in the United States.

He also was president and chief executive officer of Williams Bell & Associates from 1992 to 2000, Bell managed 36 artists, including a sculptor, a painter, an illusionist in addition to a more traditional slate of comics, singers and bands. He acted as Executive Director for 30 music videos, 4 of which won Video of the Year (2 from CMT, 2 from Much Music).

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that donations in Bell's name go to MusiCares.

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