RICK BATES
RICK BATES is a man of many talents. For over 35 years, Bates has worked in the
field of music. During this exciting period in his life, Rick Bates formed Rick Bates
Management (1993) and successfully handled the careers of famous musicians
including Blues greats John Lee Hooker, Ike Turner, and Joe Louis Walker.
Rick Bates with client
Chicago Blues Guitarist
Lurrie Bell and wife,
Nancy Meyer
Prior to forming his own company, Rick Bates attended
San Jose University to obtain a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Business Marketing. While there, Bates
founded the Metro Fountain Blues Festival, now in its
33rd year. He also headed the concert committee for
the Associated Student Program Board promoting
numerous concerts on campus.
After graduating, Bates briefly handled regional publicity
for the Walt Disney Company in Northern California.
Afterwards he started a fascinating career as a booking
agent at the Rosebud Agency. During this period of his
life, Rick Bates coordinated national tours for musicians
such as The Neville Brothers, Willie Dixon, John Lee
Hooker, Robert Cray, and Mose Allison. And these are
just a few!
After the Rosebud Agency, Bates became a principal
at Linda Clark & Associates. There he was a partner
in the management of Los Lobos, Husker Due, Violent
Femmes, and Bob Mould.
Today, Rick Bates and his wife, Nancy Meyer, are coowners of Bates Meyer Inc. The Bates Meyer Inc. is a
music management company that has become a multidimensional service related operation.
Not only does his company feature an impressive roster
of artist management clients, it also represents the intellectual property rights of several estates including Ted
Hawkins, Lonnie Johnson, Jimmy Witherspoon, and
T-Bone Walker. Through the Bates Meyer Inc., Bates
and his co-founder work hard to ensure that the heirs of
these musicians still benefit from the creative works of
As the director, Bates is responsible for developing
and overseeing all major events in Big Bear.
their historic relatives.
At Bates Meyer Inc., Bates developed a keen understanding of licensing and music research and enjoys
focusing on international touring, new recording projects and music publishing. The deep research involved
in verifying and contacting legal heirs for producers,
publishers, and labels, as well as song/artist identifications has allowed Rick Bates to access massive
amounts of recorded material and lead the way for his
company to expand into general consulting.
Both he and his wife confidently offer expert advice in
the area of music publishing. Bates describes himself
as an avid music fan. “We are music fans,” he explains
speaking of himself and his wife, “We enjoy the challenge of uncovering the facts surrounding a particular
song or recording, no matter when it was created. We
have the blues, and that’s a good thing.”
Together they operate the Open Sky Music Festival
and the Open Sky Music Foundation Inc. under which
they bring grass roots music to the area, along with free
educational events for area public schools.
Since Oct. 24, 2007, Rick Bates has served as the director of the Events Resource Office of Big Bear Valley.
As the director, Bates is responsible for developing and
overseeing all major events in Big Bear. This position
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also calls upon him to act as a liaison with event promoters for concerts, athletic competitions, fundraisers,
and other events.
During his time here, Bates has already overseen events
such as the AMGEN Tour of California, Blues for the
Zoo, the Big Bear Gran Fondo, the Big Bear Summer
Artwalk, Tour de Big Bear, and The Big Bear PaddleFest, and is one of the founders of the Open Air Big
Bear outdoor sporting events coalition.
Bates was personally chosen by the AMGEN Tour this
year on behalf of the Breakaway from Cancer initiative.
No stranger to hardship, Bates was diagnosed with
throat cancer 9 years ago. With the support of his wife,
he made it through the grueling months of surgery,
chemotherapy, and radiation.
His dreams and vision include bringing more music
events to the area and involving the entire community.
In particular, Bates loves events that showcase the
outdoors, and the splendor of Big Bear lake. It is in
his plans to combine events so that they can provide
multiple opportunities for both visitors and residents of
the area.
Bates also serves as Music Director for Big Bear’s
KBHR 93.3 FM radio station, and has been the DJ and
host of Friday Night Blues on T