Chuck Rhodes and Dr. Glenn Toby, seasoned industry professionals, have jointly established a new venture called The Entertainment Alliance (TEA). Rhodes will assume the role of CEO, while Toby will serve as the president of this comprehensive, multi-genre entertainment company, which will be headquartered in Nashville.
TEA will not only operate its own in-house label exclusively through The Orchard, with global distribution provided by Bob Frank Entertainment, but it will also possess a management company, a publishing company, and a booking agency. Furthermore, TEA will offer label services encompassing social media marketing, PR, and representation of a diverse selection of movies, TV series, documentaries, and subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) content. The A&R services of the company will be based in New York, with an additional satellite office in Atlanta. The first artist signings will be announced shortly, with initial projects slated for release by year’s end.
Rhodes commented on the establishment of TEA, stating, “Our motto in the Entertainment League is ‘We are equal opportunity dreamers.’ After 38 years in the industry, this is a fantastic opportunity for me to become a founder and owner alongside a partner. When it comes to the business and music worlds, I’ve found my soulmate in Dr. Toby. We are excited to present something to the industry that hasn’t been seen before.”
Toby added, “Whether it’s country, Southern blues, or soul, Rhodes is the Clive Davis of the South, and I’ve worked in pop, R&B, and dance. We don’t care about age, race, or genre; we’re inclusive. Two music industry veterans with over 40 years of combined experience in writing, arranging, producing, performing, advising, and discovering talent are fueling this new venture. We’ve been behind the scenes for too long; it’s time to be on the front lines.”
Rhodes boasts a rich music career, having served as the keyboard player for Ray Charles and Cher. He later held positions such as General Manager of Bob Frank Distribution and Audism Nashville labels at Bob Frank Entertainment. His journey began as a Program Director for Adult Contemporary KVIL-AM/FM in Dallas, and after relocating to Nashville, he worked in promotion and management for MCA Records and Giant Records. Additionally, Rhodes operates his own production company, On the Rhodes Entertainment, and has collaborated with renowned artists including Daryle Singletary, Loretta Lynn, Clay Walker, Kenny Rogers, Charlie Daniels, MC Hammer, and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.
Dr. Toby, on the other hand, is the founder and CEO of Glenn Toby Enterprises (GTE), an international holding company with control over entities in the entertainment, sports, technology, and real estate sectors. GTE encompasses companies such as Total Entertainment Artist Management, Total Entertainment Athlete Management, and Infinite Sports Concepts, which have offices in New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Toby has worked with artists, actors, and athletes such as LL Cool J, Swizz Beatz, Damion Hall of Guy, David Banner, Saigon, composer Positive K, “Queen of House Music” Barbara Tucker, actor Lance Redick, and Green Bay Packers legend Antonio Freeman. Notably, Dr. Toby is also a philanthropist who established the Bookstore Foundation to promote literacy.