James Yelich

A graduate of The University of Montana, James fell into the music business helping a college roommate promote University sponsored concerts. That led to him promoting concerts on his own in the Pacific Northwest. In 1984, after a few years as a promoter he was hired as an agent for Baird and Associates in Missoula, MT, brokering big name talent.

In 1986 he joined the Jim Halsey Company who represented The Judds, Clint Black, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dwight Yoakam, Tammy Wynette and Waylon Jennings. After 3 years at Halsey Yelich signed an unknown artist at the time, by the name of Alan Jackson who became an instant success. He brought Jackson to Triad Artists in 1990 which became the hottest agency in country music breaking Vince Gill, Brooks and Dunn, Mary Chapin Carpenter among others.

In 1992, Barry Coburn, Yelich and Jackson founded Chief Talent which led to Jackson becoming a Superstar in Country Music. They would also sign Merle Haggard and are credited with resurrecting his career. In 1996, looking for more services than just touring Yelich merged Chief Talent into powerhouse CAA where the roster consisted of Jackson, Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride among others.

In the spring of 1999 James retired from the agency business to spend time with his ailing father who was given a year to live. During this time, Yelich along with Pollstar Magazine invested in an entertainment software company by the name of eventbooking.com, which would become the cutting edge technology in building management calendar software.

In 2000 Yelich co-founded The Entertainment Management Program at The University of Montana Business School. He continues to be a core instructor and mentor to the many graduates of the program and consults and advises on keeping the program cutting edge and growing.

In the fall of 2000, Yelich returned to the music business to head the Nashville Office of Monterey Peninsula Artists until mid 2007. Monterey Peninsula Artists was bought by Paradigm in 2007 and Yelich left Paradigm in December of 2008. Paradigm's music division’s roster included The Dave Matthews Band, Aerosmith, Phish, Coldplay, Kirk Franklin, Toby Keith, Shooter Jennings, Lyle Lovett as well as many others.