(Photo by Danny Fulgencio)
Better know a neighbor
Before Marty Rendleman was a Sunday school teacher, the Preston Hollow neighbor helped young superstars, including LeAnn Rimes, score major label recording contracts. She chronicled her career as an artist manager in the book “Singing Your Way to Stardom.”
How did you end up in the music industry?
I was bringing celebrities into the Walt Garrison Rodeo. The first one who came to me and asked if I would manage was Courtney Gibbs. She was Miss Fort Worth, Miss Texas, Miss USA.
My talent, if I have one, is recognizing talent. I could hear a young person and know if they had it or not. Then, having the business degree, I knew what to do next. It’s interesting that LeAnn Rimes, Kristy Lee and Mikaila — two in country and one in pop — I was able to get major label recording contracts for. That was all but impossible.
How did you meet LeAnn Rimes?
This guy in Arlington called me one morning and said, “I just heard the most amazing voice I’ve ever heard in my life at Johnnie High’s Country Music Revue.”
I said, “How old is this singer?” He said 9. I almost hung up on him.
The first time we ever booked her for anything was the “National Anthem.” I swear by this; I built three careers on the “National Anthem.” If you can sing that, I can get you in front of everybody who is anybody in this city.
Did you know your career would be working with teenagers?
Once you do, the word gets out. I’ve got a basket filled with CDs and headshots and whatever of kids. “OK, make my baby a star.” I always tried to be nice. There was only one time I sent it back and said, “I think you need to give this idea up.” I kept the best and the worst, and it was awful. A grandmother could not think this was good.
When did you call it quits?
It wasn’t a decision that I one day said, “I’m through. I’m retiring.” I was older. I started teaching a Sunday school class and spending more time with my kids and grandkids.
Do you know a neighbor with an interesting story to tell? Nominate them for Better Know a Neighbor by emailing Elissa Chudwin at echudwin@advocatemag.com
