Rona Goodman

Rona Goodman - Bio I remember the day my parents bought me an ovation guitar for my birthday just like the one Nancy Wilson from the band Heart played. I was ten and I knew from the very first strum of that six string, music was going to be a big part of my life! Women in music were an anomaly back in the seventies and Anne and Nancy Wilson became my inspiration and lifeline to a world where music, songwriting and performing fueled my passion, ambition and big dreams. There was no school of rock back in the days. I earned my degree in the music business through blind ambition, jumping in the fire and carrying an attitude of 100% conviction that I was going to make it! So I packed my bags, cassette tapes and with guitar case in hand was on my way to Los Angeles to be a star. And so the journey begins… As a professional artist, songwriter and musician (lead/rhythm guitar) I toured and recorded in various bands across Canada and the US. Many of the bands I performed in opened for touring acts, showcased original music, released vinyl records and created a buzz in my hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia. In the 1990’s I was called upon to co-ordinate one of the premier music events in Canada called the West Coast Music Exposition (Music West), which was a gateway for artists to learn and connect with industry professionals. My career continued to flourish when I took on a position at MCA Records and BMG Music in promotions, sales and marketing working with entertainers in every genre of music and contributing to the success of many artist careers. I launched my own marketing and public relations company, Goodman Media Inc. and worked on many high profile and successful events including the Merritt Mountain Music Festival, the largest country music festival in Canada. At the festival my band opened for Tim McGraw infront of a record crowd of over 60,000 people. As the Director of Promotions and Public Relations for Great Canadian Casinos as well as working on The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, I had the privilege of working with the top entertainers in the world in music, performing arts, comedy and stage from Tony Bennett to Johnny Cash to Joan Rivers and more. The pinnacle was getting to work with my idols Heart, it was a “surreal full circle pinch me am I dreaming moment.” When the inner voice called to go to Nashville, every music cell in my body came alive. As a prolific songwriter in pop, country and rock, I immersed myself in the business of collaborating and networking with writers, artists, publishers, labels and co-writing with “hit songwriters.” I caught the attention of Ole Music Publishing with one of my songs and signed a deal. Grammy Award winner Kathy Mattea personally called me to record one of my songs. Artists don’t do that anymore! The whole experience was a reality check into what it takes to be a songwriter in the big leagues. Twenty plus years later I can look back on my career and credit my longevity to following my passion, learning from others, believing and never giving up! Being in the business for so long has given me a 360 perspective having experienced all sides of the music industry from the artist, the record labels, songwriter, publishing, recording, touring, marketing, PR and so much more. I want to continue to empower musicians, artists, songwriters through social good, creating opportunities to give back through music, creative coaching and much more with the same passion and verve! To quote a lyric from one of my songs called Run Like A Girl, “You can’t chase dreams standing still.”

Vancouver, BC