Frank Bumstead, FBMM Co-Founder, Dies at Age 83 

Frank Bumstead, co-founder of the entertainment business management firm FBMM, died Sunday (July 20) in Nashville at age 83.

Bumstead co-founded FBMM in 1990 with Chuck Flood (who passed away in 2023), John McCarthy (who retired in 2009) and Mary Ann McCready, who is still of counsel with the firm. Prior to co-founding FBMM, Bumstead served as CEO of JMR Investments for 14 years and proprietor at Bumstead Company for 10 years.

FBMM will continue to be led by company owners Julie Boos, David Boyer, Jamie Cheek, Duane Clark, Jen Conger, Dan Killian, Carmen Romano and Erica Rosa.

Bumstead served as a key leader in the entertainment industry for more than four decades. He served on the board of the Country Music Association (CMA), including serving as president of the board in 2014 and chairman in 2015. He also served on the boards of the Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association, Blue Chair Bay Rum, Brookdale Senior Living, Conway-Welch Family Foundation, Fishbowl Spirits LlC, Junior Achievement of Nashville, Junior League Advisory Board, Nashville Wire Products, United Supermarkets of Texas and the Watkins Institute. He was a founding member of the Memorial Foundation’s Board of Trustees and chaired the Foundation’s Finance and Investments Committee for more than two decades. He was also chairman of Overwatch Alliance and involved with the Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association.

In 2018, Bumstead was recognized with the Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award by the T.J. Martell Foundation. He also earned the Nashville Opera’s Francis Robinson Award in 2019 for considerable contributions to the arts. In 2022, Bumstead earned the CMA’s William Denny Award, honoring a lifetime of dedication and service to the CMA board of directors.

“Frank was brilliant, passionate and a role model to all of us at FBMM,” Cheek, owner/CEO of FBMM, shared in a statement. “His expertise in investments and finance was key to FBMM’s ‘edge’ over the years and why we called him our ‘secret weapon.’ Frank was one of a kind, and we will continue to honor the legacy he instilled of hard work and dedication.”

“Frank cared deeply about this industry and the people in it, whether you were a client or not,” Sarah Trahern, CMA’s CEO, said in a statement. “I first met Frank during my interview for the CMA role in 2013, and I’ll never forget his sharp, thoughtful questions — or the unmistakable twinkle in his eyes. He helped lead several important initiatives that positioned CMA for long-term growth and stability. Although he left the Board in 2021, we remained in close touch over the years. My heart is with his wife, Ann, their sons, and all who knew and loved him. Frank was truly one of a kind.”

“Frank Bumstead has been a father figure to me for over 30 years,” Frank Thomas, National Baseball Hall of Famer, said in a statement. “Through the ups and downs, he was my anchor. There was nothing I couldn’t call and ask him, but he always kept me in line to do what was right. Some people you can’t replace in your life and that person is Frank Bumstead. I will miss him dearly. God bless the Bumstead family.”

“Although Frank was the primary architect of the [Memorial] Foundation’s sound and successful fiscal strategy, what was most important to him was that the Foundation’s funding supported local nonprofit organizations that helped make life better for others,” Memorial Foundation board chair Dr. David McKee said in a statement. Varina Buntin, the Foundation’s board vice chair, added, “Frank’s wise counsel and passion for the Foundation’s mission since its inception has been invaluable, and he will be sorely missed.” 

“I have a sincere appreciation for his guidance and leadership throughout the years of working together,” Mark Woodforde, International Tennis and Sport Hall of Famer, said in a statement. “He inspired me to grow both personally and professionally. I will miss his friendship and words of encouragement, and he will be deeply missed, but the heavens above have gained a true gentleman.”

“Frank Bumstead was a true patriot having served in combat as a Navy officer in Vietnam,” added Judge George C. Paine II. “He gave generously to veterans’ causes in time and treasure, whether personally or through advocating for them within the Memorial Foundation. Personally, I loved swapping ‘war stories’ with him, and will greatly miss him, his wit, financial acumen and wisdom.”

Funeral services for Bumstead are being planned.