James "Jim" Femino

James "Jim" Femino

1/7/1952- 8/3/2021

Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, producer, publisher, educator, speaker, and author, Jim Femino passed away on Tuesday, August 3rd. He was 69.

Before becoming a music industry executive, Femino spent 25 years as a country, rock, and soul recording artist, touring the eastern hemisphere for crowds big and small. Along the way, he built road records, an independent record label, and it's accompanying merchandising and sponsorship arms.

After his career as an artist, Femino launched his own publishing company and recording studio in Nashville and he began writing songs professionally for music city's recording artists. Among artists who have recorded his songs are Toby Keith, Ronnie Milsap, Craig Morgan, Jamie O'Neal, Steve Azar, and others.

His biggest hit was James Otto's 2008 single, "Just Got Started Lovin' You". The song boasted a list of achievements, including a nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance at the 51st annual Grammy Awards, Billboards 2008 Most played country song of the year, and being named to Billboards greatest 100 of all-time country songs.

For the last 30 years Femino was president of Songstarters! Inc., an award-winning, publishing, production, artist development, and online songwriter/music education company. He was a board member of the CMA, the Recording Academy and various other trade organizations.

Earlier this year, Jim's wife, Leslie Thola Femino, passed away at the age of 69 due to cancer. Femino is survived by his children Carl Fairbank, Kristie Weidner (Tom Rhoads), Arthur Femino (Michelle), Adam Holcomb (Nicole Nocito), and Matthew Femino; five grandchildren Kaitlin Weidner (Keegan Kling), Jacob Weidner, Tori Femino, Sarah Femino, and Jimmy Femino; and one great grandchild Kinsley Kling.