Background

Traut, William Raymond was born on March 20, 1929 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, United States. Son of William Raymond and Agnes Marion (Iversen) Traut.

Education

Bachelor of Science, University of Wisconsin, 1951; Bachelor of Laws, University of Wisconsin, 1956.

Career

Freelance musician, arranger various bands, 1943-1951; counsel, executive, Harry and David at Bear Creek Orchards, Medford, Oregon, 1956-1958; sales manager Background Music division, R.F. Jones Company, Portland, Oregon, 1958-1959; general manager, Los Angeles, 1959-1960; manager, Seeburg Background Music, Hollywood, California, 1960-1961; music director Background Music division, Seeburg Corporation, Chicago, 1961-1966; president, Dunwich Records, Inc., Chicago, since 1965; president, Dunwich Prodns., Ltd., Chicago, since 1968; president, Wooden Nickel Records, Inc., Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, since 1971; president, Open Door Management, Los Angeles, since 1980; president, Bill Traut Prodns., Inc., Los Angeles, since 1980; president, Quadrangle Entertainment Corporation, Quadrangle Management, Los Angeles, 1983-1987. Attorney, consultant numerous recording artists, producers, record companies, Chicago, 1975-1978, Los Angeles since 1978. Chief Executive officer Creative Direction, Inc., Chicago, 1976-1978, General Talent Agency, Los Angeles, 1978-1981.

Chairman Headfirst Records, Inc., Los Angeles, 1980-1983. Manager, producer numerous artists and records including Shadows of Knight, American Breed, H.P. Lovecraft, Chad Mitchell, Nazz, Buddy Rich, Siegel-Schwall Band, Styx,1965-. Manager numerous recording artists including Ohio Players, Oregon, The Impressions, Tony Williams, Billy Childs, Kurt Elling, Bill Holman Band, since 1966.

Lecturer various colleges.

Achievements

• William Raymond Traut has been listed as a reputable company executive, producer, manager, lawyer by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Served with United States Army, Counter Intelligence Corps, 1951-1954. Member National Academy Recording Arts and Sciences (officer, legal counsel Chicago chapter 1963-1971, Chicago Board of Governors 1963-1971, 75-77, national secretary 1965, national trustee 1964-1971, 85-90, 91-95, co-chairman national screening committee, since 1977, co-chairman jazz screening committee since 1992, national jazz nominating committee since 1992, co-chairman national awards and nominations committee 1981, governor, officer, senior legal counsel Los Angeles chapter since 1983), World Jazz Association (director) 1975-1976), National Academy.Jazz, Billboard International Forum (panelist 1981), International Association Jazz Educators (president's advisory board since 1996), New Music Seminar (panelist 1981, 82), Los Angeles Songwriters Showcase (board advisors since 1980), Jazz Institute Chicago (founder 1976, treasurer, director 1976-1977). M C.

Connections

Married Margaret Ross Tanner, June 16, 1953. Children: William Ross, James Raymond, David Michael.

Father:

William Raymond Traut

Mother:

Agnes Marion (Iversen) Traut

Spouse:

Margaret Ross Tanner

child:

James Raymond Traut

child:

David Michael Traut

child:

William Ross Traut