Billboard manager editor
Ken Schlager, who worked closely with Bessman. “Once, in Nashville, Jim accompanied me backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. At the time, I knew no one. Jim knew everyone -- and they all greeted him with open arms. Similarly, in New York, you could walk into the Bottom Line with Jim and he’d have hugged 10 music buddies before we ever got to our seats. He was truly a beloved figure. Jim was never on staff at
Billboard, but as a longtime contributor he would take on any kind of assignment and deliver well-informed, insightful stories. As managing editor, I tried on multiple occasions to lure Jim into a full-time job, but he was never willing to exchange his independence for a taste of financial security. He would give me a sheepish smile -- like he knew he was making a foolish choice -- yet he just couldn’t cave to my repeated offers.”