James William Guercio is the chief executive of The Caribou Companies, a prominent organization based in Boulder, Colorado, with Caribou Films being one of its entities. Notably, Guercio has had a significant impact in the film industry, producing and directing the American entry in the 1973 Cannes Film Festival, "Electra Glide in Blue". Additionally, in 1979, he produced "Second Hand Hearts", directed by Hal Ashby, and was initially set to direct "Tom Horn", starring Steve McQueen.
As a multifaceted musician, Guercio has excelled as a guitarist, bass player, arranger, and composer. He began his music career in 1962, touring and performing with notable artists such as Gene Pitney, Brian Hyland, Del Shannon, Chuck Berry, Bobby Darin, and Chad and Jeremy. Guercio was also an original guitarist with Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention, and produced, arranged, and composed numerous hits for Chad and Jeremy and the Buckinghams. Furthermore, he has won two Grammy Awards for his work as a music producer.
The legendary Caribou Ranch studio, founded by Guercio, has recorded artists such as Chicago, Phil Collins, Earth, Wind and Fire, Amy Grant, Billy Joel, Elton John, Carole King, John Lennon, The Beach Boys, Supertramp, and U2. Guercio has received an impressive 36 Grammy nominations, including winning Album of the Year in 1969 for Blood, Sweat, and Tears, as well as a Grammy for his work with Chicago. He has produced numerous works by Blood, Sweat, and Tears, Chicago, and the Beach Boys.
In 1986, Guercio acquired and became the primary shareholder of Country Music Television, which was later sold to Gaylord/Westinghouse in 1991. Guercio has been married to his wife, Lucy Angle Guercio, for 35 years and has three children.
