Award-winning country music producer Michael Knox has launched a new label venture in partnership with BMG.
Knox, well-known as the producer of Broken Bow Records-signed star Jason Aldean, will look to develop, sign, and release up-and-coming artists through Music Knox Records, a new imprint backed by BMG.
BMG, of course, acquired Broken Bow parent, BBR Music Group, for over $100m in a deal finalized at the start of 2017. BBRMG now forms the Nashville HQ of Bertelsmann-owned BMG.
Knox has racked up 21 No.1 records during his career, with over 40 million singles and 18 million albums sold.
He is best known for discovering Jason Aldean in 1998 and subsequently serving as the producer of every one of his albums.
Some of the many production credits to his name include Thomas Rhett, Kelly Clarkson, Ludacris, Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Michael Tyler, music featured on the hit ABC television series Nashville, as well as his father, the late Buddy Knox (‘Party Doll’ fame 1957), among others.
Knox currently serves as Vice President for peermusic Group in Nashville, is on the ACM Board of Directors, and recently launched his own syndicated radio show KNOX Country 360.
Said Knox: “I know this sounds cliché, but it’s a dream come true for me. I’m excited to work with Zach, Jon and the entire BMG family. Considering our history together, I couldn’t imagine a better team to work with on this exciting new venture.”
Zach Katz, President, Repertoire & Marketing, BMG US, said: “Michael’s work speaks for itself. As one of the most successful and in-demand producers in Country music, he has had a hand in helping artists navigate and achieve success throughout every stage of their careers – from discovery to development to multi-platinum chart hits. Michael has an ear for the best up-and-coming artists inside and outside of Nashville; we are excited to show the world what he brings to the table next.”
Jon Loba, EVP, BBR Music Group, said: “I’ve known and worked with Michael since the early days of BBR. He is one of the best song executives in this town and has always had a burning desire to find and develop diamonds in the rough before they move to the 615. We are so thrilled to partner with him in that endeavor.”
In 2011, Knox was awarded the CMA Award for his work as producer of the CMA Album of the Year, My Kinda Party (Jason Aldean), as well as three ACM Awards for his production of the 2012 ACM Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year, ‘Don’t You Wanna Stay’ (Jason Aldean/Kelly Clarkson), and the 2013 ACM Musical Event of the Year, ‘The Only Way I Know’ (Jason Aldean/Luke Bryan/Eric Church).
[Photo L to R: Jon Loba, EVP, BBR Music Group; Zach Katz, President, Repertoire & Marketing, BMG US; Michael Knox, Jess Rosen of Greenberg Traurig; Sara Knabe, VP A&R, BBR Music Group. Credit: Shalacy Griffin]Music Business Worldwide
