Sony Music Publishing (SMP) Nashville and Black River Publishing have inked a worldwide publishing partnership.
In the partnership, SMP will provide its global services to Black River’s publishing catalog.
Th deal covers songs by country star Kelsea Ballerini, artist-writers MaRynn Taylor, Josiah Siska, Anna Vaus, and Abby Anderson, as well as producers and songwriters Jacob Davis, Doug Johnson, Hannah Kerr, Forest Glen Whitehead, and GRAMMY-winning songwriter Josh Osborne.
Since it was founded 12 years ago, Black River Publishing and its roster has achieved numerous awards and accolades, including 30 No.1 songs and multiple GRAMMY awards.
This includes a GRAMMY for Best Country Song with Kacey Musgraves’ Merry Go ‘Round (2013), and another for Best Contemporary Christian Performance/Song for KING & COUNTRY’s God Only Knows (2019).
In recent news for SMP Nashville, Josh Van Valkenburg was named Executive Vice President, Creative, at Sony Music Publishing Nashville at the end of 2021.
Van Valkenburg is responsible for leading the team’s A&R strategy, supporting SMP Nashville’s roster, developing new talent, and delivering new opportunities for the company’s songwriters.
Throughout his career, Van Valkenburg’s signings have garnered over 70 No.1 hits on Country radio, including the likes of Kameron Marlowe, Luke Laird and Gabby Barrett.
“Black River Publishing and our amazingly talented roster of writers are thrilled to be joining forces with our friends at Sony Music Publishing.”
Rebekah Gordon, Black River
Rebekah Gordon, Black River VP of Publishing, said: “Black River Publishing and our amazingly talented roster of writers are thrilled to be joining forces with our friends at Sony Music Publishing,”
“The passion for music and songwriters on both the creative and administrative teams is unmatched. I’m looking forward to celebrating many successes together.”
“It is an honor for Sony Music Publishing to support Black River in their efforts.”
Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville
Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO, added: “Independent music publishers play a vital role in our Music Row community, and Black River has done an amazing job of identifying and developing some of the biggest hit songwriters in Nashville.
“It is an honor for Sony Music Publishing to support Black River in their efforts.”Music Business Worldwide