Music News (11/27/24)

Rhett Akins Signs With Jonas Group Publishing

Pictured (L–R): Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (Warner Chappell Music), Matthew Beckett (Partner, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC), Emily Peacock (Sr. Creative Dir., JGP), Kevin Jonas Sr. (Founder/Chairman Jonas Group Entertainment), Rhett Akins, George Kreis (Pres., JGE), Leslie T. DiPiero (Pres., JGP), Jess Rosen (Co-Chair, Greenberg, Traurig), Ben Vaughn (Pres. & CEO Warner Chappell Music) and Bryce Sherlow (Warner Chappell Music). Photo: Cole Barnhill

Award-winning songwriter Rhett Akins has signed with Jonas Group Publishing (JGP). The company has also acquired songs from his extensive catalog. Warner Chappell Music will continue its long relationship with Akins and administer the copyrights. The hit songwriter is represented by his longtime attorney, Jess Rosen.

A member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Akins is a two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year, an eight-time CMA Triple Play Award winner and was named the ACM Songwriter of the Decade. He has notched 36 No. 1 hits, with songs recorded by Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore, Joe Nichols, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Chris Young and others.

“Rhett is an extraordinary songwriter,” shares JGP President Leslie T. DiPiero. “Personally, I have admired his work since I first came to town. He is a master of everything that is great about country music. It is an honor to represent his catalog of excellence, and our entire team is looking forward to contributing to his continued growth and success.”

“I’ve seen Leslie’s dedication to songwriters for many years,” says Akins. “She is a friend of and advocate for creators. The impact the Jonas family has made on the music world is remarkable, and it is obvious their love for music and family is their driving force. You put all that together, and I think you have a pretty unstoppable squad that leads with their values. I am very excited to join Kevin [Jonas Sr.], Leslie, and the whole Jonas Group Publishing team.”

Scot Sherrod Joins Anthem Music Publishing As Senior Director Of Creative [Exclusive]

Scott Sherrod

Anthem Entertainment has hired industry veteran Scot Sherrod as Senior Director of Creative for the company’s Music Publishing division.

With nearly 30 years in music publishing, Sherrod brings with him a breadth of experience, having spent the past few years consulting for Sony Music Publishing, Jonas Group Publishing, Barry Coburn’s Ten Ten & Banz Music and Moraine Music Group.

“It is so exciting to be part of such an amazing publishing company as Anthem Entertainment–what an amazing catalog,” Sherrod shares. “I have known Noah Dewey and Gilles Goddard for over 20 years, and my respect runs deep for them both. I’m grateful and honored for this opportunity and look forward to working with the entire team to add value to Anthem’s ever-increasing brand.”

Sherrod began his publishing career at Muy Bueno Music Group, after which he spent 12 years at Major Bob Music, and Bob Doyle & Associates. In 2012, in conjunction with entrepreneur Suzane Strickland, Sherrod helped launch boutique publishing company, RareSpark Media Group, where he spent 11 years signing and developing a wide array of talent including the likes of Walker Hayes, whose 2021 smash “Fancy Like” topped Billboard‘s year-end country songs chart.

Sherrod was also instrumental in pitching the song “More Than A Memory” to Garth Brooks. The tune became the first country song to enter all charts at No. 1. He has also attained cuts by artists such as Luke Combs, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, Jordan Davis, Jason Aldean, Pentatonix, Carrie Underwood, Ashley McBryde, The Chicks, Rascal Flatts, Kelly Clarkson, Mickey Guyton and Trisha Yearwood, to name a few.

Dawson Slade Signs With Warner Chappell Music & 1 Track Music

Pictured (L–R): Warner Chappell’s BJ Hill, Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem’s Jason Turner, Dawson Slade, Stetson Slade, 1 Track Music’s Alexander Palmer and Warner Chappell’s Bethany Mako

Singer-songwriter Dawson Slade has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and 1 Track Music.

Slade learned to play the guitar at just four years old, and began writing songs as soon as he could read and write. The Alabama native takes inspiration from the likes of Dean Dillon, Tony Lane and Eric Church. After moving to Nashville in 2023, released his debut single, “Home in My Heart,” followed by “Goodbye Means” earlier this year. As a single father, he aims to pour his personal experiences and southern roots into his songwriting, creating tunes that resonate with audiences.

“Dawson is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of talent, and I’m thrilled that he has entrusted me to guide his journey as an artist and songwriter,” says Alexander Palmer, 1 Track Music Founder. “He’s the first signing to my new publishing company, 1 Track Music, and we’re excited to work alongside the incredible team at Warner Chappell,  whose industry expertise will be invaluable as we launch and develop his promising career.”