Sony Music Publishing Nashville has acquired independent publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music (BYD).
The agreement means that SMP now owns and administers Big Yellow Dog’s catalog of songs and serves as publisher for its roster of songwriters.
Founded in 1998 by Kerry O’Neil and Carla Wallace, Nashville-based Big Yellow Dog Music is home to a catalog of songs that includes Meghan Trainor’s All About That Bass, Dear Future Husband, No and Like I’m Gonna Lose You, plus Maren Morris’ The Bones, My Church, 80’s Mercedes and I Could Use A Love Song.
BYD’s catalog also includes songs from the Grammy award-winning album Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves, as well as hits by Chris Stapleton, Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Leon Bridges, MUNA, The Black Keys, Aminé, Leon Thomas, and more.
Over the past 26 years, Big Yellow Dog and its songwriters have achieved recognition across the industry, spanning multiple genres, earning 41 No.1 songs, numerous Grammy awards and nominations, and honors across BMI, ASCAP, SESAC and ACM awards.
Commenting on the deal, Big Yellow Dog Music Co-Founder Kerry O’Neil said: “These last 26 years have been a once-in-a-lifetime journey full of amazing songs, including some worldwide hits.”
“These last 26 years have been a once-in-a-lifetime journey full of amazing songs, including some worldwide hits.”
Kerry O’Neil, Big Yellow Dog Music
Added Kerry O’Neil: “Now it’s time for a new chapter and Carla and I are so pleased to have our friends at Sony carry the torch from here. We know our writers and their great catalog are in sure hands.
“Thank you to Jon, Rusty, Cam and Brian. Most of all, I want to thank Carla for her unique and bold creative leadership over all these years.”
Big Yellow Dog Music Co-Founder Carla Wallace added: “There’s no way to capture 26 years of dancing, creating, and pure joy at Big Yellow Dog Music.”
“It has been a true privilege to partner with one of the most brilliant minds in Nashville, Kerry O’Neil. I know our legacy will continue to thrive in the very best hands with Rusty Gaston and the Sony team.”
Carla Wallace, Big Yellow Dog Music
Added Wallace: “Sharing each day with an endlessly talented, passionate, and hilarious team has been an unforgettable gift. Championing extraordinary artists, hearing future hits before the world, and watching dreams take flight has been nothing short of magical.
“It has been a true privilege to partner with one of the most brilliant minds in Nashville, Kerry O’Neil. I know our legacy will continue to thrive in the very best hands with Rusty Gaston and the Sony team.”
“Carla and Kerry are two of the most respected publishers in this business, and they have set the bar for independent success in Nashville and beyond.”
Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville
Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston said: “Big Yellow Dog has been a Music Row institution for more than a quarter century.
“Carla and Kerry are two of the most respected publishers in this business, and they have set the bar for independent success in Nashville and beyond.
“Their catalog contains some of the most performed songs over the past two decades – songs that haven’t just been hits but have defined careers. It’s an honor to represent this amazing collection of songs and to continue Big Yellow Dog’s legacy with future cuts coming from the catalog and new music from their standout roster.”Music Business Worldwide
