Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville


	UMPG Nashville Signs Darius Rucker
	Los Angeles, CA (July 26, 2010) Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) today announced the signing of an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Darius Rucker of Hootie & the Blowfish fame. In 2008, Rucker launched a notable solo career in country music. His UMPG publishing agreement encompasses all of his writing for Learn to Live plus his future solo work, including his forthcoming solo album entitled Charleston, SC 1966 due out on October 12th. “We are so excited to add Darius Rucker to our roster of chart-topping songwriters," commented Pat Higdon, President, Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville. "He is a great singer and a gifted songwriter and has quickly carved his own niche with Country music fans. ”

			UMPG Nashville Re-Signs Luke Laird UMPG Nashville recently re-signed hit songwriter Luke Laird to an exclusive world-wide publishing agreement. Laird has had numerous number one hits including “Last Name” and “So Small” both off Carrie Underwood’s Carnival Ride CD which has scanned over 3 million units to date. Laird also co-wrote 4 songs on Carrie Underwood’s third and most recent release Play On, including her current single, “Temporary Home.” “Hillbilly Bone,” recorded by Blake Shelton and featuring Trace Adkins, is another current Laird penned single climbing the country charts. Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Lee Ann Womack, Jessica Simpson, Holly Williams, Clay Walker, Jessica Harp, Julianne Hough, Little Big Town, Katharine McPhee, Joe Nichols and Laura Bell Bundy are just a few of the artists who have recently chosen to record Luke’s work. Pictured (l-r): UMPG Nashville’s Senior Vice President – Creative Kent Earls, UMPG Nashville’s President Pat Higdon. Seated: Luke Laird Hit-Maker Rivers Rutherford Re-Signs with UMPG UMPG Nashville proudly announces the re-signing of the chart topping songwriter Rivers Rutherford to an exclusive world-wide publishing agreement. Rutherford originally signed with UMPG in 1996 and has enjoyed numerous awards and nominations from ASCAP, Billboard, ACM and CMA. Rutherford received the coveted ASCAP Song of the Year in 2002 for "Ain't Nothin' 'Bout You" recorded by Brooks & Dunn and was honored with ASCAP's prestigious Songwriter of the Year award in 2006. He has had 8 number one hit songs reach the top of the charts. Rutherford's songs have been recorded by Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Gretchen Wilson, Reba McEntire, Gary Allan, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Blake Shelton, Deana Carter, Justin Moore, Darius Rucker, Trick Pony, and Montgomery Gentry just to name a few. Pictured (l-r): UMPG Nashville’s President Pat Higdon and UMPG Nashville’s Senior Vice President – Creative Kent Earls Seated: Rivers Rutherford Photo by: Kay Williams

	Keith Urban David Renzer, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group, and Pat Higdon, President, UMPG Nashville, announced the signing of a worldwide publishing agreement with Keith Urban. UMPG will publish Urban's catalogue throughout the world, including his recently-released fifth studio album, Defying Gravity, which topped both the Billboard Top 200 and Country Album charts upon its release this past March. "We are honored that Keith chose UMPG as his global home for music publishing," said David Renzer. "Keith is a huge star whose songwriting prowess and artistic success are only going to continue and we're looking forward to working closely with Keith and his entire team in building on that success."

	UMPG Nashville Signs Lori McKenna to an Exclusive, World-Wide Publishing Agreement UMPG recently welcomed renowned songwriter Lori McKenna to its roster of hit makers. Well known in the New England club scene, the Stoughton, MA native gained national prominence with her couch jumping appearance on “Oprah,” where she performed “Fireflies” with Faith Hill. After landing three songs on Hill’s “Fireflies” album, the music community clamored to record her songs. Tim McGraw, Mandy Moore, Sara Evans and Heidi Newfield are just a few pop/country artists to sing McKenna’s heartfelt songs. In addition to critically-acclaimed, self-produced albums such as “Kitchen Tapes,” she recorded the album “Unglamorous” for Warner Bros.