BMG has acquired Nashville-based independent record company BBR Music Group (BBRMG), with its associated labels Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, Wheelhouse Records, Red Bow Records, music publisher Magic Mustang Music and a roster of country artists included as part of the deal.
The acquisition includes the rights to a number of major country artists, such as Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Dustin Lynch, Randy Houser, Thompson Square and many others.
BBR Music Group is BMG’s biggest acquisition in the recordings business since launching in 2008. The move will enable BMG to firmly establish itself in the Nashville music business.
Founded by Benny Brown in 1997, BBR Music Group has become one of the most prominent independent music companies in Nashville and the US, scoring seven multi-platinum or platinum albums, 19 multi-platinum or platinum singles and 32 number one airplay singles across eight different artists.
BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch said: “BBR Music Group is a phenomenally successful operation whose philosophy and commitment to its artists fit perfectly with the new BMG. I have a huge respect for what Benny and his team have achieved. The combination of BBR Music Group and BMG gives artists and songwriters in Nashville and beyond a new route to the worldwide market. We will be the alternative so many artists are looking for.”
BBRMG founder Brown and CFO Paul Brown will remain as consultants to the business, while all existing staff remain in their positions reporting directly to EVP Jon Loba.
Loba will now report to BMG US president, repertoire and marketing, Zach Katz.
Brown added: “Since 2001 I’ve been approached many times by various major labels wanting to purchase us. The most important thing to me has always been my artists, my employees and my songwriters. They have always been my family and after meeting with Hartwig and Zach, I knew that I’d found the right partners to ensure my family stayed together and to also continue the BBR Music Group legacy.
“We were one of the very first indie labels to ever breakthrough in Country music. Because of that we created a different culture within our walls that’s pretty simple – happy people are productive people. That’s always been important to me and that’s also the way Hartwig and Zach run BMG. I knew they shared my vision and my passion and that’s what made this the right fit.”
“Benny has been approached countless times about selling, but it took a very special company comprised of very special people for Benny to make this move,” said Loba. “We couldn’t be more excited about joining BMG. Its culture aligns so closely with the core values the BBR Music Group was built on. BMG respects our heritage, but this is also about the future. Being part of BMG family will afford our artists, songwriters and staff incredible new opportunities. Beginning today, for the first time we are plugged into a proven global platform committed to delivering for artists and songwriters. We can’t wait to get started.”
Katz commented: "I want to pay tribute to what Benny and his team have created. It is truly exemplary. Nashville and its culture are such an integral part of the music industry that it was always only a matter of time before we expanded our presence. Never did we imagine that we would be able to do so with such an extraordinary roster of artists and team members. I am confident that together BMG and BBR Music Group will offer an unbeatable combination for artists and songwriters."
