Luke Lewis Renews Contract

Though it remains unofficial, MusicRow has learned UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Luke Lewis has inked a new, multi-year contract with Universal Music Group. The deal comes on the heels of such sales successes as country duo Sugarland, whose latest album Love On The Inside was released in July 2008 and certified Platinum two months later. Lewis took the reigns overseeing the label group made up of MCA, Mercury, and Lost Highway in 2002. He segued into the role after 10 years heading Mercury Nashville.

Other chart-toppers signed to UMG Nashville include George Strait, Gary Allan, Lee Ann Womack, Billy Currington and Josh Turner, as well as up-and-comers Julianne Hough, Ashton Shepherd, Hayes Carll, and 3-time Grammy nominee Jamey Johnson.