Warner/Chappell Signs James Otto

Warner/Chappell Music, the global publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has announced a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner Bros. Records artist James Otto, Song of the Year winner at this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards and a two-time 2008 Grammy Award nominee. Under the agreement, Warner/Chappell Music will co-publish and administer the majority of Otto’s catalog of work including songs from his breakthrough sophomore album, Sunset Man, as well as his future compositions.

Otto won the Academy of Country Music’s Song of the Year award for “In Color,” which also earned him a second Grammy nomination for Best Country Song. In addition, the singer/songwriter earned a 2008 Grammy Award nomination for “Best Male Country Vocal Performance” for “Just Started Lovin’ You,” his first No. 1. Otto also just earned three MusicRow Award nominations for Breakthrough Songwriter, Breakthrough Artist and Song of the Year (for “In Color”).

“James is a tremendously talented artist with a unique voice to complement his stellar songwriting skills and exciting performances,” said Tracy Gershon, Senior Vice President and Head of A&R, Nashville, Warner/Chappell Music. “With his artistic vision and Warner/Chappell’s support and expertise, I’m confident that this is only the beginning for James and that he will be a staple songwriter and artist in the country music world for years to come.”

(l-r) Tracy Gershon, Sr. VP/Head of A&R, Warner/Chappell Nashville; James Otto with wife Amy; and Scott Francis, President, Chairman and CEO of Warner/Chappell U.S.