Root 49 Records Launches With Bridgette Tatum

The close ties between NASCAR and Music Row insiders get a little closer with the formation of MPR Entertainment Group, a collaboration between NASCAR driver Ryan Newman and his wife Krissie with Nashville publisher Carolyn Miller. As a part of the arrangement the company will launch a record label division, Root 49 Records, which plans to release an album by artist Bridgette Tatum in early 2010. As a songwriter, Tatum has already experienced No. 1 success with Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country,” which she co-wrote with Danny Myrick. The song was the first cut for Miller’s Root 49 Music publishing company, which now also falls under MPR Entertainment Group. The Newmans will take an active role in the company as CEOs working along with Miller.

“We have watched Bridgette grow over the past few years and she has a natural talent, a strong voice and driven nature,” says Krissie Newman. “Our business experiences, as well as Carolyn’s amazing accomplishments with her company, can only fuel the momentum surrounding Bridgette. We look forward to a long career in country music.”

Ryan Newman adds, “Krissie and I are involved in all aspects of my racing career—from marketing and promotion to creative and PR; we can help bring new opportunities to Bridgette’s already skyrocketing career.”

Tatum is already visiting country radio promoting her first single, “I Like My Cowboys Dirty.” Additional team members helping Root 49 Records efforts will be Grassroots Promotion, Nine North Records, Wortman Works Media & Marketing and Artisanal Management.