Still Working Music and BMG Chrysalis US Launch Joint Venture

Front row (L-R): Lindsay Mescher, Dir. of Operations, Still Working Music; Alex Orbison, Co-President, Still Working; Tommy Lee James; Daniel Lee, Sr. Dir., Creative, BMG Chrysalis Nashville. Back row: Kevin Lane, Creative Dir., BMG Chrysalis Nashville; Darrell Franklin, Exec. VP, Creative, BMG Chrysalis Nashville

Music publishing companies Still Working Music and BMG Chrysalis US have formed a strategic joint venture to discover and nurture new talent and sign established songwriters.

The first signing under the deal is veteran songwriter Tommy Lee James. He has been with Still Working Music for almost 20 years, writing six No. 1 country hits including Reba McEntire’s and Brooks & Dunn’s duet “If You See Him/If You See Her,” Martina McBride’s “Wrong Again,” and Tim McGraw’s “She’s My Kind of Rain.” He has had cuts by artist such as Taylor Swift, Easton Corbin, Christina Aguilera, Lonestar, Gary Allan and Ronnie Dunn. 2012 was a very successful year for James who co-wrote Pixie Lott’s UK No. 1 “All About Tonight,” had four songs on Joe Walsh’s new album, Analog Man, and two cuts on One Direction’s most recent record, Take Me Home.

“I’m so excited to continue my nineteen year partnership with Still Working Music and at the same time start a new chapter with the great folks at BMG,” said James.

Nashville-based Still Working Music was founded by the late Barbara Orbison, a celebrated music executive and wife of the legendary Roy Orbison. BMG has worked with the Orbison catalog since 2002.

Alex Orbison, Co-President of Still Working Music commented, “Words don’t cover the true pleasure I have in extending Still Working’s long relationship with Tommy Lee James. When my mother founded this company, Tommy was one of her first signings. I couldn’t be prouder as her son and new leader of Still Working to announce that Tommy will be my first signing under our landmark new venture with BMG.”

Darrell Franklin, EVP Creative, BMG Chrysalis Nashville added, “BMG has worked closely with Barbara and Still Working representing Roy Orbison’s works for many years. We feel honored by Alex and the family’s trust in our work and are looking forward to intensifying our relationship even further.”