Big Deal Music Group Inks Admin Deal With Sounds Of Memphis/XL Catalog

Big Deal Music Group has entered into a long-term worldwide administration deal with Sounds of Memphis/XL Records to represent their publishing catalog and masters.

Established in 1964 by Gene Lucchesi, XL’s initial breakout hit, Sam the Sham & The Pharaoh’s “Wooly Bully,” sold millions of copies and started a run of hits from seminal artists that would fuel the creation of The Sounds of Memphis record label and its inimitable Southern soul sound. Sounds of Memphis/XL cultivated its classic Memphis sound with artists such as The Minits, The Ovations, Barbara & The Browns and Lou Williams and provided a launching pad for some of today’s most successful writers and producers including Allen Reynolds, Jim Cotton, Chips Moman, Dickey Lee, George Jackson and Bob McDill.

“Together these songs greatly contributed to the iconic sound of Memphis in the ’60s and ’70s,” said Kim McCollum-Mele, President of Words & Music, a division of Big Deal Music Publishing Group. “So we are thrilled to be working with Linda to ensure they remain a vital part of the American songbook.” 

“We are so happy to have found a new home for this important collection of songs at Big Deal Music,” said Sounds of Memphis/XL Records head Linda Lucchesi. “We can’t wait to get to work with Kim and everyone at the company to ensure these songs have new life for many years to come.”

• Author
• Recent Posts

Lorie Hollabaugh

Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.

Latest posts by Lorie Hollabaugh (see all)

• Industry Ink: Ashley McBryde & John Osborne, Randy Rogers, Kimberly Perry, More - October 21, 2026
• Garth Brooks Adds Matinee Shows In Kansas City & Seattle - October 21, 2026
• Zach Top’s ‘Live From Red Rocks: The Concert Film’ To Premiere At Stardust Drive-In & On YouTube - October 21, 2026