Rodney Crowell Signs Co-Publishing/Admin Deal With Sheltered Music

Rodney Crowell has signed a co-publishing and administration deal with Sheltered Music, a division of Blackbird Music Publishing Group, with a joint venture to develop new artist writers. 

With more than 40 years of American roots music under his belt, Crowell has a rich history of songwriting excellence and has written hits for Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and more. The Texas native is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, has written 15 number one hits, won two Grammys, and is the author of the acclaimed memoir, Chinaberry Sidewalks. In addition, he is the co-author of the New York Times best-selling book, Kin: Songs by Mary Karr and Rodney Crowell. Beyond working with some of the biggest names in country, he has also penned songs for Bob Seger, the Grateful Dead, Etta James, John Denver, and Jimmy Buffett, among others. In 2017, Crowell was honored with ASCAP’s prestigious Founder’s Award.

“It’s a privilege to get to work with Rodney, as writing great songs has always been a major part of his legacy,” commented SVP Darrel Franklin. “It is our goal to add to that iconic resume of success by creating strategic songwriting collaborations and placements for Rodney with major country artists. In addition, we will also be supporting his creative vision in developing new artist talent.” 

“It is my good fortune to collaborate with Lance Freed and Darrell Franklin in a new song publishing venture with Sheltered Music,” said Crowell. “I’m anticipating a thoroughly enjoyable ride.”

Sheltered Music, founded by The Raine Group, Keith Wortman and Blackbird Presents, formed in July 2019 and recently announced an A&R Partnership and creative development deal with producer Dann Huff.

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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.

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