Kenny Chesney Signs Global Publishing Agreement With UMPG

Kenny Chesney. Photo: Ross Copperman

Kenny Chesney has inked an exclusive global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG). The move reunites Chesney with Troy Tomlinson, who left Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville last year to lead UMPG’s Nashville division.

Chesney—who recently made his ninth debut at No. 1 on Billboard‘s all-genre Top 200 albums chart with his latest project Here and Now—has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. Chesney has won four consecutive Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year Awards and Male Vocalist of the Year and nine Country Music Association Awards, including four Entertainer of the Year Awards and Album of The Year for When The Sun Goes Down. He was also the recipient of BMI’s President’s Award in 2016.

Chesney said, “Troy Tomlinson has been part of my creative life since I was a young dreamer hoping to capture some life in songs. To be reunited with him, as well as to work with Jody Gerson and the entire team at Universal Music Publishing inspires me to keep reaching for those same dreams, seeking truly special songs as a writer and an artist blessed to bring other people’s songs to the world, too.”

Tomlinson, Chairman and CEO of UMPG Nashville, added, “I met Kenny when he was 24 years old. He played me 4 or 5 songs in my office on his guitar. I remember the vivid lyrics. I can still recite them today. We have enjoyed lots of success together and lots of fun times and lifelong memories. I am grateful to continue to represent him and his music and look forward to delivering outstanding opportunities through UMPG.”