Concord Music Publishing Extends Partnership With Cary Barlowe, Purchases Catalog

Pictured (L-R, back row): Melissa Spillman (Concord), Megan Pekar (Loeb & Loeb), Matt Turner (Concord), Shawn Thompson (Concord); (L-R, front row): Derek Crownover (Loeb & Loeb), Cary Barlowe, Brad Kennard (Concord). Photo: Audrey Spillman
Concord Music Publishing has expanded its partnership with Grammy-nominated, hit songwriter Cary Barlowe through the acquisition of a selection of his catalog of hits, including Chris Young and Kane Brown‘s “Famous Friends,” Young’s “Raised on Country” and additional songs recorded by Kelsea Ballerini, Brett Kissel, Chris Tomlin, Rascal Flatts, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Mickey Guyton and more.
Concord has also extended Barlowe’s publishing deal through its creative joint venture, Hang Your Hat Music, which includes Barlowe’s full catalog and all future works.
“It feels good to entrust a company like Concord with this body of songs,” shares Barlowe. “Knowing them personally and creatively, I am so thankful to be working with such great people! It’s a blessing!”
Throughout his career, Barlowe has had success in multitude of musical genres, including rock, country and contemporary/gospel. Christian music star Toby Mac has notched nine No. 1 songs with Barlowe, three of which earned Grammy nominations. Barlowe’s penned “City On Our Knees” won a Dove Award for Gospel Song of the Year.
Barlowe’s introduction to country music began when Taylor Swift included Barlowe’s co-penned song “Untouchable” on her multi-platinum album Fearless (2008). The songwriter has since garnered five country No. 1 hits, including “American Honey” by Lady A, “Where It’s At” by Dustin Lynch, “Sun Daze” by Florida Georgia Line, “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” by Billy Currington and “Famous Friends” by Young and Brown.
Barlowe was named SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year in 2015, and took home the SESAC Song of the Year Award with “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” in 2017.
“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Cary, and now represent this additional catalog of hits,” says Brad Kennard, SVP of Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “Cary is the consummate pro who won’t be outworked. His passion for writing hits is clearly represented in this catalog, as well as the songs he’s writing today. We couldn’t be prouder to continue to build with Cary Barlowe!”
The multifaceted deal was negotiated on behalf of Concord by Legal and Business Affairs team, Duff Berschback and Shawn Thompson. Barlowe was represented by Derek Crownover, Colleen Kelley, Megan Pekar and John Rolfe of Loeb and Loeb in Nashville.
- New Loretta Lynn Musical In Development - February 18, 2025
- Kat Luna Signs With Sony Music Nashville - February 18, 2025
- JUST IN: Jodi Dawes Joins Big Machine Label Group As VP, Publicity & Communications - February 18, 2025