Eclipse Music Group Acquires Dean Dillon’s Stake In ‘Tennessee Whiskey’

Pictured (L-R): Anna Thiel, Kurt Locher, Dean Dillon and Penny Gattis

Eclipse Music Group has acquired hit songwriter Dean Dillon’s stake in the classic tune “Tennessee Whiskey.”

First recorded by David Allan Coe in 1971, “Tennessee Whiskey” landed at No. 2 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Singles chart when George Jones released his rendition in 1983. Over three decades later, Chris Stapleton‘s version took the song to greater heights when it appeared on his debut album, Traveller, and became a Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Diamond-certified single.

“Dean is an icon, and the journey of ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ to the top is remarkable,” says Penny Gattis, Partner, Eclipse Music Group. “This acquisition underscores the enduring value of great songwriting and exceptional songs. Thank you, Dean, for entrusting us with a share of this special song. We are thrilled to add ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ to the Eclipse Music Group catalog.”

Matt Cottingham of Lewis Brisbois handled the transaction on behalf of Eclipse Music Group, and Matthew Beckett of Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC handled the transaction on behalf of Dillon.

The acquisition follows Eclipse Music Group’s recent deals including Jamie Moore’s JMZL song catalog and Cory Batten’s catalog interest.

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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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