Sun Label Group Launches In Nashville

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Paul Sizelove, President of Sun Label Group. Photo: Donny Evans

Sun Label Group has officially launched under its parent company, Primary Wave Music. The venture brings together the historic legacies and individual successes of Sun Records, Gaither Music, Green Hill Music, Rural Rhythm and Emeraldwave by Green Hill.

Paul Sizelove will oversee Sun Label Group as President, with each of the labels retaining their unique structure, individuality and respective teams. In addition to leading Sun Label Group, Sizelove will continue to spearhead day-to-day operations as President of Gaither Music Group. Blake Davis will also remain in his role as General Manager of Green Hill Music.

Gaither Music artist Rory Feek. Photo: Donny Evans

Sun Label Group is deeply rooted in the rich history of its constituent labels. With a combined musical past spanning 160 years, the group comprises the iconic Sun Records, renowned for its pivotal role in the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, as well as the gospel melodies and multimedia platforms of Gaither Music, the diversity of repertoire from jazz through Americana at Green Hill Music, the deep bluegrass catalog of Rural Rhythm and the ambient and relaxing sounds of Emeraldwave by Green Hill.

“As we launch Sun Label Group, we stand at the crossroads of musical heritage and innovation,” said Sizelove. “This venture isn’t just about celebrating 160 years of extraordinary sound; it’s about forging a future where music continues to inspire, connect, and evolve. Our rich legacy across Sun Records, Gaither Music, Green Hill Music, Rural Rhythm, and Emeraldwave by Green Hill is just the beginning. The future of music starts here, and we look forward to developing new partnerships as we create new art, broaden our reach, and adapt to the ever-changing ways that people enjoy music.”

Sun Records artist Ruthie Foster. Photo: Donny Evans

To celebrate the launch, Sun Label Group held a party at Ole Smoky Distillery in Nashville on Tuesday night, (May 14.) The evening was emceed by Rory Feek, an artist from the Gaither Music family, who performed a heartfelt song to set the tone and kick things off for the night.

Jazz musician and songwriter Dara Starr Tucker, who won acclaim for co-writing the title track to blues and Americana artist Keb Mo’s Grammy-winning Oklahoma, performed during the celebration. Shawna Thompson from country duo Thompson Square also performed some material from her upcoming debut solo album, Lean on Neon, set to release on Sun Records in September. Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown served as the backing band for the Sun Records artists, offering up a spirited jam of “That’s All Right,” paying homage to the legendary Elvis Presley and the musical origins of Sun Records.

Ruthie Foster brought her rich blend of gospel, blues, and American roots music to the stage, including songs from her upcoming album, Mileage, produced and co-written with Bryant and his wife Rebecca Lovell (one half of the duo Larkin Poe) and set to release on Sun Records in August. ZZ Ward also delivered a compelling blues set, offering a glimpse into her forthcoming EP and full-length album on Sun. Her collaboration with Slash on an upcoming blues tour will bring her distinctive sound to even broader audiences.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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