Jimi Bell Renews Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell & Worktape Music [Exclusive]

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Pictured (L-R): Phil May (WCM), TD Ruth (Serling Rooks), Jimi Bell, Travis Gordon (Worktape Music), Bryce Sherlow (WCM) and Benji Amaefule (WCM)

Chart-topping songwriter Jimi Bell has renewed his publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Worktape Music.

The news comes as Bell’s co-written “Back Up Plan” (Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs) is climbing the country radio charts. The single follows Bell’s first No. 1, “Last Night Lonely,” recorded by Jon Pardi, as well as other cuts with Post Malone, Riley Green, Dylan Marlowe, Brantley Gilbert, The Castellows and more.

Hailing from Hawkinsville, Georgia, Bell moved to town in 2014 with friends Seth Ennis, Jon Sherwood and Chris Poole—all of whom have found success in the music business. Bell and Sherwood wrote “Back Up Plan” together alongside Tucker Beathard.

“When you’re writing, you’re creating something that lasts,” Bell shares with MusicRow. “You’re building a catalog, you’re handing songs down to your kids. Music is creative, but it’s also lasting—that’s the tradition I love.”

Reflecting on his breakout success, he adds, “It feels like you’ve worked hard to get to this one place, but at the end of the day, it’s not the end goal. Somebody told me, ‘You moved to town to be a hit songwriter, not to write a hit song.’ That stuck with me.”

“From Post Malone to Jon Pardi, Jimi’s lyrical integrity and unique perspective span the modern country music landscape,” says Travis Gordon, Owner/Operator, Worktape Music. “We’re so happy to continue our partnership with our good friends at Warner Chappell as Jimi expands his repertoire as a proven and consistent hitmaker.”

Benji Amaefule and Bryce Sherlow, Managers, A&R, WCM Nashville, add, “We are absolutely thrilled that Jimi is continuing his partnership with us at Warner Chappell alongside Worktape Music. Jimi’s laser focus, compelling storytelling, and unique ability to connect with artists at every stage of their careers make him truly special. His dedication to his craft has clearly paid off, and we’re honored to represent him. Through this partnership, country music fans around the world will continue to enjoy his incredible songs for years to come.”

Bell concludes, “To have Warner Chappell stick with me for the five years when I didn’t have anything going on meant the world. Now that things are happening, it feels good to start seeing a return on their investment. It really is a family, and I’m grateful to have their belief and support behind me — and having Travis Gordon in my corner through Worktape has brought such great energy and direction.”

LB Cantrell
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