Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville duo Dan+Shay recently topped the country charts for the first time with “Nothin’ Like You.” ASCAP and BMI welcomed members of the Nashville music community to celebrate the song, penned by Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, alongside Chris DeStefano and Ashley Gorley. The song marks DeStefano’s 13th No. 1, and Gorley’s 23rd. The song also marked DeStefano’s second No. 1 as a producer.

The party was held March 16 at South in Nashville.

Warner Music Nashville president/CEO John Esposito recalled just how adamant he was that the duo join the Warner family, adding that that during a five-hour meeting, he told the duo, ‘You’re not leaving here until you are Warner artists.'” He also added that he even took them home and had his wife cook dinner for them. “They had to be Warner artists,” he added before thanking Dan+Shay’s manager Jason Owen, as well as attorney Jim Zumwalt.

Among those celebrating were ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, BMI’s Perry Howard, Combustion Music’s Chris Van Belkom, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg, Warner Music Nashville’s Scott Hendricks, and Warner/Chappell Music Publishing’s BJ Hill, as well as representatives from Country Aircheck and Country Radio Broadcasters.

Avenue Bank made a donation to Proverbs 1210 Animal Rescue Mission on behalf of the writers.

Howard joked, “No. 1 parties are like soup kitchens for struggling songwriters.” For Dan+Shay, it was a symbol of how far their careers have come. Mooney later recalled how, earlier in their career, the duo would take meetings with anyone who offered a free meal.

Smyers thanked his musical cohort Mooney, as well as girlfriend Abby Law, whom Smyers said played a part in picking “Nothing Like You” as a single: “At one point, she was tallying the number of mentions that the song got on Twitter, to help convince us this should be a single.”

Gorley was also quick to commend Dan+Shay’s songwriting talent. “They are not easy to write with, in a good way, because they don’t settle. They will not leave a lyrical or melodic stone unturned, and that is refreshing. Also, when Shay is singing a melody back to you, it always sounds great, because he’s got one of the best voices. So if I sing a melody and it sounds good, then I know it is good,” he quipped.

Co-writer DeStefano commented, “This still feels like my first No. 1. I couldn’t be more proud to share it with three of my best buds. Their work ethic is nonstop.”

Dan+Shay is currently climbing the charts with their next single, “From The Ground Up.”

Sony Corporation of America has signed an agreement to obtain full ownership of Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC by acquiring the 50 percent interest in Sony/ATV held by the Michael Jackson Estate, for $750 million. The purchase includes a lump sum payment of $733 million, as well as distributions previously committed to by Sony/ATV to be paid to the Michael Jackson estate.

“The entertainment businesses have long been a core part of Sony and are a key driver of our future growth,” said Kazuo Hirai, President and CEO of Sony Corporation. “This agreement further demonstrates Sony’s commitment to the entertainment businesses and our firm belief that these businesses will continue to contribute to our success for years to come.”

The purchase process began in September, as Sony exercised a right that has been in place since joint venture was formed between Jackson and Sony in 1995.

The transaction will not affect its continuing interests in other music assets, including all of Michael Jackson’s master recordings as well as Mijac Music, the publishing company that owns all songs written by Jackson, as well as songs by some of his favorite songwriters and artists that were acquired by Jackson during his life. The Jackson estate will also retain its ownership interest in EMI Music Publishing.

“This transaction further allows us to continue our efforts of maximizing the value of Michael’s Estate for the benefit of his children,” said John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the estate. “It also further validates Michael’s foresight and genius in investing in music publishing. His ATV catalogue, purchased in 1985 for a net acquisition cost of $41.5 million, was the cornerstone of the joint venture and, as evidenced by the value of this transaction, is considered one of the smartest investments in music history.”

“When Sony first partnered with Michael Jackson 21 years ago to create Sony/ATV Music Publishing, we knew that this company had the ability to reach great heights,” said Michael Lynton, CEO of Sony Entertainment, Inc. “This acquisition will enable Sony to more quickly adapt to changes in the music publishing business, while at the same time continuing to be an unparalleled leader in the industry and a treasured home for artists and writers. We want to express our gratitude to the Estate of Michael Jackson and to the Jackson family for their years of partnership. All of us at Sony look forward to continuing to work with the Estate to further Michael Jackson’s legacy in many different ways.”

Little Extra Music president Lisa Ramsey Perkins has announced the signing of Rob Snyder to a worldwide publishing agreement. The West Chester, Pennsylvania native is prepping his first album to be released later this year.

“I first met Rob Snyder through ASCAP’s GPS program and was immediately drawn to his voice and his presence,” said Ramsey Perkins. He has such an authentic sound; he’s a true country singer with a little soulful rock influence. I watched him grow through this mentoring program at ASCAP, and his songwriting just blew me away. I couldn’t wait to sign him to Little Extra Music.”

Snyder moved to Nashville in 2012. A year later, he launched the weekly “Revival 615” music series at the original Tin Roof venue in Nashville. With the moniker “Hank and Jesus are Watching,” “Revival” showcases some of country music’s most talented songwriters and musicians.

“When I began with meeting with Lisa, I was drawn to her honesty and work ethic,” said Snyder. “From before sun up (5 a.m. emails!) to well after sundown, Lisa is a worker. She tells it like it is and makes you want to be a better writer and more importantly, a better person. I’m very proud to be a member of the Little Extra Music team and fired up about the future!”

Songwriter Dave Berg has jointly signed to Big Deal Music and BMG.

Berg’s songwriting credits include the chart-toppers “Somebody” (Reba), “Stupid Boy” (Keith Urban), “If You’re Going Through Hell” and “These Are My People” (both recorded by Rodney Atkins) and “Moments” (Emerson Drive). Berg was named Songwriter Of The Year by Billboard and NSAI in 2007. He was given the same honor by ASCAP in 2008.

Berg has also had notable cuts by Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Darius Rucker, Jewel, Blake Shelton and Sara Evans among others.