Pictured (Seated): Carolyn Dawn Johnson; (Standing, L-R): Denise Nichols, The Primacy Firm; Lisa Ramsey-Perkins, Little Extra Music; Denise Stevens, Loeb & Loeb

Little Extra Music continues to expand its roster with the signing of singer/songwriter/producer Carolyn Dawn Johnson to a worldwide publishing agreement.

“I met Carolyn Dawn not long after she came to Nashville and was an instant fan,” said company president Lisa Ramsey Perkins. “She’s not only an amazing singer and songwriter, she’s one of the first women I met who produced her own records. I’ve always wanted to work with her and am thrilled she’s now a part of the Little Extra Music family!”

“I’m so happy to be working with Lisa,” said Johnson. “I’ve always admired her energy and passion for the music, the artists and the industry. She has worn many hats and brings so much to the table! I value her ears and expertise and am thankful for this partnership, as she makes me want to do better every single day, and to me, that’s how a publisher/writer relationship should be.”

Four years after moving from Vancouver, BC Canada to Nashville, Johnson scored her first hit as a songwriter when Chely Wright took “Single White Female” to the No. 1 spot. The success led to publishing deals and cuts with artists like Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea, Pam Tillis, Suzy Bogguss, Jo Dee Messina and others. MusicRow Magazine named her “Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year” in 2000, the same year Arista Nashville signed her to a record deal.

Johnson produced her 2001 debut album titled Room With a View, which contained the Top 5 single “Complicated,” as well as singles “Georgia” and “I Don’t Want You to Go.” She went on to open tours for Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban.

The Academy of Country Music Awards crowned her Top New Female Vocalist in 2002, and the American Music Awards honored her as Favorite New Country Artist the following year. In 2004 and 2009, the Canadian Country Music Awards named Johnson Producer of the Year for her work on many Canadian-based projects. To date, she has racked up 17 CCMA’s, including the title for reigning Female Vocalist of the Year.

She has also spent time singing background vocals for Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, and others.

“I like to say that I’ve had many bonuses to my dreams … things, people, events and accolades, in addition toand off the beaten path from my original goals,” notes Johnson. “I’ve certainly gone further then I actually imagined, but that doesn’t make me stop in my tracks. I just want to keep doing this for the rest of my life. Music truly is what makesmy world go round.”

Celia Froehlig

Black River Entertainment’s CEO Gordon Kerr has announced the contract renewal of Vice President of Publishing, Celia Froehlig.

“From the moment I met Celia Froehlig I was impressed,” said Kerr. “Over the last four years, that first impression has been exceeded countless times. On a daily basis Celia demonstrates proven leadership, strength of character, commitment to the song and knowledge of publishing, surpassed by none. She is the epitome of class, professionalism and through her visionary leadership has guided Black River Publishing to tremendous success. As we look to the future, Celia’s engaging leadership style and commitment to Black River will enable our catalogue and writers the ability to continue to influence our culture.”

In 2014, Black River’s publishing arm celebrated songs including Josh Osborne’s “My Eyes” (Osborne/Dorff/James), performed by Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Sebastian; “We Are Tonight” by Billy Currington; and “Leave The Night On” by Sam Hunt.

“So many exciting things are happening at Black River Entertainment and I am thrilled to continue to be a part of such a great company,” said Froehlig. “When I came to BRE, I had a vision for the publishing company and Gordon and the Pegula’s have allowed me to work toward making that vision a reality. 2015 is going to be a great year for Black River!”

Froehlig’s career began at Chappell Music, where she was asked to remain as Creative Director when Chappell Music merged with Warner Brothers to form Warner/Chappell. Froehlig later accepted the position as Vice-President, Southern Region of EMI Music Publishing, where she remained for nine years. Upon leaving EMI, Celia opened a joint venture company with what is now Sony/ATV.