Hearts Bluff Music Acquires Muy Bueno Music Catalog

Hearts Bluff Music President Scott Parker.

Hearts Bluff Music has acquired the rights to the Muy Bueno Music catalog, founded by George Strait and his manager Erv Woolsey.

Hearts Bluff president Scott Parker made the announcement during Hearts Bluff Music’s 10th anniversary party, held in Nashville. Hearts Bluff Music’s catalog already boasts classics including “When A Man Loves A Woman,” “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Everlasting Love,” and more. The celebration featured performances from songwriters Aaron Barker, Hugh Prestwood, Mac Gayden, Kevin Welch, and more.

The Muy Bueno Music catalog began with flagship writer Aaron Barker, and over the years the roster grew to include Dana Hunt-Black, Gerald Smith, Donny Kees, and Tony Ramey, among others. Among its songs are the Strait-recorded hits “Baby Blue,” “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “Write This Down,” and “One Night At A Time.” It also includes Lorrie Morgan’s “What Part of No,” Gary Allan’s “It Would Be You,” and Lonestar’s “What About Now,” among others.

Pictured (L-R): Ashley Embry, Creative Manager, Hearts Bluff Music;
Tyler Sutphen, Communication Manager, Hearts Bluff Music; Scott Parker, President, Hearts Bluff Music; Karen Lawrence, Royalty Analyst, Hearts Bluff Music; Richard Rose, Copyright Cafe.

Parker spoke about the importance of the Muy Bueno Music catalog acquisition with MusicRow.

MusicRow: How did this opportunity come about?
Scott Parker: We’ve had a great 10-year co-publishing relationship with Muy Bueno, ever since we purchased the Aaron Barker catalog. This purchase just made sense for all parties, as it was a natural outflow of our relationship. George, Erv and Connie [Woolsey] have built a treasure of songs and I’m so incredibly honored they’ve entrusted us with this legacy.

Muy Bueno’s attorney, Jess Rosen, also played a big part in putting this deal together. He knew I was passionate about this catalog, and helped us put together a fair deal. Hearts Bluff specializes in acquiring high-end, historical catalogs, so we knew the value and were able reach terms very quickly.

MR: In evaluating this catalog, what factors made it an important addition to Hearts Bluff Music?
SP: To my knowledge, this may be the largest independent catalog of George Strait music that’s ever been available…not to mention all the hits by other artists. And like I said before, this made sense with our previous catalog investments. I also had great deal of internal support from my investors. Most of them are based in Texas, and they understand the incredible legacy of this catalog.

MR: What songs in this catalog have not been recorded that you are excited about working on?
SP: There are definitely some “hidden gems” in this catalog. We’re pretty familiar with Aaron Barker’s and Dana Hunt-Black’s catalogs, and we’ll be getting up-to-speed on the deeper catalog. I’m excited about several of the classics again. For example, I’d love to hear a new artist rework a timeless classic like “Baby Blue” for sync placement. Also, I used to write songs with Muy Bueno writers like Dana Hunt-Black, and Christi Dannemiller, and have always admired their craft.

MR: Hearts Bluff is about not only a songwriter’s catalog, but about their legacy as a writer, and the Muy Bueno catalog certainly adds to that. What opportunities are you most looking forward to in working this catalog’s music?
SP: You’re right. For example, the legacy of a writer like Aaron Barker is very important to us. Aaron is a dear friend, and certainly worthy of induction in the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. After all, this guy wrote many of George Strait’s biggest No. 1 songs like “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” “Baby Blue,” “Love Without End, Amen” and “Easy Come, Easy Go.” These weren’t just hits, but defined an era in country music. Aaron recently performed at our 10-year Anniversary celebration, and he was absolutely amazing. He’s an American treasure. I look forward to similar experiences with other writers.

Pictured (L-R): Hugh Prestwood, Aaron Barker