Show Dog-Universal Music Launches

Toby Keith, Mark Wright

Toby Keith‘s Show Dog Nashville is merging with Universal Records South to become Show Dog-Universal Music. Keith will serve as a Principle of the new label and previous Universal South Pres. Wright is on board as President of the newly combined entity.

More announcements are expected in January.

“Show Dog-Universal will still have the feeling of being an independent label with strong and personal relationships with all our artists. That is what Show Dog Nashville and Universal South have always been about, but combine the two labels and you have a powerhouse with more staff and better opportunities for our artists. I look forward to working closely with my friend and partner Mark Wright,” said Toby.

“The launch of this new company creates even more value for our combined artists, employees and business partners,” stated Wright. “Together, our best-in-class team will create even more opportunities for our artists, while expanding the services we offer. This is truly one-plus-one equaling three. Moreover, I am delighted to be partnering with Toby, with whom I have shared a close friendship for many years. His remarkable achievements as an artist and businessman define creative leadership at its very best. He will be invaluable to taking this company to even greater heights.”

Toby Keith has been among the top musical performers in any genre throughout this decade, and is ranked among the top selling artists in all-genres at #3 on Billboard‘s Top 200 Artists of the Decade. He was also named Billboard‘s #1 Country Artist of the Decade and #1 Country Songwriter of the Decade, and was honored by NSAI with its prestigious Songwriter/Artist of the Decade Award.

Keith’s business empire encompasses restaurants, movies, and a clothing line. In 2009, his U.S. America’s Toughest Tour played to more than a million people.

Some restructuring is expected following today’s announcement. Here are the label teams prior to the merger: Show Dog—GM George Nunes, VP Promotion Rick Moxley, and Head of Sales & Marketing Bill Kennedy. Roster—Carter’s Chord, Mica Roberts and Trailer Choir.

Universal Records South—Pres. Mark Wright, Sr. VP/GM Fletcher Foster, Sr. VP Sales & Operations Van Fletcher, VP National Promotion Teddi Bonadies, and VP A&R Arturo Buenahora. Roster—Baylie Brown, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Eli Young Band, Andy Gibson, Jennifer Hanson, Randy Houser, Shooter Jennings, Joe Nichols, Jonathan Singleton & The Grove, Ashley Ray, Phil Vassar, Angela Wolff, and Kevin Costner & Modern West.