Universal Music Publishing Group Signs Mark Nesler

Pictured L-R (back row): Michael Rexford, VP Business Affairs, UMPG; Whitney Williams, Creative Director, UMPG Nashville; Freeman Wizer, Creative Manager, UMPG Nashville; and Mike Milom, Esq., Milom Horsnell Crow Rose Kelley PLC. Pictured L-R (front row): Ron Stuve, VP A&R/Special Projects, UMPG Nashville; Mark Nesler; Kent Earls, EVP/General Manager, UMPG Nashville; and Cyndi Forman, Senior Creative Director, UMPG Nashville.

Universal Music Publishing Group today announced the signing of Nashville hitmaker Mark Nesler to an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement. Under terms of the deal, UMPG will also acquire an interest in his Nez Music catalog and Little Lola Mae Music catalog.

Nesler’s list of hits is lengthy. He wrote Tim McGraw’s six week No. 1 “Just to See You Smile” on the multi-platinum album Everywhere. He also penned two charttoppers for George Strait: “Go On” and “Living and Living Well.” Nesler also co-wrote No. 1s for Keith Urban (“You Look Good in My Shirt”), Darryl Worley (“I Miss My Friend”) and most recently Billy Currington (“Let Me Down Easy”).

He penned Country Strong, the title track to the film which was recorded by Gwyneth Paltrow. Other hit singles by Nesler include: “For You I Will” (Aaron Tippin), “Heaven In My Women’s Eyes” and “Just Let Me Be In Love” (Tracy Byrd), “Why, Why, Why” (Billy Currington), and “A Different World” (Bucky Covington).

“With 15 + years of writing country hits, Mark continues to be one of the most consistent songwriters in Nashville today,” said Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, UMPG Nashville. “We are very honored to acquire such an impressive body of work and look forward to many more successes with Mark.”

“When you walk through the door of UMPG it feels more like home rather than a business. That environment really promotes great songwriting. I’m proud to be a part of the UMPG family,” added Nesler.

Mark Nesler joins the UMPG Nashville roster of hit makers which includes Josh Turner, Keith Urban, Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, Hunter Hayes, Troy Verges, Nathan Chapman, Darius Rucker, Sara Evans and many others.