Kobalt Celebrates Major Signing

Pictured (L-R): Merril Wasserman, EVP Business Development of Kobalt; John Rich; Whitney Daane; and Charlie Pennachio

Kobalt Music Publishing’s Nashville office recently celebrated the signing of an exclusive administration deal with hitmaking artist/songwriter/producer John Rich. Under terms of the agreement, Kobalt will represent all new and previously released works in his Godfather Rich Muzik and Program 360 catalogs throughout the world. The company will also provide synchronization services.

Kobalt and Rich held a CMA week party at Rich's home to celebrate their new agreement. Pictured with CEO Willard Ahdritz

Rich and Charlie Pennachio began Program 360 to sign and develop artist/writers, it is home to works by Rich and writers Billy Lawson, Gabe Garcia, Tammy Hyler, Andy Gibson, Trevor Rosen, Shanna Crooks, Shannon Lawson, Marsha Hancock and Columbia artist Bradley Gaskin. Godfather Rich Muzik recently received its first No. 1 ASCAP award for the Jason Aldean/Kelly Clarkson hit, “Don’t You Wanna Stay.”

Rich is a three-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, thanks to hits including Faith Hill’s “Mississippi Girl,” Faith Hill and Tim McGraw’s “Like We Never Loved At All,” Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman” and Jason Aldean’s “Hicktown.”

Willard Ahdritz, CEO and Founder of Kobalt, commented, “I am very excited that Kobalt is starting to work with John. I am impressed with his vision for music and how bravely he approaches the execution of his ideas. I am convinced that John and Kobalt will make a difference to country music.”

Kobalt Sr. VP Creative Whitney Daane, head of the Nashville operation, added, “I have known John and respected his talent for the past 15 years. It is an incredible honor and opportunity for Kobalt to be able to work with him and look forward to contributing to his continued success and expanding his artistic influence on a worldwide scale.”

At Rich's party (L-R): Whitney Daane, Sr. VP. Creative Kobalt Music, John Rich, and Lil Jon