Photo (L-R): Dan Keen (Curb College), Kerry O’Neil (Big Yellow Dog Music), LeAnn Phelan (ASCAP Nashville), Carla Wallace (Big Yellow Dog Music), Josh Kear (ASCAP 2013 Songwriter of the Year), Wesley Bulla (Curb College) and Sarah Cates (Curb College).
The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, alongside industry partner ASCAP, honored alumna Carla Wallace as the fifth recipient of the Music City Milestone Award (MCMA). The MCMA celebrates Belmont’s connection with the Nashville music industry, while also recognizing a Belmont graduate who has achieved truly superlative success in the entertainment and music industries early in their career.
Co-owner and general manager of Big Yellow Dog Music, an independent music publishing company based in Nashville, Wallace graduated from Belmont with a B.B.A. in Music Business.
Wallace began working at Little Big Town Music, where she met Kerry O’Neil in 1998. That same year, O’Neil and Wallace opened the doors to Big Yellow Dog Music, publishing home to such country hits as Luke Bryan’s “Drunk on You,” Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” and George Strait’s “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright.” The company has had several nominations and wins from the American Country Music awards, ASCAP Country Music Awards, CMA Awards and many more.
O’Neil said, “Carla’s success is a great example of what can happen when you put songs and songwriters first, are willing to follow your instincts, and mix in a healthy dose of tenacity and passion.”
CEMB Dean Wes Bulla said, “Celebrating with alumni is always an honor. We are proud of Carla’s significant accomplishments and look forward to more great things as she continues to be a leading force in our industry.”
LeAnn Phelan, co-head of ASCAP Nashville and a past MCMA recipient, added, “Carla Wallace is passionate and committed to songwriters, fearless as a music publisher, a master at creating opportunities for her writers, and open to all kinds of great music. ASCAP is honored to be a part of her special night.”
Other past recipients of the Music City Milestone Award include Beka (Calloway) Tischker who runs the publishing company of Dr. Luke; Ashley Gorley who was named ASCAP Songwriter of the Year in 2009; and Rusty Gaston, co-owner and General Manager of This Music.
Category: Featured, Organizations, Publishing
About the Author
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
