NASH ICON Music Signs Reba to Joint Venture

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 21, 2014

NASH ICON Music bestows another title to the reigning "Queen of Country," announcing Reba McIntire as the inaugural signing on the innovative new joint venture label between Big Machine and Cumulus. She joined America's Morning Show host Blair Garner Tuesday morning to share the news about her first new music in over five years. Leading up to the announcement, a Reba song was played every half hour to highlight her career and gear up for the new chapter.

Reba said, "I am so excited to be the first artist to sign up with this new joint venture. We've been in the studio having a blast recording new songs and I can't wait for my fans to hear them. Thanks to Scott Borchetta, John Dickey and everyone at Cumulus for letting me be a part of these new and exciting times."

The Oklahoma native is back in the studio with long-time producer Tony Brown and is collaborating for the first time with James Stroud. "As Reba and I get to enter into another phase of our business relationship that dates back to 1991, I am again reminded of the power of all things Reba. Her presence, her vocal prowess, her song selection, her passion... it's unequaled in her multi-decade career and we will again blaze new trails together," said Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta.

"By the numbers Reba defines what it is to be an Icon -- 56 million albums sold, 35 #1 singles, #1 female country touring artist of all time and room full of CMA, ACM and Grammy awards. Reba is Nashville. Nash Icon is thrilled to have Reba as our first artist on this exciting new label," added Cumulus Executive VP/Content and Programming John Dickey.

In May, Big Machine and Cumulus rolled out a joint venture under the NASH ICON brand with the creation of a record label, NASH ICON Music. Nash Icon will produce new music and live events from Nashville's most prolific artists over the last 25 years. General Manager Jim Weatherson will spearhead the strategic partnership between the two music, entertainment and media powerhouses.

Separate from this joint venture between Cumulus and Big Machine for the NASH ICON Music record label and live events business, Cumulus independently operates 16 (soon to be more) NASH ICON stations and will soon distribute NASH ICON content to stations nationwide through Westwood One.

Pictured L-R: Jim Weatherson (Nash Icon Music GM), Chuck Wicks (America's Morning Show host), Terri Clark (America's Morning Show host), Reba, Scott Borchetta (BMLG President & CEO), John Dickey (Executive Vice President of Content and Programming for Cumulus) and Blair Garner (America's Morning Show Host) Photo credit: Eric Heany, Cumulus.