After getting negative COVID tests, it’s all smiles and no social distancing for, from left, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston, Black River’s Rebekah Gordon, Sony Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg, Black River President & CEO Gordon Kerr.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Black River Publishing have signed a worldwide publishing administration deal, covering songs by Kelsea Ballerini, Dan Wilson, MaRynn Taylor, Hannah Kerr, Josh Osborne and others.

"Black River Publishing and our amazingly talented roster of writers are thrilled to be joining forces with our friends at Sony Music Publishing," said Black River VP of Publishing Rebekah Gordon. "The passion for music and songwriters on both the creative and administrative teams is unmatched. I'm looking forward to celebrating many successes together."

Since its inception 12 years ago, Black River Publishing and its roster have achieved numerous awards and accolades, including 30 #1 songs and multiple Grammy Awards. Black River Publishing is part of the Black River Entertainment family under the Pegula Sports & Entertainment company portfolio.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston said, “Independent music publishers play a vital role in our Music Row community, and Black River has done an amazing job of identifying and developing some of the biggest hit songwriters in Nashville.”