The estate of Otis Redding, otherwise known as Big O Holdings LLC, has selected Sony Music Publishing to administer Redding’s music catalog across the U.S.
Redding was a renowned soul and rhythm and blues musician, otherwise known as “The King of Soul.” He released his debut album, “Pain In My Heart” in 1964 which produced his first No. 1 hit, “These Arms of Mine.” The song reached No. 20 on the R&B charts, and was included on several soundtracks, and most prominently in the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing.” He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994 and honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.
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“For over 50 years I have been diligent to make sure Otis’ legacy remains relevant and recognizable around the world. I feel that the Sony Music Publishing team can assist my family in this never-ending effort,” said Redding’s wife, Zelma Redding.
“As one of the most significant songwriters of our lifetime, Otis Redding remains an American treasure,” stated Sony Music Publishing Chairman/CEO Jon Platt. “Otis’ songs have shaped the cultural landscape across genres and generations, and it is a privilege to partner with the Redding family as stateside custodians of this singular music catalog.”
Pictured above (L-R ) – (rear left) Arron Saxe, Walter Jones, Derek Crownover, Jarred Andrews, Dexter Redding (rear center) Justin Andrews, Zelma Redding, Karla Redding-Andrews, Brian Monaco, Liz Lewis, Jon Platt.
+ Big Loud Texas has tapped Brendon Anthony as vice president of the imprint, effective immediately. Based in Austin, Anthony will oversee the Texas operation across label functions, working with Big Loud Texas’ co-founders Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall, as well as key members of the Big Loud Records team.
“I am very proud to join the amazing team at Big Loud and look forward to working with Miranda and Jon to create something truly special in Big Loud Texas,” Anthony said “Being a part of growing and supporting the Texas music industry has been my focus for over 25 years and I am thrilled to continue that effort by joining Big Loud Texas.”
“We’re so proud to have Brendon join us at Big Loud Texas,” shared Lambert. “He is as passionate as we are about the Texas music scene and has knowledge that will benefit artists in so many ways.”
“Not only does he bring years of knowledge of the Texas music industry and culture to the table,” Randall noted, “but his legendary and respected musicianship has given him firsthand experience in touring and recording, and a deep understanding of what Texas music artists need in a record label. We are lucky to have him.”
Brendon Anthony most recently served as director of the Texas Music Office, the agency within the Office of the Governor tasked with overseeing policy related to the Texas commercial music industry.
+ Sony Music Publishing has upped Nasra Artan to the new position of head of international A&R. Artan will take on a broader role in spearheading SMP’s international creative strategy and be responsible for liaising across SMP’s A&R teams. She will continue to be based out of London and will report to SMP’s President of International, Guy Henderson.
Henderson said, “It gives me great pleasure to announce Nasra’s promotion. In addition to her skill set, energy and drive, Nasra approaches the creative world with an open mind, knowing that great songwriters and big songs can come from anywhere. She is well positioned to excel in this new role, and we all look forward to achieving further success together on behalf of our international roster.”
Artan first joined the company in 2022 as European A&R Manager. Prior to joining the company, Artan spent three years at Warner Music Norway, most recently as A&R project manager.
+ iann dior — best known for his feature on 24kGoldn’s Billboard Hot 100-topping “Mood” — has signed to Big Noise Music Group. The 25-year-old American artist released his latest single, “Edge of Tomorrow,” on May 10 with the label.
Big Noise President Jon Cohen shared, “Welcoming iann and his team into the Big Noise family has been truly exciting for all of us! Between the new music and his global touring presence, iann will certainly turn heads throughout the year and beyond.”
Nick Gross, Big Noise CEO, said, “iann dior is one of those dream artists you hope you have the chance to work with every couple of years as alabel,”echoesNick Gross, Big Noise CEO.“His ear for melody and attention to detail around the art he makes isvery special,and I’m really looking forward to our partnership. Most importantly, this new music that will be heardaround the world by millions.”
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