Sony Music Publishing Nashville has acquired Big Yellow Dog Music, the influential independent publishing and artist development company that has been a fixture in Nashville for more than 26 years.
The deal gives Sony ownership and administration of Big Yellow Dog’s entire catalog, while also making the company the full-service publisher for its roster of songwriters.
Founded in 1998 by Kerry O’Neil and Carla Wallace, Big Yellow Dog built a reputation for spotting talent early and nurturing songs that went on to shape modern pop and country music.
Its catalog includes some of the most recognizable hits of the past two decades, such as Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” “Dear Future Husband,” “No,” and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” along with Maren Morris favorites including “The Bones,” “My Church,” “80’s Mercedes,” and “I Could Use a Love Song.”
The company’s reach extends well beyond those artists. Big Yellow Dog songs appear on Kacey Musgraves’ GRAMMY-winning album Golden Hour and in releases by Chris Stapleton, Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Leon Bridges, MUNA, The Black Keys, Aminé, Leon Thomas, and many others.
Over its 26-year run, Big Yellow Dog and its writers have accumulated 41 No. 1 songs, multiple GRAMMY wins and nominations, and widespread recognition from organizations including BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, and the ACMs. The catalog is frequently cited among the most performed bodies of work on Music Row during that time.
For founders Kerry O’Neil and Carla Wallace, the acquisition marks the close of a defining chapter. O’Neil described the journey as a once-in-a-lifetime experience built on great songs and trusted creative partnerships, expressing confidence that Sony will protect and grow the catalog.
Wallace reflected on the culture Big Yellow Dog fostered—one rooted in creativity, joy, and artist advocacy—and said she believes the company’s legacy will continue under Sony’s stewardship.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston called Big Yellow Dog a cornerstone of Music Row, noting that its catalog doesn’t just include hits, but songs that helped define careers. He emphasized Sony’s commitment to honoring the legacy while creating new opportunities for the catalog and its writers going forward.
With this acquisition, Sony adds a deep and proven catalog to its Nashville operation, while Big Yellow Dog’s songs and writers move into their next phase backed by a global publishing powerhouse.
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