Sony Music Publishing Acquires Renowned Nashville Publisher Big Yellow Dog Music

14 January 2026 - Press release

Sony Music Publishing Nashville today announced the acquisition of legendary independent publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music (BYD), effective immediately. With the agreement, the company now owns and administers Big Yellow Dog’s renowned catalog of songs and serves as full-service publisher for its roster of songwriters.  

Founded in 1998 by Kerry O’Neil and Carla Wallace and based in Nashville, Big Yellow Dog Music is home to an expansive catalog of songs including Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” “Dear Future Husband,” “No” and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” and Maren Morris’ “The Bones,” “My Church,” “80’s Mercedes” and “I Could Use A Love Song.” BYD’s catalog also includes songs from the GRAMMY award-winning album Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves, as well as hits by Chris Stapleton, Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Leon Bridges, MUNA, The Black Keys, Aminé, Leon Thomas, and more.

Big Yellow Dog Music Co-Founder Kerry O’Neil said, “These last 26 years have been a once in a lifetime journey full of amazing songs, including some worldwide hits. Now it's time for a new chapter and Carla and I are so pleased to have our friends at Sony carry the torch from here. We know our writers and their great catalog are in sure hands. Thank you to Jon, Rusty, Cam and Brian. Most of all, I want to thank Carla for her unique and bold creative leadership over all these years.”

Big Yellow Dog Music Co-Founder Carla Wallace said, “There’s no way to capture 26 years of dancing, creating, and pure joy at Big Yellow Dog Music. Sharing each day with an endlessly talented, passionate, and hilarious team has been an unforgettable gift. Championing extraordinary artists, hearing future hits before the world, and watching dreams take flight has been nothing short of magical. It has been a true privilege to partner with one of the most brilliant minds in Nashville, Kerry O’Neil. l know our legacy will continue to thrive in the very best hands with Rusty Gaston and the Sony team.”

Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston said, “Big Yellow Dog has been a Music Row institution for more than a quarter century. Carla and Kerry are two of the most respected publishers in this business, and they have set the bar for independent success in Nashville and beyond. Their catalog contains some of the most performed songs over the past two decades – songs that haven't just been hits but have defined careers. It's an honor to represent this amazing collection of songs and to continue Big Yellow Dog’s legacy with future cuts coming from the catalog and new music from their standout roster.”

Over the past 26 years, Big Yellow Dog and its songwriters have achieved recognition across the industry, spanning multiple genres, earning forty-one #1 songs, numerous GRAMMY awards and nominations, and honors across BMI, ASCAP, SESAC and ACM awards.