Kellie Pickler Lands A New Record Deal

After parting ways with her longtime record label, Sony Music Nashville, earlier this year, Kellie Pickler has landed a new recording contract with Nashville-based independent label Black River Entertainment. That label is home to Craig Morgan, as well as lesser-known country acts Sarah Darling, Due West and newcomer Glen Templeton.

“In looking for a label partner, I was really drawn to the Black River family because they hold similar values that I do,” Pickler says in a press release.  “From our initial meeting, it was clear to me how much the entire team respects the artists’ musical vision, and I’m really looking forward to getting back into the studio to record and release new music to country radio.”

The North Carolina native signed to Sony’s BNA Records imprint in 2006 after finishing in sixth place on season five of “American Idol.” She released her debut album, “Small Town Girl,” later that year. It included three singles that charted in the top 20, “Red High Heels,” “I Wonder,” and “Things That Never Cross A Man’s Mind.”

In 2008, Pickler released her self-titled sophomore record, which included the singles “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful,” “Best Days of Your Life” (her only top 10 hit to date, co-written with pal Taylor Swift) and “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You.” 

Pickler co-wrote six of the 11 tracks on her 2012 album, “100 Proof,” her final project for Sony.