Joe Nichols A Free Agent As He Splits From Record Label

Joe Nichols has split from his record label, Show Dog-Universal Records, a label partly owned by Toby Keith.

Nichols informed his fans of this career development in a series of tweets on May 20 that started with this message: “I’d like to thank Show Dog Universal for doing the right thing. I’M FREE!!!!!” A follow-up tweet said, “My plans are to make a record with people I trust and love and be at a happy home (label). Haven’t feel this good about things in a long time.” Later that day, he added this tweet, “Just 2 be clear, I’m VERY thankful 4 showdog and what they have done 4 me. Our relationship has just reached its limits and I wish them luck.”

Nichols, who recently welcomed a new baby girl to his family, got his start on Universal South Records in 2002 and landed eight top 10 hits there, including the No. 1s “Brokenheartsville,”​ “Tequila  Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,” and “Gimmie That Girl.” He became part of Show Dog when that label merged with Universal South.