Multiple Grammy Award nominee, 3-time ASCAP artist/songwriter of the year and producer extraordinaire John Rich, of the multi-platinum duo Big & Rich, has been named the first judge/mentor for season six of "Nashville Star," premiering June 9 on NBC.

Also announced was the formation of a joint venture between AEG Live, Warner Bros.
Records and Reveille to launch the next American music superstar. Warner Bros.
Records will support artist development, recording and releasing of songs from this
season's winner and other show contestants while AEG Live will promote an upcoming
"Nashville Star" concert tour across North America.

"Warner Bros. Records has been fans of 'Nashville Star' since it began and are proud
to be a part of this season's show," said label Chairman and CEO, Tom Whalley. "Not only is John Rich one of the biggest stars to come out of country music, he is also an award winning songwriter and producer. I have no doubt that he will be the perfect mentor for all the contestants throughout the season of 'Nashville Star.

Rich's writing credits include Gretchen Wilson's hits "When I Think About Cheatin'" and "Here for the Party," and "Redneck Woman." He also wrote Faith Hill's hit single "Mississippi Girl" and "Like We Never Loved At All," co-wrote Jason Aldean's hit single "Hicktown" and produced Jewel and Randy Owen of Alabama, as well as all of the Big & Rich albums. He's currently producing his first solo effort on Warner Bros. Records and Wilson's fourth album.

Labels: John Rich