Jody Williams Songs Promotes Two as Company Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

As Jody Williams Songs (JWS) celebrates its fifth anniversary, Nina Jenkins Fisher has been promoted to Vice President/General Manager, while Tenasie Courtright has been promoted to Creative Director.
 
Fisher has been with JWS since its inception in 2020. Alongside Founder/Owner Jody Williams, she has signed and managed an impressive and varied staff of writers, including developing artists, major label artists, writer producers and pure songwriters. In addition to handling day-to-day operations, Fisher also supports in overseeing the company’s partnership with Warner Chappell Music.
 
“Thank you to Jody for giving me the space to grow—both creatively and in my understanding of the inner workings of the music publishing industry I love so much,” shares Fisher. “It has been a true joy to help build a company that has been embraced by the writers, publishers and song people in our community.”
 
“Starting a publishing company from scratch is a daunting task to say the least. But from day one, Nina took the reins of calendar management, pitching songs and attracting writers, all while interacting with the community in meaningful ways,” shares Williams. “We were always an exceptional team because of our different approaches to the business. Never shying away from offering opposing opinions, we have both learned from each other in a very healthy way.
 
“Simply put, Nina is a leader,” he adds. “She is intentional, smart and has a great ear for talent. This promotion is an acknowledgement of her tremendous contribution to our company and our ‘song forward’ ethos.”   
 
Courtright masterfully moved through positions as Creative Coordinator and Creative Manager since joining JWS in 2022. With her organizational skills, musical knowledge and positive approach to business, she has found her place in the creative community. Under the supervision of Fisher, Courtright now occupies a key role within the company. 
 
“I’m thrilled for this opportunity and deeply grateful for my team at JWS,” Courtright expresses. “The mentorship and trust of Jody and Nina have been truly invaluable in my journey. It’s a privilege to collaborate with such an exceptional group of writers, and I’m feeling inspired and excited for what lies ahead.”
 
“Ten keeps the energy high in the office. She’s ever the optimist and dreams big for our writers,” Fisher imparts. “We’re totally in sync when it comes to our roster, and I’m grateful for it.” 
 
“Tenasie has an instinct for working with songwriters. As an innate communicator, she offers creative ideas and solutions like a seasoned pro. We are lucky to have her,” echoes Williams.
 
JWS represents songwriters Andy Austin, Ashley McBryde, Driver Williams, Ed Williams, Emily Ann Roberts, Harper O’Neill, Jason Nix, Jeremy Spillman, Natalie Hemby, Peytan Porter and Vince Gill. 
 
Jody Williams Songs is a joint venture of Warner Chappell Music.

Ed Williams Signs Publishing Agreement with Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music

Songwriter, producer and musician Ed Williams has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Jody Williams Songs (JWS) and Warner Chappell Music. Williams joins his father Jody Williams, founder of JWS, and his brother Driver Williams, who also writes for the company.
 
“I’m so fortunate to have the opportunity to do what I love alongside people I love,” shares Ed Williams. “The environment that Nina and Tenasie create for the JWS songwriters is aspirational. I’m so proud to have them, Warner Chappell and the rest of this publishing ‘family,’ if you will, in my corner.”
 
 “Ed Williams writes timeless country songs. His music is inventive and deeply imaginative—you never really know what kind of story he’s about to tell, but you can always count on it being expertly crafted,” adds Nina Fisher, JWS Senior Director, Creative. “Like all the Williams men, Ed has a deep respect for and knowledge of our genre. We’ve been looking forward to him being ready to dive in, and I’m thrilled that the time is finally here!”
 
Ed Williams previously worked for Sony/ATV Music Publishing in the creative department developing writers and producing artists. He also spent time in the creative departments at Bug Music and Crossfire 3. Most recently, he collaborated with fellow JWS writer Harper O’Neill to co-produce sides and co-write her next single, “My Love, My Love,” alongside O’Neill and JWS writer Jason Nix. The single is set for release Friday, January 31.
 
Jody Williams Songs (JWS) represents Jeremy Spillman, Harper O’Neill, Peytan Porter, Vince Gill, Driver Williams, Jason Nix, Ashley McBryde, Natalie Hemby, Andy Austin, Emily Ann Roberts and Ed Williams. JWS is a joint venture with Warner Chappell Music.

L to R: Tenasie Courtright (JWS Creative Manager), Jody Williams (JWS Founder), Ed Williams, Spencer Nohe (Warner Chappell Music VP, A&R), Nina Jenkins Fisher (JWS Senior Director, Creative) | Photo Credit: Aubrey Wise

Emily Ann Roberts Signs Worldwide Publishing Deal with Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music

Songwriter-artist Emily Ann Roberts has signed a world-wide publishing agreement with Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music.
 
“Emily Ann is a classic, crafting songs that are as genuine as they are charming,” shares Nina Fisher, Senior Creative Director of JWS. “When we reconnected this summer to talk songs over coffee, it felt like finding the perfect fit—everything just clicked in such an exciting, refreshing way. She is such a remarkable talent, and we can’t wait to help her shape this next season of her career.”
 
“I am so thrilled to work with the whole team at Jody Williams Songs,” adds Roberts “I can’t wait to see all we accomplish together.”
 
Roberts’ journey began as a standout on Blake Shelton's team on “The Voice,” a remarkable achievement even before graduating high school. Since then, Roberts has amassed a wealth of experience in performing, songwriting and recording. This dedication has translated into over 45 million streams, solidifying her status as a rising star in country music. In late 2023, Roberts released her debut full-length album, Can’t Hide Country, produced by Trent Willmon (Cody Johnson). The album, which has already garnered over 23 million streams, showcases her unique blend of traditional country and bluegrass roots with a modern twist. Roberts’ star continues to rise, with her inclusion in the CMT Next Women of Country 2024 class. She will open Blake Shelton’s Friends & Heroes Tour in 2025.
 
Roberts’ career is guided by Starstruck Management’s Narvel Blackstock and is booked by UTA with 117 Entertainment for publicity.

Photo ID (L to R): Cliff Williamson (Starstruck), Berkley Kriz (Starstruck), Narvel Blackstock (Starstruck), Jamie Wendt (Starstruck), Emily Ann Roberts, Jody Williams (JWS), Nina Jenkins Fisher (JWS), Tennessee Courtright (JWS) | Photo Credit: Aubrey Wise

Driver Williams Signs Exclusively w/ Jody Williams Songs & Warner Chappell Music

Driver Williams has signed an exclusive songwriting agreement with Jody Williams Songs(JWS) and Warner Chappell Music. Williams, a Nashville native, has written songs for Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, Jon Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean and many others. Williams is also the original lead guitarist in Eric Church's band, a position he has held since 2005.  
 
At JWS, he continues to work with his father, founder Jody Williams; Senior Director, Creative Nina Jenkins Fisher and Creative Manager Tenasie Courtright.    
 
Driver Williams commented, "It’s truly a dream come true to be able to work exclusively with my dad, and call Jody Williams Songs / Warner Chappell Music my songwriting home. I’m excited to do my part to contribute to such a sterling roster and song-forward endeavor.”
 
Nina Fisher said, ”Driver holds down a lane at JWS that no other writer touches. He is a lyricist that balances fresh ideas with a hard earned understanding of our genre. I’m thrilled to be on his team.” 
 
Jody Williams added, "The trajectory of Driver's songwriting career is impressive. He is teed up for great things in 2024. We could not be more proud to work with him."

Driver Williams signs exclusively with Jody Williams Songs / Warner Chappell Music
IDs from L to R: JWS Founder, Jody Williams; JWS Creative Manager, Tenasie Courtright; Driver Williams; JWS Senior Director, Creative Nina Jenkins Fisher; Warner Chappell Music Senior Director, A&R, Spencer Nohe | Photo Credit: Jaime Sillas

Jody Williams Songs Promotes Tenasie Courtright to Creative Manager

Tenasie Courtright has been named Creative Manager at Jody Williams Songs, promoted from her role as Creative Coordinator. Courtright is a Belmont University graduate with a degree in Music Business. She joined the company in December of 2022 and has quickly proven herself in the areas of calendar and office management. 
 
Under the guidance of Senior Director, Creative, Nina Jenkins Fisher, Courtright has effectively enhanced the company’s effort to creatively support their ten staff writers.
 
“Tenasie has become a very effective publisher in a short period of time and notching her up to Creative Manager was a no-brainer, just like hiring her,” shared Fisher. “She is enthusiastic about everything our songwriters touch and is curious about every piece of the industry. We’re lucky to have her on the team.”
 
Jody Williams Songs (JWS) represents Jeremy Spillman, Harper O’Neill, Peytan Porter, Vince Gill, Driver Williams, Jason Nix, Ashley McBryde, Natalie Hemby, Trent Dabbs, and Andy Austin. JWS is a joint venture with Warner Chappell Music.
 
Congratulate Courtright at
tenasie@jodywilliamssongs.co.

Photo Credit: Aubrey Wise