Kentucky singer/songwriter Tyler Booth has signed with Jamey Johnson’s Big Gassed Records in a joint venture with Average Joes Entertainment and has finalized a management agreement with The Erv Woolsey Company.
Booth, known for his baritone voice and traditional country sound with a modern twist, will release new music very soon.
Raised in Campton, Ky., (pop. 316), he shares the musical DNA with other artists from Eastern Kentucky, such as Loretta Lynn, The Judds, Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers, Keith Whitley, Dwight Yoakam, Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless and many more.
“I feel like I embody all the Appalachia,” says Booth, who now lives in Pikeville, Ky. (pop. 7,754). “That’s one of the biggest parts of me, just being from here and learning from people. I’ve always tried to keep my roots. A lot of my family were coal miners and served in the military. It made me who I am, so I love it.”
After playing festivals in high school and attending Morehead State, he recorded an EP, Make It to Mexico, and the video for “Hank Crankin’ People” received more than 1 million views. In 2020, he signed a joint venture with Sony Music Nashville and Villa40 and released songs including “Long Comes a Girl” and “Where the Livin’ Is.” His song “Palomino Princess” garnered more than 22 million streams on Spotify alone.
Booth has toured with Brantley Gilbert, Darius Rucker and Dwight Yoakam and recorded with Brooks & Dunn on “Lost and Found” on their 2019 Reboot album.
“I’ve had a record deal before and I learned a lot from it,” says Booth, who moved from Nashville back to Kentucky and immersed himself in songwriting for the last five years. “Before that, I started playing shows at 16. My life has always been centered around music. I think this is going to be a great year!”
Jeremy Popoff of the band Lit heard Booth perform one of Johnson’s songs and introduced him to Johnson, one of his musical heroes. “I have been a fan of his since I began listening to music and have been covering his songs for years,” Booth says.
Johnson invited Booth to join his tour and perform “Bring on the Neon” together, a song recorded by Booth and written with Johnson and Popoff. “Jamey is all about the music,” Booth says. “He loves music, and I do too. That is why we have that connection. He is really laid back and goes with the flow, and I am too. I feel like music is supposed to be that way.”
Johnson formed Big Gassed Records in 2014 to record and release the kind of music he wanted and now extends the opportunity to other artists, such as Chris Hennessee and Whatley & Co. Johnson has long been focused on helping other artists, and especially mentoring new artists, and this label is a way for Johnson to do that on a much larger scale.
“He is a wonderful singer and a great songwriter and he deserves to be heard,” Johnson says. “When I found out that he was off the label, I called him up and told him, ‘Keep writing. Keep your head up. Stay busy. Keep recording and let’s see what happens.’
“He called me after he had recorded some songs and I listened to a few of them. He even asked me to sing on one with him. When I heard what he had been working on, I knew he was ready. He just needs an opportunity.”
In partnership with Big Gassed Records, Booth now joins the Average Joes Entertainment roster that includes Colt Ford, Eddie Montgomery, Bryan Martin, Creed Fisher and Josh Mirenda.
“We couldn't be more excited to be involved with Tyler,” shares Forrest Latta, president of Average Joes Entertainment. “After hearing his latest project – the talent, the growth, the ability to create the traditional sounds and compelling stories that have made country music great – we couldn't get enough. And to partner with an icon like Jamey made this a no brainer. We had to be a part of it.”
“Tyler Booth brings raw honesty, blue collar grit and a voice that cuts straight to the bone,” shares Average Joes Entertainment’s SVP, Andrew Davis. “He’s exactly the kind of artist Average Joes Entertainment was built for, and we're excited to get to work alongside Jamey Johnson and team.”
For nearly four decades, The Erv Woosley Company (EWC) worked with some of the most notable names in country music, including George Strait and Lee Ann Womack. Today, the company’s current roster also includes the Davisson Brothers Band, Jenna Paulette, Triston Marez, Zach Neil, Nick Davisson, Stone Senate and Vince Herman.
The joint venture reunites Johnson with EWC’s Allen Mitchell and E.J. Bernas, both of whom worked for Universal Music Group and helped promote Johnson’s award-winning song, “In Color.”
“Tyler embodies the traditional, storytelling spirit that has been at the core of our company’s reputation since its formation in the ‘80s,” shares EWC president Allen Mitchell. “As the EWC forges into the future, we couldn’t be more proud that he chose to partner with us for this next chapter of his career.”
“My dad (Erv) and Allen met Tyler a few years back – I love how Allen and dad laid the friendship groundwork already. So for me, that makes this partnership very special,” shares Clinton Woolsey, CEO of Erv Woolsey Company. “I respect Tyler greatly and it’s a pleasure to partner with him.”
L to R Standing: Forrest Latta (President, AJE); Andrew Davis (SVP, AJE); Clinton Woolsey (CEO, EWC) and Allen Mitchell (President, EWC)
L to R Sitting: Tyler Booth and Jamey Johnson
Photo Credit: Joseph Cash
