Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Blake Pendergrass, Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall. Photo: Steve Lowry
Back Blocks Music announced the signing of its flagship songwriter Blake Pendergrass to an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement. This is Pendergrass’ first publishing deal and comes on the heels of the success of the BMI-affiliate’s first major cut: Morgan Wallen’s “865.”
“From the very first playlist of demos I heard I became a fan of Blake’s and knew I needed to work with him. I loved his dynamic songwriting, work ethic, and the versatile network of writers he is building—it felt like a perfect fit,” says Rakiyah Marshall, Founder/CEO of Back Blocks Music. “I am thrilled to have Blake be a part of the Back Blocks family and the first publishing client. There are big things to come and I’m excited for our future together.”
A Raleigh, North Carolina native, Pendergrass moved to Nashville to study commercial music at Belmont University. At the end of 2020, Pendergrass got word he earned a coveted spot on Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album. He was the only un-signed writer on the 30-song project. Pendergrass also has upcoming cuts with Chris Lane and newcomer Ashley Cooke.
“From the moment I met Rakiyah I knew that she was the exact kind of person that I wanted to work with,” says Pendergrass. “She is strategic, driven, and connected yet she still manages to be incredibly kind. From the beginning it was clear that she understood me and my music and that she was committed to bringing my career to new heights. I am so thankful to be able to call Back Blocks my publishing home!”
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