SMP Nashville and KP Entertainment have partnered to sign songwriter/producer Lee Starr to a global publishing deal.

Arriving in Nashville in 2014, Arkansas-born Starr specializes in country/pop music and is best known for penning songs with emerging artists like Elvie Shane, Ashland Craft, Conner Smith and Drew Green.

He recently co-wrote Shane’s debut single, “My Boy,” which hit #1 on the Country Airplay chart this week and #2 the Hot Country Songs chart with 6.6m+ U.S. streams.

“I couldn’t be more excited for Lee and the team at KP Entertainment. Lee’s songs are full of heart, and his work ethic is second to none. His potential is endless and I’m looking forward to all that is to come,” said SMP Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston.

“When our Creative Director Aubrey Schwartz played some demos of Lee earlier this year, I knew he was someone we had to represent,” added Kerri Edwards, Founder, KP Ent.

“Aubrey has been my champion since day one and as soon as she introduced me to Kerri, I knew where I wanted to be. Rusty and the staff at Sony Music Publishing are incredible, and everyone involved in this deal is an absolute hustler,” added Starr.

Pictured below before finding the nearest hot chicken joint to celebrate are (l-r) Gaston, Edwards, Starr, Schwartz and Scott Safford.