Curb Records is an American independent music company founded in 1964 by Mike Curb in Nashville, Tennessee. It operates Curb Records (country, pop, rock) and Curb | Word Entertainment (Christian). Curb's roster includes Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Brice, Rodney Atkins, Wynonna, Sawyer Brown, Lyle Lovett, Jo Dee Messina, Donny and Marie Osmond, the Righteous Brothers, and Sammy Davis Jr. (catalog). In 2016, Curb acquired 100 percent of Word Entertainment (the leading Christian label), forming Curb | Word Entertainment. Curb's Christian roster includes FOR KING + COUNTRY, Big Daddy Weave, We Are Messengers, Natalie Grant, Francesca Battistelli, and Dan Bremnes.
Curb Records built its reputation on country music and pop. Its signings of Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, and Hank Williams Jr. established the label as a major force in country. In the late 1990s, Curb established a Christian division that included recordings from Larry Norman, DeGarmo and Key, and Whiteheart. At the peak of its country success, Curb made big moves on the Christian side when it obtained partial ownership of Word Entertainment Group alongside AOL/Time Warner in 2001. By 2016, Curb acquired 100 percent of Word Entertainment, making it the leading Christian music company. Word has been instrumental in shaping the careers of Amy Grant, Rich Mullins, Sandi Patty, Petra, Point of Grace, and many others.
How Curb Operates
Curb Records runs dedicated A&R under founder Mike Curb from its Nashville headquarters. It operates both a country/pop/rock division (Curb Records) and a Christian division (Curb | Word Entertainment). Word Distribution represents Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others. Word Entertainment is a comprehensive entertainment company comprised of publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Curb's strength is its 60-year history and its dual focus on country and Christian music.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you make country or Christian music, Curb Records is one of the most established independent Nashville labels, with a 60-year track record. Its dual focus on country and Christian gives it a unique position in the Nashville music ecosystem. Its acquisition of Word Entertainment makes it the leading Christian music company. Its roster of long-term country stars (Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, Hank Williams Jr.) shows it can sustain careers across decades.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
- Country and Christian focus: Curb signs country, pop, rock, and Christian. Artists in other genres should look elsewhere.
- No unsolicited demos: Curb does not accept cold submissions.
- Founder-led: Curb is led by founder Mike Curb, which means the label's direction is tied to his personal vision.
- Long-term contracts: Curb has historically favored long-term contracts, which can be restrictive for artists.
Notable Artists and Releases
| Artist | Release | Year | Chart Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tim McGraw | Not a Moment Too Soon | 1994 | Billboard 200 No. 1, RIAA 6x Platinum, Billboard best-selling album of 1994 |
| Tim McGraw | Live Like You Were Dying | 2004 | Billboard 200 No. 1 (766,000 first week), RIAA 4x Platinum, Grammy Best Country Song |
| LeAnn Rimes | Blue | 1996 | Billboard 200 No. 3, RIAA 6x Platinum, 2 Grammy Awards (Best New Artist, Best Female Country Vocal) |
| Lee Brice | Hard 2 Love | 2012 | Billboard 200 No. 5, No. 1 Billboard Country Albums, RIAA Platinum |
| Lee Brice | I Don't Dance | 2014 | Billboard 200 No. 5, No. 1 Billboard Top Country Albums |
| Jo Dee Messina | I'm Alright | 1998 | Billboard Top Country Albums No. 5, RIAA 2x Platinum, 3 No. 1 Hot Country Singles |
| Rodney Atkins | If You're Going Through Hell | 2006 | "Watching You" No. 1 Hot Country Songs, Billboard year-end No. 1 Country song of 2007 |
Video Highlights
Deal Structures
Curb Records offers traditional recording contracts with master ownership retained by the label. The label operates two divisions: Curb Records (country, pop, rock) and Curb | Word Entertainment (Christian). Distribution runs through Word Distribution and Warner Records for Word Entertainment. Curb has historically favored long-term, multi-album contracts. The label provides recording budgets, radio promotion, marketing, and distribution. Curb does not publicly offer 360 deals but has comprehensive publishing and management divisions through Curb | Word Entertainment. The label's founder-led structure means deal terms are personally approved by Mike Curb. Licensing and distribution deals are available through the Word Distribution arm.
How Artists Get Signed
- A&R scouting: Curb A&R staff identify country and Christian artists through live performances, radio airplay, and streaming data.
- Manager or agent submissions: Artists submit through established Nashville representation. Cold demos are not accepted.
- Referrals from roster artists: Existing Curb artists refer acts to label staff.
- Touring and streaming profile: The label evaluates touring history, streaming numbers, and radio potential.
- Mike Curb approval: Founder Mike Curb personally reviews and approves all signings.
- Contract negotiation: Curb offers a long-term, multi-album recording contract with terms specific to the artist's genre and career stage.
Similar Labels
- Big Machine Records - Nashville-based independent label group focused on country
- BBR Music Group - Nashville independent label group with country and Christian divisions
- Black River Entertainment - Nashville-based independent country and Christian label
- Nashville Harbor Records - Nashville-based independent label with country focus
- Concord - Independent music company with diverse roster and publishing division
Related Resources
- Record Label Contracts Explained - What a Curb deal contains
- How to Get a Record Deal in 2026 - Building a country or Christian music profile
- Tour Revenue Calculator - Touring income for country artists
- Big Machine Records - A related Nashville label
- Curb Records Official Site - Roster and news
