Word Entertainment

Word Entertainment is a Christian faith-based entertainment company based in Nashville, Tennessee, owned by Curb Records (forming Curb | Word Entertainment since 2016). Founded in 1951, Word is a leader in Contemporary Christian Music with a 60-plus year history. Its roster includes FOR KING + COUNTRY, Big Daddy Weave, We Are Messengers, Natalie Grant, Francesca Battistelli, Dan Bremnes, Skillet, Switchfoot, NEEDTOBREATHE, Sidewalk Prophets, Point of Grace, Zealand, and many more. Word is distributed by Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others) and Warner Records.

Word Entertainment has been instrumental in shaping the careers of Amy Grant, The Cathedrals, The Gaither Vocal Band, The Imperials, Rich Mullins, Sandi Patty, Petra, Russ Taff, Jaci Velasquez, Point of Grace, Mark Schultz, Nicole C. Mullen, Salvador, and Building 429. Curb acquired 100 percent of Word Entertainment in 2016, having previously obtained partial ownership alongside AOL/Time Warner in 2001. Word is a comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. The Word Label Group includes Word Records, Word Worship, and Fervent Records.

How Word Operates

Word Entertainment runs dedicated A&R within Curb Records from its Nashville headquarters. It is distributed by Word Distribution and Warner Records. The label's strength is its 60-plus year history as a leader in Contemporary Christian Music and its comprehensive entertainment company structure (publishing, merchandising, booking, online initiatives, films, church resources). Its A&R favors Christian artists across contemporary Christian music, gospel, worship, Christian pop, and Christian rock.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you make Contemporary Christian Music, gospel, worship, or Christian pop or rock, Word Entertainment is one of the most established Christian labels in the world, with a 60-plus year track record. Its roster of GRAMMY, Dove, and K-LOVE Fan Award winning artists (FOR KING + COUNTRY, Big Daddy Weave, Natalie Grant) shows it can develop artists who achieve both critical and commercial success in Christian music. Its comprehensive entertainment company structure provides publishing, merchandising, booking, and film services beyond traditional label services.

Drawbacks and Things to Consider

• Christian focus: Word signs Christian music. Artists in other genres should look elsewhere.
• No unsolicited demos: Word does not accept cold submissions.
• Curb ownership: Word is part of Curb Records, which affects deal structures.
• Comprehensive structure: Word's multi-department structure (publishing, merchandising, booking, films, church resources) means deal structures may involve multiple departments.

Related Resources

• Record Label Contracts Explained - What a Word deal contains
• How to Get a Record Deal in 2026 - Building a Christian music profile
• Tour Revenue Calculator - Touring income for Christian artists
• Curb Records - Word's parent company
• Word Entertainment Official Site - Roster and news