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.
Notable Artists and Releases
| Artist | Release | Year | Chart Performance / Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOR KING + COUNTRY | Burn the Ships (album) | 2018 | Billboard 200 #7, Top Christian Albums #1, 62,000 first-week units, RIAA Gold |
| FOR KING + COUNTRY | "God Only Knows" feat. Dolly Parton (single) | 2019 | RIAA 2x Platinum, GRAMMY Award: Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song (2020) |
| FOR KING + COUNTRY | Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong. (album) | 2014 | Billboard 200 #13, Top Christian Albums #2, RIAA Gold, GRAMMY Award: Best Contemporary Christian Music Album (2015) |
| FOR KING + COUNTRY | What Are We Waiting For? (album) | 2022 | Billboard 200 #7, Top Christian Albums #1, 32,000 first-week units |
| Big Daddy Weave | "Redeemed" (single) | 2012 | RIAA Platinum, 11 weeks at #1 Christian Airplay, K-LOVE Fan Awards Song of the Year |
| Big Daddy Weave | "I Know" (single) | 2020 | #1 Billboard Christian Airplay (6th career #1) |
| Big Daddy Weave | "Heaven Changes Everything" (single) | 2023 | #1 Christian AC Airplay (7th career #1) |
| Francesca Battistelli | "Write Your Story" (single) | 2014 | #1 Billboard Christian Airplay, GRAMMY nomination (2015) |
Videos
Deal Structures
Word Entertainment operates as a comprehensive entertainment company within Curb Records (forming Curb | Word Entertainment since 2016). Deal structures can include traditional recording contracts through the Word Label Group (Word Records, Word Worship, Fervent Records), publishing deals through Word Music Publishing, and merchandising agreements. Because Word is a multi-department company, deals may involve combinations of recording, publishing, merchandising, booking, and film rights. Distribution is handled through Word Distribution and Warner Records, providing both Christian retail and mainstream retail reach. Curb acquired 100 percent of Word Entertainment in 2016, having previously obtained partial ownership alongside AOL/Time Warner in 2001. The 25 Entertainment sublabel handles specialized releases. Artists may be signed to single-service deals (e.g., recording only) or comprehensive multi-department agreements spanning publishing, merchandising, booking, and film.
How Artists Get Signed
Word Entertainment does not accept unsolicited demos. The label runs dedicated A&R within Curb Records from its Nashville headquarters, focusing on Christian artists across contemporary Christian music, gospel, worship, Christian pop, and Christian rock. Artists are identified through A&R scouting at Christian music festivals, conferences, and church events, as well as through referrals from managers, producers, and existing Word artists. Many Word artists build independent profiles through church performance, worship leading, and independent releases before being approached. FOR KING + COUNTRY (brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone) were connected to the Christian music industry through their family (sister Rebecca St. James is also a Christian recording artist) and signed to Word after building a grassroots following. Francesca Battistelli's "Write Your Story" was released through Word Entertainment and Fervent Records after she had already established herself with prior releases. Artists with existing radio success, touring infrastructure, and a clear faith-based message have the strongest chance of being considered.
Similar Labels
- Curb Records - Word's parent company and distribution partner
- Capitol Music Group - Major label group with Christian music division
- EMPIRE Distribution - Independent label with diverse genre roster
- Concord - Independent music company with multiple label imprints
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
