investor relations

Warner/Chappell Music Re-Signs Worldwide Publishing Agreement With John Shanks

11/03/04

Warner/Chappell Music announced today it has re-signed a new publishing agreement with John Shanks, one of the music industry's most accomplished songwriters and producers and a three-time Grammy-nominee whose most recent success includes his chart-topping collaboration with Ashlee Simpson.

In making the announcement, Rick Shoemaker, president, Warner/Chappell Music said, "We are excited about continuing our relationship with John. Warner/Chappell is uniquely positioned to help John find new outlets for his music during this next chapter of his career."

Shanks produced and co-wrote Michelle Branch's 2001 hit album The Spirit Room and her 2003 album Hotel Paper. He further proved his success collaborating with Keith Urban on his 2002 album Golden Road. He and Urban co-wrote the song "Somebody Like You," a No. 1 hit on Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for six weeks in 2002. The song was also No. 1 on the R&R Country Top 50 for eight consecutive weeks.

Shanks has written songs for, and produced albums by, leading artists including Sheryl Crow, Bon Jovi, Melissa Etheridge, Fleetwood Mac and Chris Isaak. In addition, he wrote and produced 10 of the 12 songs on Ashlee Simpson's first album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard top 200 charts and Hilary Duff's new single "Fly." Currently, Shanks is working with Annie Lennox, Sting, Bon Jovi and Santana.

About Warner/Chappell Music

Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., WMG's award-winning music publishing company, has a catalog of more than one million copyrights worldwide. These range from standards like "Happy Birthday," "Rhapsody in Blue," "Winter Wonderland," and the songs of Cole Porter and George and Ira Gershwin, to the contemporary music of Madonna, Radiohead, Nickelback, Dr. Dre, Dido, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott and others. The Company is often a first stop for A&R executives and record, feature film and television producers and others who need to acquire song rights.