Our story
A Texas company, empowering independent artists and labels since 1998.
1998: The Idea
Rick Smith Sr. was a Fort Worth native and a seasoned music executive, and he saw something the rest of the industry was missing. Many of country music’s most iconic artists were between record deals, yet they were still selling out venues night after night. He wanted to preserve those nights and give fans something lasting: a definitive live recording of an artist’s best songs in one set.
The World’s Largest Honky Tonk
He took the idea to Billy Minick at Billy Bob’s Texas. As the story goes, Minick agreed on one condition: Rick needed a pair of Wranglers and some cowboy boots. They outfitted the venue with professional recording gear, and on December 4 the first Live at Billy Bob’s Texas® session was recorded, with a second on New Year’s Eve.
Over the years, the series Rick created captured country legends, Red Dirt favorites and Texas rock acts in front of a live crowd.
2004: Carrying It On
Rick Sr. passed away that year. The company stayed in the family and kept going. The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame honors his legacy with the Rick Smith Spirit of Texas Award.
Bigger Stages
The music outgrew one room. We helped curate and promote concerts and events around Texas, including Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic, Cross Canadian Ragweed’s Red Dirt Roundup, Stoney’s Party in the Pines, and the Stockyards Stampede.
Built for Digital
Our digital work started in 2004, when we put our catalog on iTunes. As the business moved to streaming, we built our own tools: the Smith Music portal for distribution and a dedicated royalty system for royalty accounting and analytics. That means a route to the major streaming and download services, your music still yours, and a clear view of your money.
Today: The Next Generation
Rick Sr.’s son, Ricky Smith, now leads the company into its next era. Our work is distribution and publishing administration for a curated roster of independent artists, labels, and songwriters, and we’re still the preferred label for Live at Billy Bob’s Texas® releases. The idea hasn’t changed: treat the music, and the people who make it, like they matter.
Artists we've worked with
Cody Johnson · Parker McCollum · Whiskey Myers · Maren Morris · Aaron Watson · Randy Rogers Band · Josh Abbott Band · Reckless Kelly · Jason Boland & The Stragglers · Wade Bowen · Kevin Fowler · Tanner Usrey · Micky & the Motorcars · Roger Creager
Past and present clients. And a lot more since 1998.
