Jewel, Jimmy Wayne Sign to New Nashville Imprint

11/2/2007 Stephen L. Betts Pop singer Jewel, who grew up listening to country music her father was writing and performing, is among the first artists signed to the Valory Music Co., a sister label to independent Big Machine Records. "We are extremely excited to announce that we have entered into a multi-album deal with one of the most amazing female vocalists of all-time, Jewel," said Scott Borchetta, President/CEO of Big Machine Records, while announcing the official launch of the label Friday (11/2). “I grew up on a ranch in Alaska, and my favorite memories are of sitting around a camp fire with my father and listening to the songs he wrote and sang,” says Jewel, whose first single for The Valory Music Co. is scheduled for early 2008. The Valory Music Co.'s initial artist roster will also include Jimmy Wayne whose self-titled debut album has sold nearly 500,000 copies, and newcomer Justin Moore. Scott Borchetta says the label’s name was inspired by June Carter Cash. "I read that her first name was actually Valerie,” he tells Country Aircheck. “It just struck me. I went online and read the definitions of Valerie, and saw 'brave,' 'the fierce one,' 'strength,' 'valor.' I thought, 'That's it.' I just changed the name to a more masculine spelling.” Big Machine Records is home to Taylor Swift, Trisha Yearwood, Jack Ingram and Pearl Records' Garth Brooks, all of whom currently have hit singles at country radio. The label will be also be releasing a new album by Danielle Peck in early '08.