Country music superstar, Toby Keith, founded independent label, Show Dog Nashville in 2005. In 2001, Universal Records South was originally formed as a joint venture between Universal Music Group and music industry veterans Tim DuBois and Tony Brown; in 2007 it became a wholly owned Universal company with Mark Wright serving as President of the label.

In December 2009, Show Dog Nashville and Universal Records South merged to form Show Dog – Universal Music. Superstar Toby Keith serves as Principal of the company while Mark Wright acts as President. In January 2010, Trace Adkins joined the label as their first post-merger signee. In addition to Keith and Adkins, other artists on the roster include Joe Nichols, JT Hodges, Jessie James, Rose Falcon and Carter’s Chord. In 2011 Toby Keith released “Red Solo Cup” from his #1 album debut, “Clancy’s Tavern.” The single is the fastest selling of his career and has been certified platinum. The video for Red Solo Cup has over 10 million views on YouTube.