NASHVILLE, TN – September 3, 2008 –Joey+Rory, along with Grammy-award winning producer Carl Jackson, have put the finishing touches on their debut album, The Life Of A Song, to be released by Vanguard/Sugar Hill Records on October 28th.  Having produced such greats as Alison Krauss and Merle Haggard, Jackson proved the perfect choice to help husband and wife team Rory Feek and Joey Martin create a traditional country album, seasoned with acoustic elements and equal doses of humor and sincerity.

“Working with Joey+Rory is a total joy for me,” states Jackson.  “They are the real deal, not an act simply called ‘country’ whose music contradicts that label.  What makes it even more special is that I believe the only thing they love more than a great country song is each other.” 

Joey+Rory are nothing if not authentic; The Life Of A Song might be listened to as a soundtrack to their simple country lifestyle.  The couple resides in an 1870’s farmhouse in tiny Hardison Mill TN, where Joey helps run a nearby family restaurant called Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse.  Perfectly in their element, Joey+Rory sing of scuffed cowboy boots (“Boots”), dusty rodeo arenas (“Rodeo”), and cherished vinyl records (“Sweet Emmylou”).  They beg the listener to sing or dance along (the brash and buoyant “Cheater Cheater”) before hushing the room with the lovely austerity of “Heart of the Wood.”  Even the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic “Free Bird” is putty reinvented in the hands of this pair, as adventurous as they are respectful of country music’s roots.

Together, the couple contributed their songwriting talents to seven of the album’s 12 tracks, including the lead single, “Cheater Cheater.”  Already an established songwriter and founding partner of Nashville publishing company Giantslayer Music, Rory has three #1 hits to his credit (Blake Shelton’s “Some Beach”, Clay Walker’s “The Chain of Love” and Collin Raye’s “Someone You Used To Know”), and has had cuts by Kenny Chesney, Randy Travis, Terri Clark, Mark Wills, Reba McEntire, Waylon Jennings, Lorrie Morgan, Buck Owens, John Michael Montgomery and Charlie Pride, among others. 

Joey, who performs lead vocals for the duo, is also a veteran recording artist (previously signed to Sony Records, her debut album and single were never released). The pair only started performing as a duo for the audition of CMT’s hit series Can You Duet in early 2008.  The pairing proved to be a hit with thousands of fans as well as Naomi Judd, one of the show’s judges and Joey+Rory’s most fervent supporter.  CMT is now home to Joey+Rory’s debut video for “Cheater Cheater,” currently in medium rotation.
The Life Of A Song Track Listing
1. Play the Song (Rory Feek)
2. Sweet Emmylou (Rory Feek & Catherine Britt)
3. Tonight Cowboy You’re Mine (Rory Feek, Joey Martin & Heidi Feek)
4. Cheater Cheater (Rory Feek, Joey Martin, Kristy Osmunson & Wynn Varble)
5. Rodeo (Rory Feek, Joey Martin & Cory Batten)
6. Heart of the Wood (Dan Demay & Tony Villanueva)
7. Tune of a Twenty Dollar Bill (Shawn Camp & Mark D. Sanders)
8. Loved the Hell (Rory Feek, Joey Martin & Wynn Varble)
9. Free Bird (Allen Collins & Ronald W. Vanzant)
10. Boots (Mike Ward, Touchstone McDonald & Mark Harris)
11. To Say Goodbye (Rory Feek, Joey Martin & Jamie Teachenor)
12. The Life of a Song (Patrick Jason Matthews & Rebecca Lynn Howard)

###

Debut solo album earns top 10 spot on Billboard’s all-genre Top 200 chart

August 13, 2008 – NASHVILLE, TN –(August 13, 2008)  Curb recording artist Heidi Newfield makes her solo debut at #2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart this week with her August 8th release, What Am I Waiting For.  It is the top-debuting country album of the week.  Produced by Tony Brown and featuring the top 20 hit single “Johnny and June,” the album also entered the Billboard Top 200 chart in the top 10. 

From the road in upstate New York, Newfield states, “I am so thrilled with the reaction from everyone regarding my new album!  The record was such a labor of love and I couldn’t be more proud with the result.  This is just the beginning of good music to come.”

Critics continue to applaud the album, widely considered to be a declaration of independence from the former Trick Pony frontwoman.  What Am I Waiting For was named Critic’s Choice in both People and The New York Times.  People calls it one of the year’s best country albums, speculating that the lead single “Johnny and June” does its namesakes proud; “it surely has them smiling somewhere.”  The New York Times compliments the strength of Newfield’s songwriting on tunes such as “What Am I Waiting For,” “All I Wanna Do,” and “Love Her and Lose Me,” calling it “The most impressive song…mostly a series of questions aimed at a lover walking out the door. But better than the interrogation is the tone, which is placid and certain.”

Billboard raves, “The studio marriage of Heidi Newfield and producer Tony Brown is a match made in heaven,” adding, “Once thought of simply as a chick singer for the party-hearty trio, Newfield shows on her solo debut that she’s way more.”

Country Weekly calls the album “a startlingly sensitive, fully rounded album that reveals heretofore unheard dimensions in both her personality and her talent…What Am I Waiting For is the sound of a woman walking away from the bars and exploring the world outside.”

According to The Tennessean, “What Am I Waiting For captures the essence of traditional country females such as Tammy Wynette, making for a refreshing oasis in a landscape of polished, pristine pop-country music. Unlike the images churned out on Music Row, life isn’t always airbrushed and pretty, and Newfield’s music is about accepting life, and her past, without resignation, but with responsibility and hope.”
Newfield continues to work the fair circuit in support of her new album, and will wrap up her summer on the road with Brooks & Dunn this Friday at the Illinois State Fair.  Heidi will also record an acoustic set for CMT’s 330 Sessions later this month, and her video for “Johnny and June” is currently at #13 and rising on CMT’s Top 20 Countdown.  Heidi will be featured in upcoming issues of Country Weekly, Country Standard Time, and American Country, and is also set to make appearances on Inside Music Row, News Channel 5’s Talk Of The Town and Tennessee Mornings on Fox 17. 

###

August 5, 2008 – NASHVILLE, TN – The wait is over for Heidi Newfield’s debut solo album, What Am I Waiting For, released today by Curb/Asylum Records.  Fans and critics alike are celebrating Newfield’s realization of her own unique sound, distinct from her former role as rabble-rousing Trick Pony frontwoman.  USA Today calls Heidi “No one-trick pony,” going on to declare, “Working with respected producer Tony Brown, Newfield avoids the gimmickry that marked her former band’s records.  Instead, her best songs suggest something more timeless, such as the romance in the single ‘Johnny and June.’”

Country Standard Time concurs: “On her first solo release after amiably breaking away from her band Trick Pony, Heidi Newfield throws down the gauntlet.  She kicks off What Am I Waiting For with the Randy Weeks penned ‘Can’t Let Go,’ made most famous on Williams’ Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.  It’s a rollicking good tune and an unexpected showcase for Newfield’s voice, which is muscular and lithe - but also capable of touching intimacy on a few notable tracks.”

Blender praises the album, concluding, “But the most indelible moment is saved for the end: an uproarious shout-and-response celebration of accidental pregnancy wrecking a girl’s innocence, figure and family name, revolving around a hook that turns Dionne Warwick’s ‘I’ll Never Fall in Love Again’ into a hard-rock nursery rhyme.”

Minneapolis Star-Tribune calls What Am I Waiting For “A stand-out effort, thanks to a wealth of strong tunes and an alluring ache in her gritty voice, which sounds like a cross between Stevie Nicks and the Dixie Chicks. The can’t-miss tunes range from the explosively romantic single ‘Johnny and June’ to the novelty knockout ‘Knocked Up.’”

Famous for her firecracker on-stage antics, Newfield’s unstoppable energy is being put to the test this week with CD release events in Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Houston, and Greenville, NC.  Also watch for Heidi to be featured this week on CNN Headline News, GAC Nights and On The Streets,and CMT Insider, and catch her horsing around in the current issue of Country Weekly.  Heidi will also appear in upcoming issues of People, People’s Country Music Special Issue, Billboard, and Blender.

“Johnny and June” continues to make waves in the digital world as it steadily approaches Top 20 at country radio.  This week, the single is a top 5 country download on Soundscan’s all-genre Top 200 digital chart.  “Johnny and June” is also currently a #3 ringtone, #3 at iTunes and Walmart, #6 Big Champagne and #11 on Myspace.

TOUR DATES
August 5/Philadelphia, PA/Prospectors - Album Release Party
August 6/Minneapolis, MN/The Cabooze - Album Release Party
August 7/Houston, TX/Texas Tumbleweeds - Album Release Party
August 8/Greenville, NC/Walmart
August 9/Schafferstown, PA/Firemans Grounds
August 13/Altamont, NY /The Altamont Fair
August 15/Springfield, IL /IL State Fair (with Brooks and Dunn)
August 16/Muskegon, MI/Radio Event
August 17/Milwaukee, WI/Milwaukee AlaCarte at the Zoo 
August 30/Tulelake, CA/Tulelake-Butte Valley Fairground
September 1/Denver, CO/Civic Center Park
September 6 /Louisa, KY/Septemberfest
September 10 /Allegan, MI/Allegan County Fair
October 4/Aurora, IN/Aurora Farms Fair

www.heidinewfield.com
www.myspace.com/heidinewfield

###

Debut single “Cheater Cheater” coming soon

NASHVILLE – July 28, 2008 – Vanguard/Sugar Hill Records is proud to announce the addition of Joey+Rory to their venerable roster.  The duo is currently in the studio with Grammy Award-winning producer Carl Jackson finishing their debut album, expected for a fall 2008 release.   Joey+Rory’s first single, “Cheater Cheater,” which they premiered on this spring’s hit CMT show, Can You Duet, is coming soon to country radio.  The couple recently shot the “Cheater Cheater” video, directed by Peter Zavadil, at their 1870’s farmhouse in tiny Pottsville, TN, where Joey also runs a restaurant/café called Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse.

Kevin Welk, president of Welk Music Group states, “We are thrilled to have Joey and Rory as a part of the Welk Music family- we feel like their talent and integrity are a great fit with our roster. We look forward to bringing an album to fans who saw them on Can You Duet as well as introducing them to a wider audience.”

Rory Feek of Joey+Rory adds, “Joey and I are thrilled to be working with Kevin and his great team at Vanguard/Sugar Hill.  This opportunity is perfect for us, because they’re so in tune with our independent approach to making and presenting music.  We’re excited about joining such a respected roster of artists, and being able to take the shot we want to take.”

While Rory had met with considerable success individually as songwriter, the husband and wife only recently teamed up musically to audition for CMT’s Can You Duet.  The audience’s response to the couple’s natural presence, vocal style, and the romance they bring to traditional country music was overwhelming.  Joey+Rory were finalists on Can You Duet, and their rendition of “Cheater Cheater” on the show has generated huge fan response and garnered significant views on CMT and YouTube since the finale of the show.

###

CONTACT:
Wortman Works Media & Marketing
Liz Jungers
ljungers@wortmanworks.com
615.340.9675

Sugar Hill Records
Donica Christensen
donicac@sugarhillrecords.com
615.297.6890

Excitement builds for August 5th release of Curb/Asylum album What Am I Waiting For
July 18, 2008 – NASHVILLE, TN - “Johnny & June,” the lead single from Curb/Asylum recording artist Heidi Newfield’s forthcoming August 5th release, What Am I Waiting For, is meeting with enormous digital success as it approaches the Top 20 at country radio.  This week, the single is up 69% over last week, landing it inside the top 100 of Soundscan’s all-genre digital chart.  “Johnny & June” is also the #7 country song on Soundscan’s digital chart and the #4 country ringtone according to Ringscan.

Benson Curb, vice president of sales at Curb Records, states “The Heidi Newfield song ‘Johnny & June’ digital and ringtone sales are off to an unbelievable start.  The sales indicators are telling us we have a big hit on our hands.  The excitement for this artist coming out of retail and digital providers has been amazing.”

The country music community echoes this excitement.  John Rich states, “I’ve been friends with Heidi for many years, and she has always impressed me with her passion for country music and her natural ability to rock the socks off of the crowd every time! She is a real honky tonker, and a truly loved artist by the fans. ‘Johnny and June’ slays me.”

Taylor Swift blogged about the song after this year’s ACM Awards, writing, “I got to see Heidi Newfield, who sings one of my FAVORITE songs out right now, ‘Johnny and June.’  I have a total song crush on that song.  Brilliantly written.”

Big Kenny concurs.  “Wow, Heidi sounds like a smash to me!  I love how the chorus lifts so beautifully and I am truly inspired by a love story as classic as Johnny and June Cash.  It’s real.” 

As this excitement continues to build, Newfield has kicked into high gear to promote the album launch on August 5th.  Her new video, “Johnny & June” has been added into Heavy rotation at CMT and is Turbo at GAC.  The video is also available for viewing here (Quicktime) or here (Windows).  Heidi will discuss the video and more on her GAC Nights appearance August 4th at 10:00pm. 

This week, Heidi was shot with the all-new Chevrolet Traverse for the 2009 Chevy Country Music Calendar, and she made her televised Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, July 12th on GAC’s Opry Live.  Also watch for Heidi in upcoming issues of Billboard, Blender, Country Weekly, People Magazine’s Country Special Issue, and more.  She continues to tour with Brooks & Dunn, while heading to the West Coast next week for select solo dates. On Tuesday, July 22nd the Healdsburg, CA native will make her first home turf appearance since launching her solo career at the Sonoma County Fair before heading on to San Jose and Bakersfield.

###

Lead single “Johnny & June” is top 20 at iTunes

NASHVILLE, TN – June 18, 2008 – Curb/Asylum Records will release the debut solo album from Heidi Newfield on August 5th.  What Am I Waiting For features the lead single “Johnny & June,” co-written by Newfield along with Stephony Smith and Deanna Bryant.  Currently sitting at #28 on Mediabase and #31 on R&R, the single’s true smash potential is demonstrated online, where it boasts a 3.28 download to spin ratio, with a 20% increase this week over last.  “Johnny & June” is #16 on iTunes’ Top Country Songs Chart, and Newfield is a top 5 New Artist at iTunes—all without the benefit of a video in release.  The video for “Johnny & June,” by director Eric Welch, will be shot in Nashville next week.

Produced by Tony Brown, What Am I Waiting For showcases Newfield’s immense songwriting talent and vocal range.  “Heidi is one of those artists with a very distinctive voice,” states Brown.  Not only is she a fine writer, she has a keen sense for great songs. She exhibits strong style, charisma, and experience that shine through on her SMASH first single from her STELLAR first solo project.”

On Friday, June 27, Heidi will perform on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time ever as a solo artist.  Throughout summer 2008 she continues to open tour dates for Brooks & Dunn, while headlining select shows across the United States.  Newfield also appears in recent issues of Billboard and Country Weekly, and will perform her single, “Johnny & June,” on Crooke & Chase this week, airing on RFD-TV Thursday, June 19th at 8pm CT and again this Saturday at 6pm CT.

What Am I Waiting For Track Listing:
1. Can’t Let Go (Randy Weeks)
2. When Tears Fall Down (Heidi Newfield, Al Anderson, Leslie Satcher)
3. Johnny & June (Heidi Newfield, Deanna Bryant, Stephony Smith)
4. What Am I Waiting For (Heidi Newfield, Ira Dean, Keith Burns, Jeffrey Steele)
5. Love Her And Lose Me (Heidi Newfield, Dale Dodson, Dean Dillon)
6. Cry Cry (Til The Sun Shines) (Hillary Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, Chris Lindsey, Marv Green)
7. Wreck You (Lori McKenna, Felix McTeague)
8. Nothin’ Burns Like A Memory (Heidi Newfield, Ira Dean, Eric Silver)
9. All I Wanna Do (Heidi Newfield, Al Anderson)
10. Knocked Up (Angaleena Presley, Mark Sanders)

###

Maureen McCormick with the help of her GONE COUNTRY housemates Bobby Brown and Carnie Wilson Attempt to Run a Southern Bed and Breakfast

Production is Currently Underway; Series Premieres in August 2008

NASHVILLE – June 9, 2008 – Popular GONE COUNTRY cast mates, Maureen McCormick, Bobby Brown and Carnie Wilson are heading south again in the new eight-episode CMT reality series, OUTSIDER’S INN.  Premiering Friday, August 15, OUTSIDER’S INN documents the toils and troubles that ensue when McCormick makes the unlikely decision to run a bed and breakfast in rural east Tennessee, and enlists the help of Brown and Wilson.  Production is currently underway in Newport, Tenn.

OUTSIDER’S INN begins when McCormick stumbles upon an inn that overlooks the Great Smoky Mountains and decides to lease it with the option to buy.  Upon realizing the gravity of this undertaking, McCormick brings in Brown and Wilson to assist her in this new endeavor.  Each cast mate takes over a specific duty within the inn: McCormick takes over management of the Inn and property; Brown becomes entertainment director; and Wilson assumes the role of master chef.  Without much time to settle into their roles, guests start checking in and each episode features new eclectic houseguests, as well as new problems for the trio to tackle.  

OUTSIDER’S INN is executive produced by David Garfinkle and Jay Renfroe of Renegade 83 Productions.  Claire McCabe, Bob Kusbit and John Hamlin serve as executive producers for CMT.

Visit CMT’s press-only Web site www.cmtpress.com for more information and downloadable photos on all of CMT’s programming.

CMT, a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 87 million homes in the U.S.  CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand.  The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD. 

#        #        #

CMT PRESS CONTACT:
Natasha Powell                                     615.335.8412    

NASHVILLE, TN – May 28, 2008 – Texas musician Cory Morrow is celebrating a successful first week for his latest album, Vagrants & Kings, which was released May 20th by Sustain Records, a division of Universal Music Group.  The album, his ninth, debuted at #1 on Soundscan’s all-genre New Artist South Central chart and on Billboard’s Top Current Country Albums chart at #45.  Morrow also peaked at #7 on the iTunes Top Country Album chart, and including pre-sales, he has been in the top 5 albums for three weeks running at www.lonestarmusic.com. 

Following-up the 2007 collection Ten Years, Vagrants & Kings is Morrow’s first body of all-new work in three years.  In addition to co-producing the CD along with Steve Cargill, Morrow wrote or co-wrote each of the 10 songs on the album, including the uplifting lead single, “He Carries Me.”  The accompanying video has just been added at CMT Pure as well as online at CMT.  Also look for Cory to appear on the current cover of Best In Texas, as well as in American Songwriter, Buddy: The Original Texas Music Magazine, Texas Music Magazine, Country Standard Time and more.  On June 6th, Morrow will be a featured performer on the Chevy Stage at CMA Music Festival in Nashville.
A cohort of Pat Green’s and a veritable road warrior, Morrow has built a fiercely loyal fan base throughout the Texas region, playing over 150 shows a year.  In recent years, he has won multiple Gruene With Envy Music Awards, including Songwriter Of The Year, Record Of The Year for “Nothing Left To Hide” and Song Of The Year for “Beat Of Your Heart” in 2006.  Morrow has also been featured on Austin City Limits as well as the main stage of the Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo.

###

NASHVILLE, TN – May 20, 2008 – A fixture on the Texas music scene for over ten years, Cory Morrow releases his ninth album, Vagrants & Kings, today.  Following-up the 2007 collection Ten Years, Vagrants & Kings is Morrow’s first body of all-new work in three years, and his first studio album to be released by independent Texas label Sustain Records, a division of Universal Music Group.  In one early review, Texas music site Galleywinter.com declares “Cory Morrow is back.  The fun has returned to his style, the passion is back in his vocals, and the writing is better than it has ever been…This album is a showcase of a man and artist who has stared the devil in the face in all phases of his life and come out better on the other side.”
In addition to co-producing the CD along with Steve Cargill, Morrow wrote or co-wrote each of the 10 songs on the album, calling the result a “snapshot” of his life.  “He Carries Me,” the uplifting lead single that Morrow co-wrote with frequent collaborators Walt Wilkins and Liz Rose, is moving up the charts, and the video, directed by Jim Shea and shot on location in Marfa, Texas, is soon to be released. 
This week, Morrow makes the rounds on Texas television, with interviews and performances on Good Day Austin, Good Day Dallas, Good Morning Texas, and San Antonio Living.  Also look for Cory on the current cover of Best In Texas, as well as in American Songwriter, Buddy: The Original Texas Music Magazine, Texas Music Magazine and more.  On June 6th, Morrow will be a featured performer on the Chevy Stage at CMA Music Festival in Nashville.
A cohort of Pat Green’s and a veritable road warrior, Morrow has built a fiercely loyal fan base throughout the Texas region, playing over 150 shows a year.  In recent years, he has won multiple Gruene With Envy Music Awards, including Songwriter Of The Year, Record Of The Year for “Nothing Left To Hide” and Song Of The Year for “Beat Of Your Heart” in 2006.  Morrow has also been featured on Austin City Limits as well as the main stage of the Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo.
Vagrants & Kings Track Listing:
1. He Carries Me (Cory Morrow/Walt Wilkins/Liz Rose)
2. I Can Wait (Cory Morrow)
3. All Said And Done (Cory Morrow/Walt Wilkins/Lee Brice/Doug Johnson)
4. Love Finds Everyone (Cory Morrow/Walt Wilkins/Lee Brice/Doug Johnson)
5. Lord, You Devil (Cory Morrow/Radney Foster)
6. Gettin’ Ready To Rain (Cory Morrow/Liz Rose)
7. My Baby And Me (Cory Morrow/Keith Gallis/Chris Hennessee)
8. Ten Mile Road (Cory Morrow/Kent Agee/Gary Lloyd)
9. Radiates (Cory Morrow)
10. Worth It (Cory Morrow/Walt Wilkins)

###

Phil celebrates a successful album release for Prayer of a Common Man, performs at the White House, and honors Mother’s Day on the radio – All in one week

NASHVILLE, TN (May 6, 2008) – Universal Records South recording artist Phil Vassar performed on the South Lawn of the White House yesterday in a ceremony  honoring  the six recipients of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and in celebration of military spouses across the country.   Phil was honored to sing our National Anthem to commence the ceremony and the president’s speech.   Phil and his band then entertained the admirable crowd with 3 of his own songs.  This once in a lifetime opportunity came on the heels of the release Phil’s 4th studio album Prayer of a Common Man, out on April 22.  Phil’s current single, “Love is a Beautiful Thing,” has just reached number 1 on the Music Row chart.  The album, Prayer of a Common Man, garnered much attention its first week in stores and came in as the number three record on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and in the top 10 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart.  Phil also has his very own television special which aired on GAC entitled “Origins:  Phil Vassar  - Prayer of a Common Man.” 

To finish off this week of celebration, Phil is honoring Mother’s Day by co-hosting this upcoming Mother’s Day weekend edition of Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton.  Phil even brought his mom along in honor of the special day.  Be sure to tune in to Country Countdown USA this weekend to catch Phil and his mom.

PHOTO: Country recording artist Phil Vassar sings the national anthem Tuesday, May 6, 2008, during Military Spouse Day celebration on the South Lawn of the White House. White House photo by Chris Greenberg

###

John Rich Returns as Host with a Cast that Includes Sebastian Bach, Irene Cara, Mikalah Gordon, Jermaine Jackson, Chris Kirkpatrick, Lorenzo Lamas and Sean Young Who Are All Vying for a Chance at Releasing Their Country Single

Production is Currently Underway in Nashville

NASHVILLE – May 6, 2007 – CMT’s highest rated series ever, GONE COUNTRY, returns with Nashville hitmaker, John Rich, as host for a second season of antics with a brand new cast of characters who are each vying for a chance at country success.  GONE COUNTRY 2 will take seven new celebrities from every realm of the entertainment industries and immerse them in all things country for a chance to break out as a country star.  Production for GONE COUNTRY 2, which will premiere in August 2008, is currently underway in Nashville. 

The cast for GONE COUNTRY 2 includes:
•         Sebastian Bach – singer, songwriter, Broadway actor; former lead singer of Skid Row
•         Irene Cara – GRAMMY® and Academy Award® winning singer, songwriter; actress, “Fame”
•         Mikalah Gordon – singer, host, actress; 2005 “American Idol” finalist
•         Jermaine Jackson – television personality, former lead singer of The Jackson 5
•         Chris Kirkpatrick – television personality, music producer, member of *NSYNC
•         Lorenzo Lamas – musical theater actor; actor “Renegade” and “Falcon Crest”
•         Sean Young – actress, “Blade Runner” and ”Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”

This season, the competition is more intense as Rich enlists more help from his Nashville friends to put these seven country music-driven celebrities to the test during this two-week challenge.  Each celebrity will again be paired two of Nashville’s finest songwriters with whom they write a country single.  In addition to meeting with songwriters, in each episode the cast will compete in challenges that test them musically and physically to adapt to a life in country music, both on and off the stage.  At the end of the two weeks, the artist that is most prepared to impress a country audience, as determined by Rich, will record and release their single to country radio.

GONE COUNTRY is executive produced by David Garfinkle and Jay Renfroe of Renegade 83 Productions.  Marc Oswald serves as executive producer.  Melanie Moreau and Bob Kusbit serve as executive producers for CMT.

Visit CMT’s press-only Web site www.cmtpress.com for more information and downloadable photos on all of CMT’s programming.

CMT, a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 87 million homes in the U.S.  CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand.  The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD. 
 

#        #        #

CMT PRESS CONTACT:
Natasha Powell    615.335.8412                        natasha.powell@cmt.com

Douglas to perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 3rd

NASHVILLE, TN – April 28, 2008 – With the recent release of his new DVD, Songs & Short Stories, Tom Douglas reveals the songwriter’s perspective on some of the biggest country hits of the last two decades.  Since penning his first #1 hit in 1994, (the CMA Song of the Year-nominated “Little Rock” by Collin Raye), Douglas has gone on to write for Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn, Bucky Covington, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Randy Travis, Lee Ann Womack, Trisha Yearwood and others.  Available exclusively at www.tomdouglasmusic.com, the DVD not only provides a glimpse into the heart of Douglas’s greatest songs, but also serves as a powerful learning tool for aspiring songwriters. 

Look for Douglas in the March/April issue of American Songwriter, as well as in the June issue of Performing Songwriter.  Also upcoming is Tom’s live performance at the Country Music Hall Of Fame this Saturday, May 3rd at noon as part of the Songwriter Session series.   American Songwriter praises Douglas’ stripped-down acoustic performances, stating, “His raw vocals are the perfect conduit for the emotionally charged sonic portraits.  The McBride-covered ‘God’s Will’ and McGraw’s ‘Grown Men Don’t Cry’ shimmer even brighter in their original form.”

Douglas’ songwriting career continues to thrive.  He co-wrote Randy Travis’ new single, “Faith In You,” from his forthcoming album Around The Bend—his first country release in eight years.  Douglas is also credited with three tunes on Phil Vassar’s just-released album Prayer Of A Common Man, including the title track.  This October, Tom’s first children’s book, My Little Girl, will be published by Thomas Nelson’s Children’s Division.   The book was co-written with Tim McGraw and features a forward by Faith Hill.  Inspired by the top 3 hit of the same name, My Little Girl tells the story of Dad, his daughter, and their big white dog who set out to spend an ordinary-turned-extraordinary day together. 

Songs & Short Stories Track Listing:
1.       Two Are Better Than One (Jim Daddario/Tom Douglas)
2.       Something Worth Leaving Behind (Brett Beavers/Tom Douglas)
3.       Little Rock (Tom Douglas)
4.       Grown Men Don’t Cry (Steve Seskin/Tom Douglas)
5.       Love’s The Only House (Buzz Cason/Tom Douglas)
6.       God’s Will (Barry Dean/Tom Douglas)
7.       My Little Girl (Tim McGraw/Tom Douglas)

###

NASHVILLE, TN - April 28, 2008 - Nashville Lifestyles and Sumner Lifestyles will host the first annual Memorial Marina Kickoff at Anchor High Marina on Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville on Thursday, May 22nd.  In addition to kicking-off summer with cool cocktails, live music, and light cuisine at one of middle Tennessee’s most beautiful marinas, this event will celebrate the first year of publication for Sumner Lifestyles. 

The Tennessee Jazz & Blues Society will provide live entertainment, with Moe Denham set to headline the event.  A Nashville local, Denham enjoys a worldwide reputation as one of the foremost practitioners of the Hammond B-3 organ and the B-3 “sound.”  Over the course of his career, Denham has opened for Ray Charles, B.B. King, The Guess Who, John Lee Hooker, Gregg Allman, George Thorogood, Bela Fleck, and many more, and has toured with Dick Clark Caravan of Stars, Tony Joe White, Richard “Groove” Holmes, and Grammy winner Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. 

Anchor High Marina is home to popular Hendersonville gathering place Anchor High Grill, and offers boat storage, service, and sales.  The marina is owned by Hendersonville natives Mitch Miller and Justin Miller, a father-and-son team who bought the marina two years ago.  “We’re happy to be partnering with Nashville Lifestyles for what is sure to be a great kick-off to the season, and to help Sumner Lifestyles celebrate the one-year milestone,” states Mitch Miller.  “We hope this event will attract folks from the surrounding Nashville area, and show them what the Hendersonville way of life is all about.”
The event is sponsored by Grey Goose vodka, Hummer automotive, and Wortman Works Media & Marketing.  Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available in travel, real estate, luxury goods, and various other categories.  Two levels of sponsor packages are currently being offered, which include advertisement space in Nashville Lifestyles and Sumner Lifestyles, logos to appear on event advertising, and radio spot tags.  At the Platinum sponsorship level, benefits also include social coverage in Nashville Lifestyles and Sumner Lifestyles and well as banners and display opportunities on-site at the Memorial Marina Kick-off.

WHAT: Celebrate the start of summer at the Memorial Marina Kick-off
WHEN: Thursday, May 22nd from 4-7pm
WHERE: Anchor High Marina, 128 River Road, Hendersonville, TN 37075
TICKETS: Tickets are $15 and include a complimentary cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, and live music

###

For sponsorship opportunities, contact:
January Alexander
Nashville Lifestyles
615.604.8571
jalexander@nashvillelifetyles.com

Phil tops off his release week with a Clear Channel Contest and Multiple TV Appearances

Nashville, TN (April 22, 2008) – Universal Records South’s Phil Vassar releases Prayer of a Common Man today, April 22, 2008.  Produced by Mark Wright, Prayer of a Common Man is Phil’s 5th studio album and his 1st for Universal Records South and proves his newfound creative freedom as an artist.  “Love is a Beautiful Thing” is Phil’s current single off the new album and is number 5 on the country charts.  The video for this single features real life wedding photos of thousands of Phil’s loyal fans and can been seen now on GAC and CMT.  Phil is also the subject for an upcoming GAC TV Special, “Origins:  Phil Vassar  - Prayer of a Common Man,” which airs on May 3.
Prayer of a Common Man has garnered much excitement already.  The Chicago Tribune states, “it sounds as though he’s finally kept the best stuff for himself after years of giving too many of his endless hits away to other artists.”  Wal-Mart.com claims that “Vassar and co-producer Mark Wright have assembled a gleaming collection of rock leaning songs that are among the best of the singer/songwriter’s career.”   Phil has also been hard at work promoting this new album and can be seen on upcoming appearances on “Unplugged at Studio 330” on CMT.com, CNN’s “To The Top” and “Road Warriors” series, CNN personality Robin Meade’s Podcast and “Morning Express,” Fox News’ “ Fox & Friends,”  AOL  Sessions, and the coveted Grand Ole Opry Live on GAC  the same day as his GAC Origins special.  Read more about the release in upcoming issues of People Magazine, OK! Magazine, Country Weekly, USA Today , The Tennessean and more.  

To top off his release week, Phil has also partnered with Clear Channel, encouraging fans to enter to win by sending in their favorite wedding picture to be used in a Clear Channel Exclusive Phil Vassar “Love is a Beautiful Thing” Video.  The grand prize-winning couple will receive 2 roundtrip airfares, 2 night hotel accommodations and ground transportation to attend a Phil Vassar concert and even get to sit on stage with Phil while he sings “Love is a Beautiful Thing.”  The concert audience will also get to view the winning video during Phil’s performance.   Chosen winners will receive a personal DVD copy of the finished video.  Ten runner-up couples will receive a Phil Vassar Prize Pack including CDs, T-shirts, and more.  The contest runs from April 22-May 6.  Visit your local Clear Channel station website to enter.

###

Track Listing – Prayer of a Common Man
This is My Life
Around Here Somewhere
My Chevrolet
Love is a Beautiful Thing
Prayer of a Common Man
I Would
Why Don’t Ya?
It’s Only Love
Let Me Love You Tonight
Baby Rocks
The World is a Mess
Crazy Life

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 17, 2008) – Performing in-the-round before an audience hanging on to  his every word and move,  Phil Vassar tells his listeners, “I cut my first two records at Ocean Way Studios and I’ve always wanted to come back and perform a concert here.  I’m just so happy GAC let us do this.”

Ocean Way studios, a significant destination on Phil Vassar’s road map on the path to stardom is merely one of the places Great American Country (GAC) and the country star travel to during the May 3 (9 pm ET) premiere episode of the network’s new [insert number]-part series Origins, a show exploring the events and relationships that transpired before some of country music’s more well-known artists began their careers in the music industry.

Origins: Phil Vassar- Prayer of a Common Man, follows country’s leading piano man back to his roots in Lynchburg, VA.  Back home, Vassar returns to his childhood home- 419 Lakewood, a location he writes about in his hit “American Child.”  As he walks around the town he recounts the hometown memories that were inspirations for his songs: his hard-working father (“Prayer of a Common Man”), a song inspired by Cindy Crawford and a fellow female classmate (“Carlene”), his high school buddies and their cars (“My Chevrolet”), and much more.  As an added bonus, Vassar’s Origins episode includes an exclusive concert performance taped at Nashville’s Ocean Way Studios, another historic landmark in the singer’s career.

His renditions of classic up-tempo numbers “Carlene” and “In A Real Love” move the crowd to their feet.  New material from his first album released on Universal Records South, Prayer of A Common Man, including the current NO.  6 single “Love Is A Beautiful Thing,” “I Would,” “Let Me Love You Tonight” and “Crazy Life” demonstrate the talents of Vassar’s songwriting to turn his real-life accounts into believable fictional scenarios.

“Even though many of the songs I write are fiction, they are historical fiction because they are based upon real emotional sparks– if only a small one — from a long, long time ago,” explains Vassar. “I wrote “Crazy Life” about 14 years ago and I put it on the new album as the last song.  It just seemed like where I am and what I feel right now.”

For more information on GAC’s original series Origins, visit www.gactv.com. 

About Great American Country
Great American Country is the leader in country music entertainment. GAC delivers to viewers the widest variety of country music, its artists and the lifestyles they influence. GAC broadcasts original country music programming, country music performance specials, live concerts, music videos, and is the exclusive television home of the Grand Ole Opry. GAC is available in more than 52 million households and online at http://www.GACTV.com.

# # #

Watson’s 8th Album Ranks Number 4 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart

NASHVILLE, TN – April 10, 2008 - Country artist Aaron Watson is celebrating an impressive first week for his April 1 release, Angels & Outlaws, his 8th album under his independent banner of BIG Label Records.   Angels & Outlaws ranked an impressive #4 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and came in at #28 on their current country chart.  The album also makes debuts on the Independent Overall Chart and Billboard Top 200.  Aaron also had the number 2 best selling album nationally of any genre for all of Hastings’ 138 retail locations, second only to the king himself, George Strait.  What’s more, Angels & Outlaws was one of the top 10 best selling country albums on iTunes, now the biggest selling music platform in the US.  Upon receiving this great news Aaron exclaims, “What an incredible week!  We had a lot of fun promoting the heck out of this record and it was exciting to see so many faces at all of the in-stores.  When I got word of where we were able to be on a lot of national charts, I was just amazed that our little record label was competing on that level.  Thank you to the fans who came out to support Angels & Outlaws by buying it and for their prayers for our safe travels on the road last week.”
Produced by Aaron Watson, Sam Seifert , and Ray Benson, Angels & Outlaws is chock full of pure country sounds and proves Aaron’s uncanny knack for writing and mixing songs.  Each of the 15 songs on this much-anticipated album gives a taste of Aaron’s genius as a country musician.  The album features appearances from a few of Aaron’s talented friends including Jack Ingram, Kevin Fowler, Billy Joe Shaver, Roger Creager and Mr. Ray Benson himself. 

A down-home family man from Abilene, TX, Aaron Watson carries more than country songs in his head.  He’s full of business savvy and the work ethic to support it.  Aaron knows what it takes to be successful and the hard working man inside him does what it takes to get the job done.  Aaron makes it a point to take care of his fans and treats them like they’re his friends and family.  Aaron has worked with the talents of Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Gary Allan, Joe Nichols and more.  He continues to do what he does best, playing timeless country music and selling tens of thousands of records.  He’s Texas based, but nation bound.

Look for Aaron on the road this spring, co-headlining across Texas with Jason Boland on the “Fiddles, Steels, & 18 Wheels” tour.  You also saw Aaron grace the March 2008 cover of Best In Texas, and he was named LonestarMusic.com’s artist of the month for March 2008.

###

Most Watched CMT Event This Year
Premiere and Repeat Telecast Reach 9.1 Million Viewers

NASHVILLE – April 16, 2008 – More than 9.1 million viewers* tuned in for the premiere and repeat telecasts of the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS, which premiered live Monday, April 14 from 8:00-10:30 p.m., ET on CMT and is country music’s only fan-voted awards show.  The two-and-a-half hour show scored a 1.27 rating among P18-49 up +35% from last year, and averaged 2.8 million impressions (P2+), with 1.3 million of those falling in the key P18-49 demo.  The show is CMT’s most-watched telecast since the 2007 premiere of DALE. 

Fans cast a record 5 million votes at CMT.com to determine the night’s big winners, and projections indicate the site hit an all-time traffic high for Tuesday, April 15.

*Nielsen Media Research (cume P 2+ / 1 minute qualifier)

Visit CMT’s press-only web site www.cmtmusicawardspress.com for more information about the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS

CMT, a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 87 million homes in the U.S.  CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand.  The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD. 

###

Fans can hear and comment on songs from his forthcoming album Prayer of a Common Man

NASHVILLE, TN (April 14, 2008) - Universal Records South and Phil Vassar have teamed up with Mozes, Inc. to deliver a cutting edge mobile campaign for country artist Phil Vassar.  This mobile listening party allows fans to hear tracks from Phil’s much anticipated 5th studio album, Prayer of a Common Man, in stores on April 22.  To become part of Phil’s Mob (Mobile Club), all fans need to do is call Phil at 615-823-7929 to join. 

Fans will get to listen to the current available track and will even be able to leave Phil a message.    Phil is adding a new song every few days until the album release date on April 22 and fans will be alerted by text message when a new track becomes available.  Prayer of a Common Man was produced by the renowned Mark Wright and has garnered much excitement in Nashville.  Phil’s current single, “Love is a Beautiful Thing,” is currently number 8 on the country charts and climbing.
This Virginia-born singer/songwriter has made his mark in Nashville as an acclaimed performer and musician.  Known not only for his knack for hit songwriting, but for his compelling and highly entertaining skills on the piano, Phil has achieved a long list of Top 20 hits on country radio, including 9 #1 songs  throughout his career.  Some of Phil’s accolades include two time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, Billboard Magazine Top New Country Artist, Billboard Country Songwriter of the Year, Music Row Magazine Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and The Academy of Country Music  Top New Male Vocalist of the Year - just to name a few.   Phil has also appeared on numerous television shows throughout his career.

###

“Johnny And June” is the lead single from summer 2008 Curb/Asylum album

NASHVILLE, TN – April 8, 2008 – Heidi Newfield, possessing one of country music’s most distinctive voices, is once again impacting country radio with her debut single as a solo artist, “Johnny And June.”  Landing at #46 on the R&R chart and #50 on the Mediabase chart today, “Johnny And June” is the lead single from Newfield’s yet-to-be-titled debut solo album on Curb/Asylum Records, scheduled for a summer 2008 release.  Produced by Tony Brown, the forthcoming album showcases Newfield’s soulful, powerful vocals and immense songwriting talent.  “With Heidi, we knew the first [single] was going to set the bar for what radio thinks about her going solo.  We knew it had to be undeniable, and that’s what it became,” states Brown. 
As a songwriter, Newfield is credited on 6 of the album’s 10 songs, including “Johnny And June,” which she co-wrote with Stephony Smith and Deanna Bryant.   “I have always loved Heidi’s voice and when we wrote ‘Johnny & June,’ I totally flipped out over how that voice sounded with this song!  I thought it was a match made in heaven,” states Bryant.  “This was special from the get-go for me, and I can’t tell you how excited I was as a songwriter to be a part of that.  It is what a songwriter’s dreams are made of.” 
A true performer with an explosive stage persona, Newfield is set to kick off her first-ever solo tour with an appearance at Country Thunder in Florence, Arizona on April 20th.  She will also play Tampa on April 26th as well as Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on April 27th as part of the 10th annual “Jammin’ to Beat The Blues” concert benefitting the Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee.  The forthcoming album and tour marks Newfield’s first foray into solo territory since her departure from Trick Pony, the platinum-selling band that earned four top 20 singles, an ACM Best New Artist award, and an army of fans for their rabble-rousing honky-tonk brand of country music. 

###

Click here to read Jules’ column in Sumner County Lifestyles.

Click here to check out travel tips from Jules!

In conjunction with the release of his new album, Phil’s also giving away a Yamaha piano to one lucky winner
 
NASHVILLE, TN- April 1, 2008 - Just two weeks before the much anticipated April 22 release of Phil Vassar’s fifth studio album Prayer of a Common Man, his new single, “Love is a Beautiful Thing,” has reached the number 8 spot on the country charts.   This inspiring love song, written by friends Craig Wiseman and Jeffrey Steele, has steadily climbed the country charts for a number of weeks finally reaching the number 8 slot in perfect timing for the April 22 release of Prayer of a Common Man.  Catch the accompanying video of “Love is a Beautiful Thing” right now on GAC and CMT where it’s currently coming in at number 7 on CMT Pure.  Phil’s fifth studio album and first with Universal Records South, Prayer of a Common Man was produced by the renowned Mark Wright and while portraying moments of Phil’s real life, this album also shows Phil’s growth and newfound freedom as an artist.

Phil also has a few other things to cheer about.  In conjunction with the release of his new album, Phil is also giving away a brand new Yamaha piano!  The Yamaha piano will be delivered right to the winner’s door.  All prospective winners must be at least 18 years old to enter.  Visit Phil’s official website for more details and the entry form http://www.philvassar.com/.  While browsing Phil’s website, be sure to pre-order a one-time, limited edition, exclusive t-shirt unavailable anywhere else.

This Virginia-born singer/songwriter has made his mark in Nashville as an acclaimed performer and musician.  Known not only for his knack for hit songwriting, but for his compelling and highly entertaining skills on the piano, Phil has achieved a long list of Top 20 hits on country radio, including 9 #1 songs  throughout his career.  Some of Phil’s accolades include two time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, Billboard Magazine Top New Country Artist, Billboard Country Songwriter of the Year, Music Row Magazine Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and The Academy of Country Music  Top New Male Vocalist of the Year - just to name a few.   Phil has also appeared on numerous television shows throughout his career. 

###

Aaron’s 8th album under his own independent banner is garnering excitement
 
NASHVILLE, TN- April 1, 2008 –Country artist Aaron Watson is pleased to announce the release of his 8th album Angels & Outlaws.  Released today, April 1 under Aaron’s own independent banner BIG Label Records, the album features his current single “Hearts Are Breaking Across Texas,” which is scaling up the Texas music charts.  Produced by Aaron Watson, Sam Seifert , and Ray Benson,  Angels & Outlaws is chock full of pure country sounds and proves Aaron’s uncanny knack for writing and mixing songs.  Each of the 15 songs on this much-anticipated album give a taste of Aaron’s genius as a country musician.  The album features appearances from a few of Aaron’s talented friends including Jack Ingram, Kevin Fowler, Billy Joe Shaver, Roger Creager and Mr. Ray Benson himself, who says “Aaron Watson is THE brightest star on the Texas horizon and his appeal will go far beyond Texas’ borders with his new release, Angels & Outlaws.”    

A down-home family man from Abilene, TX, Aaron Watson carries more than country songs in his head.  He’s full of business savvy and the work ethic to support it.  Aaron knows what it takes to be successful and the hard working man inside him does what it takes to get the job done.  Aaron makes it a point to take care of his fans and treats them like they’re his friends and family.  Aaron has worked with the talents of Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Gary Allan, Joe Nichols and more.  He continues to do what he does best, playing timeless country music and selling tens of thousands of records.  He’s Texas based, but nation bound.

Look for Aaron on the road this spring, co-headlining across Texas with Jason Boland on the “Fiddles, Steels, & 18 Wheels” tour.  You also saw Aaron grace the March 2008 cover of Best In Texas, and he was named LonestarMusic.com’s artist of the month for March 2008.

Track Listing – Angels & Outlaws

Tulsa

Whiskey on the Fire

Wake Up And Smell The Coffee

The Heart Of Life

Love Makin’ Song

Breaker Breaker One Nine

Can’t Be A Cowboy Forever

Rollercoaster Ride

Hearts Are Breaking Across Texas

Angels & Outlaws

Sweet Contradiction

Dancin’ Shoes

Philippians 3:12-14

Barbed Wire Halo

That’s What I Like About A Country Song

###

Pictured: Larry Leibowitz, EVP, NYSE Euronext and Phil Vassar

NEW YORK, NY - March 27, 2008 - Phil Vassar celebrated the upcoming release of his fifth studio album, Prayer Of A Common Man, with a visit to the New York Stock Exchange this morning.  The album, fueled by the new top 10 single, “Love Is A Beautiful Thing,” will be released April 22 by Universal Records South.  It was indeed a beautiful thing as Vassar, appearing as a spokesperson for GM Chevy, had the honor of ringing the opening bell to kick off the start of the March 27 trading day.

###

NASHVILLE, TN - March 26, 2008 - Phil Vassar has been invited to ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, March 27th, celebrating the launch of his fifth studio album, Prayer Of A Common Man, to be released April 22nd by Universal Records South.  Phil will appear as a GM Chevy spokesperson.  The bell ringing takes place at 9:25am ET/8:25am CT, and will be broadcast live on Bloomberg Television, CNBC, CNN, CNN Headline News, Fox News, and the NYSE homepage, http://www.nyse.com/.

Tomorrow evening, Vassar will play a special acoustic show for New Yorkers at the Highline Ballroom.  The performance will showcase his high-energy, highly entertaining antics on the piano, as well as his knack for hit songwriting.   As a songwriter and artist, Phil has nine #1 hits to his credit, and is a two-time ASCAP Songwriter Of The Year.  His latest single, “Love Is A Beautiful Thing,” has just cracked the top 10 at radio, and the video, which features real-life wedding photos sent in by thousands of Vassar’s loyal fans, can now be seen on CMT, CMT.com, and GAC.

  ###