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Home , Aaron Tippin, Alabama Song, Allison Moorer, Already There, Al Downing (musician), And Still

314 performers, new face book 39 years, 1 stage

undreds of country artists have graced the New Faces stage. Some of them twice. An accounting of every one sounds like an enormous Requests Htask...until you actually do it and realize the word “enormous” doesn’t quite measure up. 3 friend requests Still, the Country Aircheck team dug in and tracked down as many as possible. We asked a few for their memories of the experience. For others, we were barely able to find biographical information. And we skipped the from his home in Nashville. for Nestea, Miller Beer, Pizza Hut and “The New Faces Show had Union 76, among others. details on artists who are still active. (If you need us to explain , all those radio people, and for instance, you’re probably reading the wrong publication.) Enjoy. I made a lot of friends. I do : native Pruett remember they had me use enjoyed a solid string of hits from the early the staff band, and I was ’70s right into the ’80s including the No. resides in Nashville, still tours and will suffering some anxiety over not being able 1 smash, “.” Pruett is based receive a star in the Hollywood Walk of to use my band.” outside of Nashville and is still active as a 1970 Fame in October, 2009. performer and as a member of the Grand Jack Barlow: He charted with Ole Opry. hits like “Baby, Ain’t That Love” Bobby Harden: Starting out with his two 1972 and “Birmingham ,” but by sisters as the pop- Harden Trio, Connie Eaton: The Nashville native started Mel Street: West Virginian Street racked the mid-’70s Barlow had become the nationally Harden cracked the country Top 50 back her country career as a teenager and hit the up a long string of hits throughout the ’70s, famous voice of Big Red chewing gum. He in 1975 with “One Step” before going on to country Top 40 with her cover of the Merilee including the classic, “Borrowed Angel,” went on to do countless jingles and voiceovers write many hits, including ’s Rush pop hit, “.” before taking his own life in 1978. for Dollar General, Bob Evans, Kraft and even “.” Harden passed away Eaton retired from the industry in the late Billy Beer. These days the native is living in 2006. He was 70. ’70s and succumbed to cancer in 1999. She in Linden, TN. was 49. 1973 Murry Kellum: The Jackson, TN native’s O.B. McClinton: He used to call himself the Jamie Kaye: Kaye was still in high school highest-charting country effort was a 1971 Jerry Foster: He charted four singles as “Chocolate Cowboy,” but the groundbreaking when she performed at New Faces. After cover of Three Dog Night’s “Joy to the an artist, but Foster’s biggest contribution African-American artist got his start as a signing with Mercury and failing to chart, World.” In 1990, the 47-year-old singer was has been his songwriting. With partner on the R&B side of the fence. she resurfaced as a member of Dave & killed in a plane crash. Bill Rice, this Hall of Fame When he appeared at New Faces, the Sugar in 1979 and left the group in late 1980. member wrote hits for countless country native was riding high with “Don’t Peggy Little: Raised in Waco, TX, Little is artists. He’s still writing and performing Let the Green Grass Fool You.” McClinton Karen Kelly: “Let Me Go, Lover” on Capitol best known for her sophomore single from in Nashville. Among the hits he wrote are died of cancer in 1987. was her only charting single, peaking in 1970. 1969, “Sweet Baby Girl.” “Here Comes the Hurt Again,” “I’ll Think of Something” and “When Your Good Love Pat Roberts: Seattle native Roberts : His biggest hit as an artist was Bill Rice: Before he teamed Was Mine.” enjoyed a Top 40 single with his debut, a 1973’s “Honky Tonk Wine,” but Kemp, who’s still up with Jerry Foster to write remake of the pop hit, “Rhythm of the Rain.” going strong, went on to become a Songwriters the long string of hits that Dicky Lee: A longtime familiar face along Hall of Fame member, writing classics including would land them both in the Music Row, Lee’s artist career took off with : Texan Rodriguez George Strait’s “The Fireman” and Johnny Songwriters Hall of Fame, melodramatic teenage love “Patches” enjoyed six No. 1 singles over the course Paycheck’s “The Only Hell (My Momma Ever Bill Rice broke through to the Top 40 with and had huge Country hits with “Rocky” and of his long career, including “Ridin’ My Raised).” He lives in Lafayette, TN. “Travelin’ Minstrel Man.” These days, Rice “9,999,999 Tears.” The Songwriters Hall Thumb To Mexico.” He’s still in lives in Cocoa Beach, FL and travels to of Fame member wrote the recording and touring. Lynda K. Lance: She toured Vietnam and the Nashville regularly. Among the hists he classic, “She Thinks I Still Care.” late, great was her maid of honor, wrote are “Someone To Give My Love To,” Johnny Russell: Singer/ but the Pennsylvania native only managed to “I’m Not That Lonely Yet” and “’Til A Tear Jim Mundy: ’s songwriter/comedian/ reach the lower regions of the chart. Becomes A Rose.” Mundy went all the way No. entertainer Russell wrote 13 with his debut single, “Act Naturally,” recorded LaWanda Lindsey: Florida native Lindsey Bobby G. Rice: Rice is best known for his “The River’s Too Wide,” by and the began recording at 14 and was only 17 1972 Top 5 single, “You Lay So Easy On but it was all downhill for Beatles, and became a fan favorite, a when she performed at New Faces. That My Mind.” the rest of his chart run. fixture and a member of same year, she enjoyed her biggest hit, He went on to big success, however, the Songwriters Hall of Fame before his “Pickin’ Wild Mountain Berries.” She retired Earl Richards: By the time he hit the New writing and singing commercial jingles passing in 2001. from the business in 1979. Faces stage back in 1971, Texas native Richards had already played with Dee Mullins: The Texas native responded and the Texas Playboys and the late, great to Jeannie C. Riley’s biggest hit with “The Buddy Holly. Continuing Story Of Harper Valley PTA.” Known around Nashville as “Snake” She passed away in 1991. Richards, the singer/songwriter was one busy guy back in the late ’60s and early ’70s, writing : Long before hit , working on his own major label he started writing timeless career, acting in TV dramas like Cheyenne, country songs like “The Most Sugarfoot and Surfside Six, and starring in Beautiful Girl” and “The Grand B movies like The Girl From Tobacco Row. Tour” and producing hits for everyone These days the 69-year-old is enjoying from to , semi-retirement with his wife, children and Wilson had his heart set on being a star. grandchildren in Goodlettsville, TN. And as the first artist on the bill at the “I’ve always been as much of a homebody first-ever New Faces Show back in 1970, as I could be, especially raising kids,” Richards Wilson was the star. “I was the first one, says. “I’m still involved in the publishing and and I was chosen to be the favorite that the writers. I started a song this week called first year,” Wilson recalls. “When I did that ’Dreams Never Die.’ To still be enjoying life this show I’d already been on Hickory Records, much, what greater attribute could there be. , Decca, MGM, Smash, Life is good in Goodlettsville.” Capitol and RCA, damn near every label in the city.” Little David Wilkins: As the writer of Now semi-retired and living in Nashville, ’s “Coming On Strong,” portly the much-loved Music Row figure offers -pounding powerhouse Wilkins the kind of perspective that only time can already had a big hit under his belt when provide. “After having been a producer he performed as a Playboy recording over the years, I realized I didn’t have that artist at New Faces. Over the course of fabulous vocal sound or that unique vocal his career, the native enjoyed quality,” he says. “Then again, I don’t think a few hits of own, including “One Monkey it’s ever been about the artists; it’s always Don’t Stop No Show” and “Butter Beans,” been about the hits.” while his songs were cut by hit artists including Percy Sledge, and . He was inducted into 1971 the International Hall of Fame : She was a regular in 2007. “We didn’t have the Internet back presence on Country – and pop – radio then, so radio was the only way we could from the ’70s right through the ’80s. Gayle get the music out there,” Wilkins recalls

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Red Steagall: These days The Pilgrim, his critically acclaimed debut. six singles during the ’70s, the most successful a straightforward feminist spin to her he’s known as “America’s These days, the Austin, TX resident has of which was “Here We Go Again.” country career. She’d already broken into Favorite Cowboy Poet,” but been spending more time in Nashville, the male-dominated scene as a session back in the ’70s, with hits working with top songwriters and readying David Wills: He’s still on Music Row, player and songwriter when she played “Lone Star Beer and Bob Wills a comeback for . cranking out the hits as an award-winning New Faces. A cancer survivor, Hargrove Music” and “Party Dolls and Wine,” Steagall songwriter with “Wild Horses” and “If You’re continues to write and perform from her was a country star. “I remember all of it,” he : Raven enjoyed close to two Thinking You Want A Stranger” among them. home base near Tallahassee, FL, where says from his Texas ranch. “The world of decades on the country charts and scored The Tennessee native was just getting she grew up. was different in those days, six No. 1’s in that time, including “I’m Gonna started as a country artist with the 1975 top and we all came into Nashville for the DJ Get You” and “” in 10, “From Barooms to Bedrooms.” “I was : The eldest convention. When I had a new release, I’d 1988. Raven, based out of Gallatin, TN, is pretty much scared out of my mind,” Wills daughter of country be at the record company office for three still busy writing and performing. He and recalls. “This was all the radio guys, and superstar , days just calling stations. The world of radio wrote “Cabo San Lucas” for I wanted to make a good impression.” He Joni’s first hit was “Don’t Cry was our family.” Keith’s new album. made a good enough impression to launch a Joni,” a Top 5 with her 13-year run of charting singles before leaving dad in 1975. She had her biggest solo Leona Williams: Like her former husband the road to pursue his writing career. hit, “I’m Sorry Charlie,” that same year. and collaborator , Williams 1975 She continues to be intimately involved is still going strong. She had several hits Connie Cato: Now living with her husband in managing her late father’s estate, back in the day, including “The Bull and the Jim and two Springer Spaniels in a “beautiful 1976 including development of Conway Twitty: Beaver,” a Top 10 duet with Haggard. These log cabin in the mountains of north ,” Rex Allen, Jr: The son of The Musical. days she’s living back in her native , Cato doesn’t do a lot of professional singing, country singer Rex Allen, he MO, playing dates as close as Branson and but she still writes a song now and then. spent his entire life in the Darrell McCall: He was born in Ohio, as far away as Ireland and Scotland. “As The Missouri-born singer, who charted with business. The biggest of his 32 but this singer/songwriter will forever be long as I can carry a ,” Williams says, hits like “Superskirt” and “Super Kitten,” still charting songs between 1973 associated with Texas, where he still lives, “I’m going to keep trying.” remembers her New Faces appearance. “The and 1987 was “Two Less Lonely People.” writes and performs. His biggest country hit show was very fun,” she recalls. “I enjoyed Today, he continues to write and perform was “A Stranger Was Here” from 1963, the meeting all the entertainers and listening to from his home base in Las Vegas. same year he sang the theme to the Paul 1974 them tell about their new careers.” Newman movie, Hud. Josie Brown: Hailing from Corning, NY, : A familiar presence in film, Brown released three singles on RCA, Brian Collins: In a decade on the country on television and on the radio, Bruce, Nick Nixon: The co-writer of Barbara including, “Satisfy Me and I’ll Satisfy You.” charts, his biggest hit was a cover of Jack She died in 1998. Greene’s “Statue of a Fool” in 1974. Jimmy Ed Bruce Buffet sang Collins’ “Hello Texas” on the Marti Brown: The Chattanooga, TN native soundtrack. He left country sang “Let Me Love Shine,” which peaked in music in 1983 and spent four years on the 1973. road preaching and singing . Recently a regional sales manager for Dick Feller: A longtime associate, Genworth Financial, he’s about to re-start Missouri native Dick Feller wrote the trucker’s his music career. classic, “,” among many other hits. As an artist, he earned his Billy Larkin: The brother of successful way onto the New Faces show with 1973’s Music Row producer Nelson Larkin, Billy “Biff, The Friendly Purple Bear.” He hit the Top managed to put 10 songs on the chart 10 with “The Credit Card Song” in 1974. between 1975 and 1981. His highest- charting single was his debut, “Leave It Up Narvel Felts: One of the To Me.” Larkin is still active out of his home original artists on Sam base in Alabama. Phillips’ , Felts moved from rockabilly to Kenny O’Dell: The prolific writer of timeless country with his 1973 cover classics like “Behind Closed Doors” and of Dobie Gray’s “.” Backed for “Mama He’s Crazy,” O’Dell’s artist career a time by the band Wild Country, who peaked in 1978 with “Let’s Shake Hands subsequently changed their name to and Come Out Lovin’.” He was inducted Alabama, he enjoyed a long career with into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame over 40 charting singles. Based out of in 1996. his native Missouri, Felts is still actively touring and recording. : With 17 No. 1 singles, Rabbitt was one of the : The Country Music Hall of major success stories of the Fame member had already left his mark ’70s and ’80s. He wrote Elvis’ on the music with classics like “If You’ve smash “” and Got The Money I’ve Got The Time” and “I ’s “Pure Love.” He penned Love You A Thousand Ways” back in the many of his own hits, including “Drivin’ My early ’50s, so his New Faces appearance Life Away” and “.” He was his last effort. He died of a stroke died of lung cancer in 1998 at 56. one year later. Betty Jean Robinson: Kentucky native : Encouraged by his friend Robinson wrote “What’s He Doing In My enjoyed a multi-faceted career. In addition Fairchild’s “Teddy Bear Song,” Nixon Dottie West, Texas native Gatlin moved World” for and enjoyed brief to his 35 charting singles, this co-writer of charted the Top 30 hit, “Rocking In to Nashville in 1971 and, by the time he success as a country artist in the early “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up Rosalee’s Boat” in 1976. In the late ’80s appeared at CRS, had already released ’70s before turning to gospel music. She’s to Be Cowboys” and many other classics he returned to his native Missouri, where currently singing for the Lord from her Betty moonlighted as an actor in movies like Fire he’s selling real estate in St. Louis and Larry Gatlin Jean Robinson Ministries in Brentwood, TN. Down Below and in TV shows like Walker, still writing songs. His latest is, “You Texas Ranger. His son is a Caught My Eye When Your Husband Ronnie Sessions: After growing up under successful songwriter, as well. Knocked It Out.” the tutelage of country greats like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, : The Ohio native’s Chuck Price: Signed to Playboy Records Sessions moved to Music City and had his country success story started in the ’70s in the early ’70s, Price managed to put six biggest country hit in 1977 with “Me and and ran right through to the ’90s, yielding songs on the lower reaches of the chart. Millie (Stompin’ Grapes and Gettin’ Silly).” 18 No. 1 hits along the way. ETC co-wrote Sessions retired from the business in 1987. ’s 2002 single “All Over Me.” Even Stevens: Ohio He lives in Nashville and continues to tour. native Even Stevens was Sunday Sharpe: When she took the a frequent cowriter of stage, Sharpe had only recently signed Dottsy: The Hall of Famer Eddie Rabbitt’s. Steven’s with United Artists and was not what had a respectable chart run in the ’70s, peaking hits with Rabbitt included you’d call a seasoned performer. “I was with the Top 10 hit, “(After Sweet Memories) “Suspicions,” “Drivin’ My Life Away” brand new,” she says, “I knew nothing Play Born To Lose Again.” She continues to and “I Love A Rainy Night.” He enjoyed at all about the music business, so I perform regularly in her native Texas. brief chart success in the mid-’70s and was nervous and basically in a fog.” The continues to write and perform. Florida native went on to chart several Ruby Falls: Jackson, TN native Falls blazed hit songs, starting with “I’m Having Your a trail and broke down barriers as an African- Baby,” the to the similarly American woman in country music. Nine of her 1977 titled Paul Anka hit. single releases in the ’70s reached the lower Kathy Barnes: Kentucky beauty Barnes end of the charts. Falls passed away in 1986. began singing at seven and worked with Gene Brian Shaw: Pennsylvania native Brian Autry before signing with MGM in 1975. Her Shaw worked on both the WWVA/Wheeling Linda Hargrove: Billed as the “Blue biggest hit was “Good ’N’ Country,” released on Jamboree and the Grand Ole Opry, charting Jean Country Queen,” Hargrove brought the Republic label in 1977.

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Bobby Borchers: A hit songwriter (“Texas Con Hunley: Lutrell, TN native Hunley’s be remembered for her 1980 No. 1 “One : California country queen (When I Die),” “I’m the Only Hell My blue-eyed soulful brand of country Day At A Time.” Lane opened a theater in Newton was one year away from her first Mama Ever Raised”) who made the leap distinguished him as an artist back in the Branson, MO in the '80s, and was injured No. 1, “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever to country artist, Borchers’ biggest hit was ’70s. Based out of Knoxville, Hunley is still in a fall from the stage in 1995, halting her Known),” when she played at New Faces. 1977’s “Cheap Perfume and Candlelight.” active as a performer and recording artist. career for a time. She eventually returned She still performs from her home base in He was involved in the music production to performing and, at last report, lived in California. for the 1980 film, Resurrection. Borchers : King came to Nashville in 1974 Madison, TN. Highly active in veterans' eventually moved to Santa Barbara, CA. from Nebraska and released a string of 19 affairs, Lane was inducted into the VFW Sylvia: Indiana native Sylvia charting singles. “I’ve Got You To Come Home Hall of Fame in 2003. made her biggest impact Randy Cornor: The native To” went to No. 16 in 1977. These days King with her chart-topping single, and guitar virtuoso scored a Top 10 with is still singing and playing, and works for the Mary K. Miller: Houston, TX native Miller “Nobody,” in 1982. Now known “Sometimes I Talk In My Sleep.” He’s still an Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. scored a Top 20 hit with “Next Best Feeling.” as Sylvia Hutton, the singer is a successful active session player and live performer. life coach scheduled to speak at this year’s Ronnie McDowell: His debut single, “The CRS. Mike Lunsford: Oklahoman Lunsford’s King Is Gone,” was a tribute to Elvis, and 1980 version of “Sugar Sugar” was released the Portland, TN native earned several Alabama: The boys from Ft. Payne were Jim Weatherly: A native of Mississippi, on in 1975. A fixture in Top 10 singles, including the No. 1, “You're on MDJ Records and got on the New Faces Weatherly had already written big pop Nashville clubs in the ’70s, Lunsford passed Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation” in 1983. show via “,” which hits “Midnight Train To Georgia” and “Best away in 2006. Still based in Portland, McDowell stays busy peaked at No. 33, and a Top 20 hit with “My Thing That Ever Happened To Me” when on the road and in the studio. Home’s In Alabama.” In what may well be he played at New Faces. His biggest Dale McBride: The father of McBride and the New Faces show most famous story, country hit was the Top 10 single, “I’ll Still the Ride’s Terry McBride, Dale’s biggest hit, Peggy Sue: The sister of country superstar RCA’s Joe Galante signed the guys after Love You,” from 1975. Weatherly lives in “Ordinary Man,” was released in 1976, but , Peggy Sue enjoyed a high- he performed right up until his death from a profile career back in the ’70s, her biggest Alabama brain tumor in 1992. hit being her debut single, “I'm Dynamite.” These days, the singer is living in Charly McClain: Memphis Hendersonville, TN and singing background native McClain’s career was for her other sister, Crystal Gayle. just getting started in 1977. By 1980, she’d scored her Kenny Starr: Kansan Kenny Starr knocked first No. 1, “Who’s Cheatin’ one – and only one – out of the park with Who,” later covered by . his No. 2 1975 single, “The Blind Man In McClain left the business in the late ’80s. The Bleachers.” As of at least two years ago, he was still performing. Vernon Oxford: An unrepentant honky- tonker in a sea of pop-country singers, : Country's all-around nice native Oxford became popular guy and one of the best singers alive, in Europe, but had a short run on the US Watson has enjoyed a multi-decade career country charts with 1976’s “Redneck! (The that is still going strong today. He has Redneck National Anthem).” He still tours, always lived in Texas and still does. largely in Europe, and combines a little preaching and gospel music in his shows. 1979 : “Don’t Break the Heart that Susie Allanson: Actress/singer Allanson Loves You” was one of Smith’s three No. 1’s appeared in the film version of before and many Top 10 hits through late ’70s and making her move to country. In 1978, she into the ’80s. She appeared in the TNN show released the No. 2 single, “We Belong I-40 Paradise and her most recent album Together,” her biggest hit. A Minnesota was released in 2005. She continues to tour native, Allanson eventually devoted seeing their CRS performance. Nashville, is still writing, and was inducted and makes her home in Brentwood, TN. herself to motherhood and Christianity, into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and left the business. Carol Chase: North Dakota native Chase in 2006. Unable to Find: Geoff Morgan. came to Nashville via L.A., where she was a John Anderson: Anderson successful singer of advertising jingles. Her is a resident of Smithville, TN country career was brief, but she carried on 1981 1978 and is still writing, recording and as a successful background vocalist and : Memphis native Allen : Indianan Fricke evolved touring. His most recent release songwriter. Still based in Nashville, Chase scored the top 5 “,” and has from a successful background and was the 2007 Warner Bros./ is currently touring as a background singer also penned hits for a number of other advertising jingle singer to one of the Raybaw album Easy Money. with . artists. She recalls her New Faces era’s major female artists. Her biggest performance like it was yesterday: “I hit, one of eight No. 1 singles, was “He’s Razzy Bailey: Having spent more than Lacy J. Dalton: The still remember exactly what I had on A Heartache (Looking For A Place To a decade playing clubs in the Southeast, Pennsylvania native enjoyed that night; it was an ivory-colored, to- Happen).” She continues to record and Bailey was a seasoned performer and a decade of hits including her the-floor, real romantic off-the-shoulder tour from her Texas home base. successful songwriter when he took the signature song, 1982’s “16th dress, and it made me feel real special. stage as a “new” artist in 1979. He remains Avenue.” Still very active, I sang ‘Next To You,’ from my Trouble In : “The Voice” set the standard in the Nashville area, working with young Dalton lives outside of Virginia Paradise album. I was real excited when for deep traditional country singing standards artists and working on his own new CD I’m City, NV. I came off the stage and ran right into including “Set ’Em Up Joe” and “Chiseled In a Damn Good Time, which hit the streets in . I remember just giving Stone.” At New Faces in 1978, his current February. Big Al Downing: A multi-faceted talent, him a big hug.” single was a cover of the Association’s keyboardist/singer Downing charted 15 singles “Never My Love.” Gosdin still lives in the Randy Barlow: A former road manager for from 1978 to 1989, with “Touch Me (I’ll Be Your Sheila Andrews: Big-voiced Andrews’ Nashville area. Herman's Hermits, Detroit native Barlow Fool Once More)” hitting the Top 20. Downing career was short-lived, and she’s best headed to Nashville in the early ’70s, performed right up until his death in 2005. remembered for her hit single, “Too Fast For racking up four Top 10 singles between Rapid City.” Disenchanted with the music Reba McEntire 1974 and 1979. He still resides in Nashville. Leon Everette: With a bit of independent- business, Andrews soon called it a day, and label success under his belt, including the headed home to Ohio. : The “Rose Colored Glasses” Top 10 hit, “Over,” South Carolina native hitmaker lives outside Nashville and is still a Everette was signed by RCA on the strength : The writer of “Lucille” Grand Ole Opry regular. of his New Faces performance. Based for and “Blanket On The in South Carolina, Everette retired from Ground” for , Kentuckian : Oklahoma native Davies had the music business in 1988. He was born Bowling placed seven songs on the lower her biggest hit with “I'll Be There (If You again in the late ’90s and has gospel music reaches of the chart before his star faded. Ever Want Me),” from 1980. A respected available on his website. Bowling died in 1982 at age 38. producer, Davies is still active and living in Nashville. Reba McEntire: “I had a room at the The Capitals: The Columbus, OH quartet hotel and offered to share it with Sylvia came and went quickly, charting three Mundo Earwood: Among his 23 single so she could get ready,” Reba recalls. songs including the Top 30 single, “A Little releases was “Things I'd Do For You,” which “That’s when I first got to know her. I also Ground In Texas,” before calling it quits. peaked at No. 13. At last report, Earwood met Randy Owen’s wife, Kelly, that night, Lead singer Arti Portilla found success as a was living in the Humble, TX area. and we became friends. Lacy J. was the songwriter. last to perform. Leon Everette wore a : Illinois native Lane was blue tuxedo shirt and Big Al Downing was Sonny Curtis: Playing with Buddy Holly “positive country” before they had a name a sweetheart. It was a really big lineup and writing the classic “I Fought The Law” for it. She performed more than 100 shows and I wondered where we would all be in was enough to cement his place in history, for troops during the Vietnam War, and 20 years. I really appreciate all the folks but Texan Sonny Curtis released charting survived when a chopper she was riding in radio. Without them, my music would singles for 20 years. His biggest country hit in was shot down. Lane charted some never have gotten out to the millions of was 1981’s “Good Ol’ Girls.” Curtis resides 22 singles along the way, but will always people who have heard it over the years.” in Nashville.

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Frizzell & West: While both enjoyed their Donna Hazard: Donna Hazard’s career stardom and own successful careers, and yielded four singles, including her also hit the top as a duo in debut, “My Turn,” which peaked at No. 1981 with “You’re The Reason God Made 45 in 1981. Oklahoma.” Kieran Kane: Before establishing the : Blind pianist Gibbs debuted successful duo The O’Kanes a few years with the Top 10 “Somebody’s Knockin’.” later, the native took a shot She eventually turned to Christian music at solo stardom, releasing eight singles and returned to her native Augusta, GA, between 1981 and 1984. His biggest solo where she continues to write and perform. chart success was 1981’s “You’re The Best.” Today, Kane is one of Nashville’s : His soaring voice and big most respected singer/songwriters. personality earned Morris a decade of country hits back in the ’80s, in addition Ronnie Rogers: The songwriter behind to an operatic role on Broadway opposite Alabama’s “,” Nashville Linda Ronstadt. Today, native Texan native Rogers enjoyed a brief period in Morris splits his time between Music City the spotlight, charting eight singles during and “Mountain Spirit,” his hunting lodge in the ’80s, including his debut, “Gonna Take southern Colorado. My Angel Out Tonight.” He remains a successful Nashville songwriter. Orion: There’s room for everybody in country music, even a masked Elvis : The Kentucky impersonator like Alabama native Orion. native brought years of He charted 11 singles, and in 1981 scored bluegrass experience and his biggest hit (#63) with “Rockabilly virtuosity to his country Rebel.” Orion (aka Jimmy Ellis) passed stardom, bringing hard away in 1998. country tradition back to the radio with 10 No. 1 singles before forming the band : He continues to write Kentucky Thunder and returning to the and record, and just won a Grammy for bluegrass format. his work on ’s instrumental album Play. Bobby Smith: Texas native Bobby Smith came and went quickly, charting five singles including the 1981 Top 30, “Just Karen Taylor-Good Enough Love (For One Woman).” included the Top 10 “Pretty Lady.” He Exile: From their pop beginnings continues to work as a producer and (“Kiss You All Over”), Exile grew into Tennessee Express: Before they sang songwriter, and his memories of New a runaway success story in the ’80s, backup vocals on John Anderson’s Faces pretty much confirm the choices he going to No. 1 right out of the gate “Swingin’,” vocal group Tennessee made along the way. with 1983’s “Woke Up In Love.” Exile Express had a Top 40 single with “Big Like “I can’t remember too much about the reunited recently and the band is back A River.” show except that I was very nervous to recording and touring. in front of all those broadcasters,” Still On The Charts: George Strait. Stegall says. “I wasn’t good at the public Jim Glaser: The youngest of country relation side of things. Some people are siblings the Glaser Brothers, Nebraska wired to do that, but I was always more native Jim had his biggest hit – and 1983 comfortable in the recording studio.” his only No. 1 – with “You’re Gettin’ To : Texan cowgirl Brooks was Me Again.” His songwriting successes a veteran of Rodney Crowell’s band when : Now known as an award- include Gary Puckett & the Union Gap’s she hit the top of the charts with “Faking winning bluegrass family band, back in huge pop hit, “Woman, Woman.” Glaser Love,” a duet with T.G. Sheppard, in 1982. 1982, the Whites enjoyed a Top 10 country lives in Tennessee. hit with “Hangin’ Around.” Daughter/band Tom Carlile: Carlile’s brief shot at stardom member Sharon White went on to marry Jan Gray: After her seven singles included his highest entry, “Green Eyes.” Ricky Skaggs, and the family is still based languished at the bottom of the charts, He still performs in his native Florida. in the Nashville area. Gray disappeared from music history.

Karen Taylor-Good: She went on to big Gary Wolf: Kentuckian Wolf’s highest Gus Hardin: Tulsa native Hardin’s success as a songwriter in the ’90s (“How charting single was “Love Never Dies.” highest-charting song was the 1984 Top Can I Help You Say Goodbye”), but in 10, “All Tangled Up In Love,” a duet with 1983, Texas native Taylor-Good released Younger Brothers: Texans James and Earl Thomas Conley. She was killed in an two singles on the tiny Mesa label. Taylor- Michael Younger released the 1982 Top auto accident in 1996. Good is still working as a songwriter, 20 single “Nothing But The Radio On.” performer and motivational speaker out of : She recently independently Nashville. Unable to Find: Channel. released the acclaimed album Coal. “Not only was I seriously pregnant, but I also sang a cappella with a big chorus,” : As half of the Taylor-Good recalls. “I sang a song called 1984 duo England Dan & John ‘Tenderness Place,’ and to this day, I have Atlanta: Former members of pop group Ford Coley, Seals got a 1982 people searching for copies of that song. The Vogues came together in this group, taste of pop success. On Rodney Crowell: Singer/songwriter But I don’t think anybody forgot the pregnant which landed the Top 5 hit “Sweet the country side, beginning Crowell rose to country stardom in the girl singing with the choir. It was pretty Country Music.” in the mid-’80s, that success would mid-’80s, racking up five chart-topping wonderful.” explode. Seals’ 10-year run yielded 11 singles in a row, including “She’s Crazy Bandana: The band that included future chart-topping singles, including 1985’s For Leaving” in 1988. With his band still in Cindy Hurt: Hurt sang commercial hit songwriter/session drummer Lonnie CMA Single of the Year, “Bop.” Most Los Angeles, he made to play jingles in Chicago before taking her Wilson and songwriter Tim Mensy had recently, Seals was battling lymphoma New Faces solo, and regretted it almost stab at country in ’82 with “Talk To Me their biggest hit with “The Killin’ Kind.” and at last report was residing in immediately. Loneliness.” Hendersonville, TN. “I remember very clearly thinking, Lane Brody: Illinois native ‘Oops, I didn’t turn this into the intimate Tommy St. John: One year, three single Brody found success as an occasion that I’m capable of by myself releases and that was it for Tommy St. actress and a jingle singer, 1985 in a folk club,’” Crowell recalls. “I do John. The Oak Ridge, TN native left the in addition to her country hits Craig Dillingham: Brownwood, Texas remember meeting George Strait that business without a trace. during the ’80s. “The Yellow native Dillingham’s most successful night. He played a song – ‘The woman Rose” was a chart-topping duet with single was “Have You Loved Your that I had wrapped around my finger Skip and Linda: Before her turn at Johnny Lee. Brody lives in Nashville with Woman Today.” He eventually returned just come unwound’ – and I remember country stardom in the ’90s, her husband, drummer , and to his home state and establishing talking to him and saying, ‘Gee man, that joined up with singer/songwriter Skip is still busy recording and performing. himself as a regional favorite. He is as cool as anything I’ve ever heard.’ Eaton, and released three singles in 1982. recently released the Frank Liddell- And he was so sweet and unassuming. These days Eaton is still performing in the Rick and Janis Carnes: The married produced album, Almost Yesterday. God had a plan for that boy.” Las Vegas area. Davis is still singing in couple released four singles for two Nashville, and her daughter, Hillary Scott, different labels in the early ’80s. “Does Mark Gray: Pianist Gray spent time Diana: Cincinnati’s Diana kicked off is currently finding stardom as a member He Ever Mention My Name” peaked at working with and her career with a cover of Randy Van of Lady Antebellum. No. 32 in 1983. Rick has written hits was one of many revolving members of Warmer’s “Just When I Needed You Most.” for scores of artists, including Garth Exile. Gray also penned “The Closer You Keith Stegall: Alan Jackson’s longtime Brooks’ “Long Neck Bottle.” Rick is Get” for Alabama. His biggest success as Terry Gregory: West Virginian Gregory’s producer Stegall was the successful writer President of the Songwriters Guild of an artist came in 1985 with “Sometimes highest charting single was 1981’s “Just of hits like “Sexy Eyes” and “We’re In America, and he and Janis still live in When We Touch,” a cover of the Dan Hill Like Me.” This Love Together.” His shot at country Nashville. pop hit and a duet with .

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The Burch Sisters: This trio of redheaded real estate professional in the /Fort sisters’ highest-charting single was their Worth area. : After a successful run in 1988 debut, “Everytime You Go Outside Branson last fall, Diffie returned to I Hope It Rains.” Cathy, Charlene and : Bogguss is still in Nashville and wil soon begin working on Cindy made one album, New Fire, on Nashville; her most recent record, Sweet his first bluegrass album, to be released Mercury in 1988. After four singles, the trio Danger, was issued in 2007. “I remember on Rounder. He has a full schedule of disappeared from the musical landscape. it ,” she says of her New concert dates in 2009. Faces performance. “There were a lot of Jeff Chance: A native of El Campo, TX, women, and I knew a lot of the folks on Ray Kennedy: Following the release Chance fronted his own band before the show with me – Daniele Alexander, of his third album, Guitar Man, in 1992, striking out on his own. He returned to El Jann Browne, , Mary Kennedy pursued a career as a record Campo, and in Dec. 2008 took his own life. Chapin Carpenter. So we had a fun time producer. His New Faces performance is backstage. We were all nervous, but the lost in a blur of touring. “I do remember : Fronted by HeadHunters had us in stitches.” that show being a good experience, but former Byrd Chris Hillman and featuring I was also out touring with Alabama and harmony-singing guitarist Herb Pederson Jann Browne: Browne enjoyed some doing about 180 shows in all the domes and six-string virtuoso , mainstream success with her two Curb and stadiums,” he says. “So the nights Desert Rose’s biggest hit was 1988’s “I in the early ’90s, before returning sort of run together. I remember we all Still Believe In You.” They reunited briefly to the West Coast and a more blues/rock- knew each other because we were all in 2008. oriented sound. just getting started. So there were a lot of familiar faces.” : A prolific writer of hits : Ohio for other artists, Ewing’s hit’s include native Cartwright’s four-year Chris LeDoux: A prolific career in “I Believe,” “Love, Me,” “Every Other chart run culminated with the music had its roots in his run as a rodeo Weekend,” “Something That We Do,” No. 1 single, “Leap Of Faith.” champion. His final album was released “You Had Me From Hello” and “Burnin’ He continues to write and in 2003 and he succumbed to cancer in A Hole In My Heart.” He remains one of perform in Nashville. 2005. Nashville’s top tunesmiths. The Lonesome Strangers: This : Lynne continues to be a Donna Meade: Virginia native Meade was California-based quartet scored a couple musical chameleon, and her most recent a lounge singer at Nashville’s Stockyard of minor country hits in 1989. Band album is last year's Dusty Springfield restaurant for years before signing with member Randy Weeks went on to write tribute record, Just A Little Lovin’. Mercury and releasing six low-charting “Can’t Let Go” for , and singles. She married country star Jimmy bassist Lorne Rall is still a fixture on the Pirates of the Mississippi: Formed in Pam Tillis: Tillis continues to garner critical Dean in 1991. touring scene. 1987, this quintet of Nashville session men acclaim and released her latest album, released 11 singles and six albums – the Rhinestoned, in 2007. “I was on my third Paul Overstreet: Already a successful : Still touring, Tritt’s most recent first one went gold—and parted ways record deal and I’d yet to make a splash songwriter with hits that included “On The album, The Storm, was released in 2007. in 1996. Bandmates Rich Alves and Bill so I was pretty amused that I was still a Other Hand,” Overstreet had hits as part McCorvey reunited in 2000, and recorded new face,” she says. “But I learned early of Schuyler, Knobloch & Overstreet before Wild Rose: A five-piece band of female the CD Heaven And A Dixie Night in 2006 in my career that it’s all about momentum. heading out on this own in 1987. Solo hits picker/singers, Wild Rose’s biggest hit was on the CBuJ Entertainment label. They The dominoes all have to fall, and that was included 1990’s “Daddy’s Come Around.” their debut single, “Breaking New Ground.” continue to perform as Pirates Of The an important domino because if you did He’s still active as a writer in Nashville. They recorded three studio albums for Missisippi. great you had an immediate connection Universal and Liberty, earning Grammy nationwide with all these programmers. And Shenandoah: They hit the top of and ACM nominations and one Top 15 : His most recent album, the we rocked the place!” the charts four times, including their hit “Breakin’ New Ground” in 1989. The trucker tribute , was released on his own Nippit label, in conjunction with Look For The Label: Now living in Utah Shenandoah Country Crossing. and still touring, is expected to release a new album on Saguaro Road Kevin Welch: After the initial success of Records in 2009. A reunited Little Texas, his single “Till I See You Again,” Welch without original members Tim veered from mainstream country, co- and , records for Montage. Hal founding the label Dead Reckoning in Ketchum remains on Curb. 1994. His most recent record was a 2007 joint release with label mates Kieran Kane Still On The Charts: Brooks & Dunn, and Fats Kaplin. .

Michelle Wright: Wright has enjoyed great success in her native Canada, where 1993 she continues to record and perform. : Best known for “She'd Give Anything” and “They Don't Make Them Like That Anymore,” Boy Howdy disbanded 1992 in 1996. Brothers Cary and Larry Park Clinton Gregory: Best known as a pursued careers as studio musicians. talented fiddle player, Gregory continued has established himself as to record as a solo artist through the 2000 one of Nashville's preeminent songwriters. release of Play Ruby Play, named for his most successful single. : The Railroad continue to tour and make music. The biggest hit, “Next To You, Next To Me.” A group disbanded in 1991, though founder Eddie London: One of the most band’s sixth studio album, Cheap Thrills, reconstituted band continues to tour and and multi-instrumentalist Wanda Vick has memorable of New Faces performers, we was released in 2007 on Shanachie. record. Lead singer has a worked as a since then. have been unable to determine his current career in gospel music and has just re- whereabouts. : (see 1988) released his album, “What I Came Here Look For The Label: Lorrie Morgan To Do.” recently signed to ’s : After Matthews Wright & King: The trio Country Crossing label. Mary Chapin successfully navigating the disbanded shortly after the release of their The Shooters: Formed by hit songwriters Carpenter, who lives in Virginia and country market for the better second album. Tony King joined Brooks Walt Aldridge and Gary Baker, the Shooters continues to write and record, released part of the ’90s, Kershaw & Dunn’s backing band in 1995. Woody took their shot and hit the Top 20 with her most recent album on an imprint of ran unsuccessfully for the Wright went on to a career in gospel “Borderline.” Most recently, Aldridge Rounder. ’ lieutenant governor post in his native music. Raymond Matthews continues to produced the Heartland band for Lofton last two releases came on the CBuJ Louisiana in 2007. work in the music industry as a vocalist Creek and wrote their No. 1, “I Loved Her label. and engineer. First.” Recent hits from the pen of Baker McBride & the Ride: Terry McBride, Ray include “I’m Already There” and the title track Herndon and Billy Thomas had a string of Ronna Reeves: The Texas to the Back Street Boys CD, “Never Gone.” 1991 hits in the early ’90s, including the No. 1 native released four country He lives in the Muscle Shoals, AL area. Corbin/Hanner: Bob Corbin and Dave “Sacred Ground.” Herndon and Thomas albums in the early ’90s, and Hanner, whose singles included “Work left in 1994, and McBride continued on with attempted to cross to pop David Slater: Star Search winner Slater Song” and “ By You,” continue a series of new “riders.” Today, McBride with 1998's Day 14. She was covered the ’s No. 1 pop hit, to perform as a duo. Their most recent has a successul songwriting career that diagnosed with cancer in 2002 and shifted “The Other Guy.” A piano player, Slater is still album, And the Road Goes On, was includes a number of Brooks & Dunn hits, her career focus to songwriting at that point. entertaining in his native Dallas, Texas. released independently in 2008. including the current “Cowgirls Don't Cry.” After a stint in L.A., Herndon has returned : Jimmy Griffin, Richard : Dean's debut album, Young to his hometown of Phoenix and continues Maingera and Rick Yancey released two 1990 Man, was certified gold, and he scored a to write and play five nights a week at his albums in the early ’90s. Maingera and Daniele Alexander: Texas native top 10 in 2005 with “.” family’s club, The Handle Bar J. Thomas is Yancey subsequently enjoyed great success Alexander is best known for her 1989 Top Based in Nashville, he continues to write, a highly-sought after studio percussionist as songwriters. Bread alumnus Griffin lost 20 single, “She’s There.” She is now a record and perform. and tours with . his battle with cancer in 2005. He was 61.

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Dennis Robbins: Robbins' artist career gave Her Own, which received critical acclaim in start telling jokes, which is not my forte. I'm Perfect Stranger: Best known for the title way to notable songwriting success, including Europe and in Americana. more the sidekick, straight-man type, so I track from their debut album, You Have the “Two of a Kind, Working’ on a Full House”. just stuck to the music.” Right to Remain Silent, the : Best known band continues to tour. Michael White: The Knoxville native for “,” White Steve Kolander: Kolander continues to scored in the mid-30s with his song continues to write songs and release music independently. By day, he’s : The “Shut “Professional Fool,” and followed his artist release music independently. the Executive VP of the marketing and Up And ” and “Single career with success as a songwriter. Her most recent studio advertising firm Small Army. He’s best White Female” singer now album, Green Eyed Soul, was released known for the single “Black Dresses.” lives in . Her next album, Still On The Charts:Martina McBride, in 2004. She co-produced Toby Keith's Broken, produced by Rodney Crowell, . 2005 album White Trash With Money, and Ken Mellons: Following the Top 10 is due on Vanguard this year. She lives near Nashville with her husband, success of “Jukebox Junkie,” Mellons continues to promote music education songwriter , and children. went on to release music independently. through her Reading, Writing & Rhythm 1994 In 2004, his album Sweet featured a Foundation. John Berry: Berry continues to make Still On The Charts: , Toby Keith, version of “Paint Me A Birmingham,” which music on his independently owned record . became a Top 5 hit for Tracy Lawrence. He : Taff has a successful career in label Clear Sky Records. co-wrote “The Shoes” for 's contemporary Christian music, where he debut album, and will be appearing at CRS has won five Grammys and nine Gospel Brother Phelps: Brothers Doug and Ricky 1995 this year. Music Association awards. Lee Phelps disbanded in 1995 following Archer Park: Randy Archer and Johnny the release of their second album, Any Park disbanded after releasing We Got Rick Trevino: He is best known in country Ricochet: Founding members Heath Way The Wind Blows. Doug returned to A Lot in . Today, Archer records for “Running Out of Reasons To Run,” Wright and Greg Cook are still with the the brothers’ former band, the Kentucky Christian music on his 55-acre ranch and continues to record and perform. The band. Original member Jeff Bryant was HeadHunters. outside Nashville. Texas native lives in Austin with his wife replaced in August 1999 after suffering and children. from carpal tunnel. Shannon Farmer Gibson/Miller Band: and David Ball: Ball’s chart success replaced Teddy Carr in 1999, and the band Blue Miller disbanded the group in 1995. spanned from 1994’s “Thinkin’ Problem” Flyer: After disbanding in 1997, still tours and records. vocalist Danny Myrick went on to write David Ball songs for , and Big & Rich. Keyboardist Chris Marion 1997 has a successful career in Christian James Bonamy: The Floridian made music, and is a member of the Little River two albums for Epic, with the single “I Band. Don't Think I Will” cresting at No. 2 in 1996, the only hit among seven singles, : White went on to win some though both CDs reached the Top 25. of country music’s top awards following Although Bonamy was an ACM Top the success of “Someone Else’s Star” and New Male Artist nominee in '96, he “.” He still works and plays has not been active musically for more in Nashville. than a decade, and currently resides in . John & Audrey Wiggins: Brother and sister duo John & Audrey Wiggins split : The “Strawberry Wine” after the release of their second album singer continues to write, in 1998. John writes songs for some of record and perform. Her today’s top artists. latest album was 2007's The Chain, released on Vanguard. She lives in 1996 California and has a four- : Best known for his hit year-old son. “,” Carson continued to make music through 2005. According Paul Brandt: Brandt topped the chart with to his MySpace page, Carson was set “I Do” in 1996. He's since cemented himself to graduate from the Tennessee State as a musical force in his native Canada, Police Academy in December 2008 and winning six Juno Awards since 1997. begin fulltime work as a police officer. Deryl Dodd: Dodd's best known singles Helen Darling: Darling went on to write include “That’s How I Got to Memphis” songs for artists from Reba McEntire to and “A Bitter End.” He fought off life- . She now lives outside of threatening encephalitis in 1999 and 2000. Austin, TX, and has fond, if somewhat The native Texan still tours in the region. vague, memories of New Faces. “It’s all very foggy, but I know it was such David Kersh: The Texan racked up a prestigious thing to be asked to do,” four Top 10 singles between 1996- Darling says. “I do remember that the '98, including his debut “Goodnight Tennessean reviewed my outfit rather Sweetheart,” “Another You” (written by than the music, which I thought was very then-unknown Brad Paisley) and “If I strange.” Never Stop Loving You.” His second album in '98 included “I Breathe In, I Murphy: His “” Breathe Out” which wasn't released as a was the No. 1 song of 1995 and his single, but became a No. 1 for Both went on to songwriting success. to 2002’s “Riding With Private Malone.” “Dust On The Bottle” from the same year in 2002. In 2005, citing the “BS in the Among Gibson's compositions are “Daddy He first experienced New Faces as an remains a top Power Gold. He wrote industry,” Kersh told his fans “my heart is Never Was The Cadillac Kind” and audience member. “I remember going to recent hits “The More I Drink” and “A just not in the music business anymore.” “Jukebox In My Mind.” a few of them and just sitting out front,” Feelin' Like That” while “Always the Love Ball says. “I saw , Marty Songs” and “Somebody Needs A Hug” are Mila Mason: Best known for “That’s Tim McGraw: Distraught over the house Stuart and I think I saw , curently on the charts. Enough of That” and “Closer to Heaven,” band's handling of “Indian Outlaw,” too. But the show I played, it was just Mason signed in '03 to the indie Twinbeat McGraw seriously considered calling band after band and I remember just : “Too label and as a writer for parent Brumley in “sick” that night. Without a change trying to get through it.” Much Fun” and “Amen Kind Music Group. Nashville-based Mason of heart, the New Faces show would of Love” helped propel participated in the “Dare The World” have missed one of its all-time great : Brokop's singles included Singletary into the spotlight. charity inspirational single in 2007. performances when McGraw sang, “Don't “Give Me a Ring Sometime” and “Take His latest record, Straight from the Heart, Take The Girl.” Many think that night, and That.” She continues to be a presence in was released in 2007 on Shanachie : Known for his cover of Tony that performance, launched his career. Canadian country music. Records. Rich’s “Nobody Knows,” Sharp now works That night was also the first time he ever as a motivational speaker for the Make-A- met wife Faith Hill. George Ducas: Most recently, Ducas Emilio: After releasing the English- Wish Foundation. conducted a radio tour in support of an speaking album Life Is Good in 1995, : While his single “I album project he hopes to release in 2009. Emilio went back to his roots in Tejano Still On The Charts: , LeAnn Don’t Call Him Daddy” topped the country At the time of his New Faces performance, music, and enjoyed much success. Last Rimes, . charts, Supernaw’s personal life was he was promoting his self-titled debut, March he was severely injured when his plagued with bad luck. He broke his neck which spawned the Top 10 “Lipstick tour bus, which he was driving, crashed while surfing and, while recovering, was in Promises.” He has spent the intervening into freeway barrels near Houston. 1998 a hideous car accident. In summer 2007, years building a notable songwriting Sherrié Austin: Debuted at Country radio he was committed to a mental hospital. career. “What I remember most is Jeff Ty Herndon: The “What Mattered Most” with the single, “Lucky In Love.” Austin is Foxworthy,” Ducas says. “I had to follow singer started out 2009 performing as still writing songs and among other cuts Joy Lynn White: Currently makes music him, and he just had everybody rolling. part of the touring American Soul & Rock has the title cut to Blake Shelton's new independently. In 2005, she released On I felt like I needed to come up there and & Roll Choir. CD, “Startin' Fires.”

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Big House: After initial success with “Cold Outside” and a gold debut album, the 2005 New Faces Bakersfield band took a long hiatus. They reunited in 2007 for Never Ending Train, which landed some Americana .

Anita Cochran: Cochran’s highest- charting single was the duet with Steve Wariner, “.” According to her MySpace page, she is currently working on a new album and landed the job as Music Director of Conway Twitty: The Musical.

Dixie Chicks: Their most recent album on Open Wide/Columbia was 2006's Taking The Long Way.

Matt King: “I remember getting a standing ovation,” King says of his performance. “And not one of those slow, 'Oh, I guess we're all getting up' ones. It was immediate. As I walked off the stage someone grabbed me and said, 'Forget everything that just happened. It don't mean a thing.' Basically letting me know the response in no way meant radio Keith Harling: Best known for his single Still On The Charts: Chris Cagle, Phil Enough, was released on his own would play my records. And they didn't. “Papa Bear,” the the Greenwood, SC- Vassar, . imprint in 2008. In fact, I remember The Ranch getting a born multi-instrumentalist, singer and big reaction, too. And they didn't get any songwriter made his debut in 1998 with Still On The Charts: Dierks Bentley, Pat airplay either.” his album Write It In Stone that yielded 2002 Green, Craig Morgan, Jimmy Wayne. King's Atlantic deal unwound a couple four singles. His Giant release, Bring : Her debut, years later, but he persisted with his It On in '99, closed out his recording Room With A View, included the singles writing and recording. Burrowing through career. “Georgia” and “Complicated.” She has 2005 his colorfully dysfunctional Carolina hill continued to have success as an artist Blue County: Though no longer on Curb, country roots, he emerged with music that : Lubbock, TX in her native Canada. Johnson and the duo's MySpace page notes plans for a ultimately became the album project Rube, native Holmes bowed with the her husband, Matt Fisher, welcomed new album in 2009. released last year. He continues to write album All I Ever Wanted on their first child, Abigail Grace Fisher, in and produce. the Bang II label, but found his September. Look For The Label: Mercury's Julie career as a songwriter with hits Roberts is working on new music for the The Lynns: The youngest twin that include “Troubadour” and “I Know She : Thomson's Capitol label. daughters of Loretta Lynn delivered Still Loves Me.” debut, My World, certified gold, largely on singles “Woman to Woman” and “Nights the strength of the single “What I Really Still On The Charts: , Like These.” They continue to tour with : Moorer progressed to Meant To Say.” She walked away from her , . their mother, Loretta Lynn. the Americana genre, releasing five more recording career in 2002. She returned to albums after her debut Alabama Song. the label in 2006, but no music ever resulted Lila McCann: The “Down and she was subsequently dropped. 2006 Came A Blackbird” singer : The Texas native wrote Tim : According to the and her husband Mike McGraw’s “” and Still On The Charts: , Blake band’s bassist Keith Horne, Hot Apple Wolofsky welcomed the birth bowed as an artist with the song “Used To Shelton, Darryl Worley. Pie are still together. Brady Seals of their first child, Abraham The Pain.” He’s become an accomplished is currently producing other acts in Elliott Wolofsky, on Dec. 15, 2008. Her songwriter – “A Different World,” “Living Nashville. He and his wife welcomed most recent single, “That’s What Angels And Living Well” - and is married to singer/ 2003 the birth of a son, Evan James, in Do,” was released by Broken Bow in songwriter . : Best known for her September 2008. Guitarist Mark January 2008. single “Angels in Waiting,” Cochran Matejka most recently lent his musical Jon Randall: Randall released her latest album, Where I Am, on talent to The Lost Trailers for the The Ranch: Bassist Jerry Flowers still continues to work as a Shanachie Records in 2007. band’s self-titled debut album. Horne works with frontman , playing songwriter in Nashville. is touring with . bass and singing background vocals. His most famous hit was Drummer Peter Clarke returned to his “Whiskey Lullabye.” Tammy Cochran : “Pickin' Wildflowers” native Australia. was Anderson's entrée onto the New Shane Stockton: The Texas native sang Faces Show. “I remember being so Sons of the Desert: Starting out as a “What If I’m Right” and “Gonna Have freakin’ excited to be picked for that popular five-piece band in 1997, Sons To Fall.” Stockton is now a preacher in show,” he recalls. “I had already lived of the Desert dwindled to brothers Tim Lubbock. in Nashville for eight years, doing and Drew Womack by 2003. Drew wrote the whole ‘networking my ass off’ Kenny Chesney’s single “She’s Got It Trini Triggs: Triggs’s self- thang. And a big part of that was All.” Doug Virden went on to work with titled debut offered singles sneaking into the New Faces Show, Ty Herndon and Joe Diffie. Keith Horne “Straight Tequila” and just dreaming of being on that stage. became a member of Hot Apple Pie. “Horse To Mexico.” The To be there was a dream come true. Natchitoches, LA, native “But I came down with laryngitis, Kris Tyler: Tyler broke out on the country keeps a MySpace following, and has which sucked because I had to cancel chart in 1997 with the title track off her had success in Christian country. He everything that week – even the Sony/ album What a Woman Knows. issued the video “We’re Americans” last BMG boat event! But I was determined September. to get well so I could do the New Faces show. I was on total vocal rest all week 1999 and didn’t know if I could actually sing Chad Brock: Brock currently 2000 until right before I walked on stage. hosts mornings on WQYK/ Still On The Charts: , Thank God I had just enough to make it Tampa, but started in country Andy Griggs, Brad Paisley, SheDaisy, through my set. I wouldn’t have missed with Warner Bros. His Keith Urban. that night for the world.” biggest hit was the chart- topper “Yes!” Still On The Charts: , Keith 2001 Anderson, Little Big Town, Jeff Bates. Gil Grand: Grand is the president of The Clark Family Experience: Three : Her BNA debut When You his own song publishing company in from the Family – Adam, Ashley and Lie Next To Me scored a Top 10 hit with Nashville. His 1998 debut album, Famous Austin – formed the Clark Brothers and the title track. Coffey is a now a mom of 2007 First Words, earned critical acclaim from went on to win the national television two, living in Los Angeles. Still On The Charts: , Eric the Canadian Country Music Association. talent show The Next Great American Church, , , Band in 2007. The brothers are currently Still On The Charts: , Trent Tomlinson. The Great Divide: The group disbanded signed to Universal South. Emerson Drive, . in 2007. Lead singer Mike McClure is currently touring the Texas music circuit : Founding member Keith 2008 with the Mike McClure Band. He is also Burns has formed a new duo with Michelle 2004 Still On The Charts: Luke Bryan, Jason a songwriter and producer for Cross Poe on Country Thunder Records. Bassist : Michael Carroll, Bucky Covington, Jake Canadian Ragweed. Drummer J.J. Lester Ira Dean continues to write songs. Heidi champion Jewell is still making music in Owen, . CAC produced the Eli Young Band’s Level. Newfield is enjoying solo success. Nashville. His current album, Country

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