SeiMwer [Browm cou N T R Y Discover New Country campaign THE GROUP Sawyer Brown burst Lead singer Mark Miller, who Hubbard on keyboards and voc- in Great Britain. This is a career- E on to the country scene with all the also writes material for the group, als; Jim Scholten on bass and Joe building opportunity that we won/ subtlety of a hurricane. Their story is an incredibly energetic dancer, Smyth on drums and percussion. W is one of determination, an un- whose antics carry him all over the From different musical back- to take full advantage of. We are faltering belief in their own musical stage. All gifted instrumentalists, the grounds, they have come together eager to tour, perform on TV — abilities and a natural inclination group consists of Miller on vocals to form one of country's most excit- whatever it fakes to support our for entertaining people. and rhythm guitar; Bobby Randall ing new groups. label's efforts on our behalf." They first united on stage in on lead guitar, fiddle, steel guitar, "We are very excited about being Album: Shakin'. (Capitol EST 2001 1981, backing singer Don King, harmonica and vocals; Gregg selected as a featured group in the (cassette: TC-EST 2001).) but when he stopped touring they ■j.Ny. stayed together, taking their name 'AT. from a Nashville street. A chance continued from page 3 audition in 1 983 for the nationally .% syndicated Star Search TV talent in the national pop charts. Her show landed them in Los Angeles m third CBS album Somewhere In for five months They won the com- The Stars showed Rosanne to be a petition week after week and then singer with a very broad emotional walked away from the finals as and intellectual range and an ex- Best New Star Musical Group and ceptionally adroit songwriter. with $175,000 in prize money. Rhythm & Romance is essentially A recording contract with Capi- autobiographical, with Rosanne tol followed and tours with major writing or co-writing eight of the country stars, such as Kenny Ro- 10 cuts. The first single I Don't gers, Dolly Parton and Crystal Know Whv You Don't Want Me Gayle. Their debut album Sawyer soared to tne top of the US country Brown produced three hits an d led charts. Rosanne Cash was seen on to their success at the 1 985 Coun- British TV on new year's day in the try Music Association awards Carl Perkins C4 Special. show, when they were honoured "I look forward to giving this cam- with the prestigious Horizon ■■ paign in-person support in the very award. near future," soys Rosanne Cash, Their sound is unique and their who flies into London for a week of style infectious. Talent is the main promotional work on Sunday ingredient, but their success also March 2. stems from the bubbling fun-loving Album: Rhythm & Romance. (CBS personalities they project from the 26366 (cassette; 40-26366).) stage and in their music. GCEY IVlOBTC OaLEidi&lim m to avoid the obvious pigeon holes. THE Oak Ridge Boys have carved in 1 977, and their road has been being the first Nashville-based His richly textured voice has an a niche for themselves as one of paved with gold — and platinum country act to earn a platinum almost unbelievable range and is the most versatile, entertaining and — ever since. single. already having an impact outside professional groups in music. They Their first hit Ya'll Come Back The current line-up of the Oak his chosen field of country music. have become worldwide ambas- Saloon was followed by a string of Ridge Boys (there nas been an His selection as male lead in sadors of country music, with a vast number-one successes, such as Oak Ridge Boys group since Joseph Papp's New York following and numerous awards You're The One, Sail Away, Cryin' World War II) comprises Duane Shakespeare Festival production and commendations. Again and Everyday. But it was the Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee of La Boheme is proof of his artistic Formed as a gospel group, and runaway monster hit Elvira which Golden and Richard Sterban. They X versatility. The coveted role of the recipients of 1 5 Dove awards solidified the group's position in Rodolfo, opposite Linda Ronstadt, for their records, the Oaks success- both the country and pop markets. enjoy an enviable status in the US marked Gary's acting debut and is fully crossed over to country music It earned them the distinction of and are a standard by which thought to be the first time a coun- others are measured. try music entertainer has appeared Their trophy case is crowded in a legitimate stage production in with Dove, Grammy and CMA New York City. It has led to regular awards (including the CMA Special guest appearances in Dynasty 2 — President's Award for outstanding The Colbys. service to the organisation in Born and raised in Fort Worth, 1 984). Their recordings regularly Texas, Gary Morris came to the reach gold and platinum status. attention of country audiences with Their fun-filled, highly charged hits such as The Wind Beneath My concerts are consistent sell-outs. Wings, The Love She Found In Me, And their active participation in Headed For A Heartache, Velvet and devotion to the prevention of Chains and Second Hand Heart child abuse has raised more than — all of which are featured on SI million for that cause. his debut UK album release The Oak Ridge Boys have "Obviously I'm very proud to have travelled extensively and are one been chosen to be a part of this of the few American acts to play a campaign,"says Gary Morris, "The concert in the Soviet Union. They UK is apparently wide open for were last seen in Europe in May country music and I feel that in the 1 985 as a headlining act at the future I'd like to perform in the UK opening ceremonies of the Acro- GARY MORRIS is one of those and in Europe as a part of my polis in Nice, France. special artists who transcend the overall marketing plan. A short- I feel that country music is on the boundaries of musical format and term goal is just to get started, verge of exploding in the UK and create their own unique style. which this campaign will accom- A V/hether performing with a sym- plish for me and the others who in Western Europe," says Richard phony orchestra, on opera com- are a part of it The long-term goal Sterban of the Oak Ridge Boys. pany on Broadv/ay, or before a is to expose my music to as many This association of country music group of dedicated fans in a Texas people as possible. I feel that what artists in the campaign could push nonky tonk, Gary Morris has I do can be acceptable to foreign country music over the edge for all carved a niche in today's music markets, particularly in light of my of us. The UK and Western Europe world and gathering critical plans to become involved in more represents one of the biggest chal- acclaim and legions of loyal fol- TV and in films " lenges in our industry. Our goal is lowers along the way. Album: Second Hand Heart. (War- to affect people the way we hove With an attractive blend of pop, ner Bros 925 392-1 (cassette; in America — in a positive way." folk and country, he has managed 925 392-4). f Album- Seasons. (MCA MCF 3307 (cassette; MCFC 3307).) Page 4 New Country Music Week 1 March, 1 986 .