Inside Music Row

Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis have lead somewhat parallel lives, and knew each other mostly in passing as they matured in the music business.  It wasn't until they got together for a few "Grits and Glamour" shows that they really started to bond.  After touring together for a bit, they were encouraged to put out a duets album.  The "Dos Divas" project was released in July, and has given each of them a new perspective on life.

Steve Wariner was having so much fun putting out instrumental albums that he just didn't think about putting out a non-instrumental project for almost eight years.  Fans looking for more incredible songs like "Holes In The Floor of Heaven" and "Two Teardrops" won't be disappointed with the album he put out in September.  "It Ain't All Bad" certainly takes a look at the brighter side of life.

As an independent artist, Lisa Matassa is really making a name for herself in country music.  It's tough enough to be an artist, but as you can see from this next interview, life is all about finding a balance. 

Many details of LeAnn Rimes's life have been exposed in the tabloids, but she's done her best to keep those stories at bay.  When she released "Spitfire" in June, she release a lot of pent-up emotion and energy in a very personal way.

Hunter Hayes has seen four number one hits in his very short career, and he launched his first headlining tour this fall.  Kelly Lunn had a chance to celebrate the launch of that tour at the final rehearsal at Nashville's Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

The Bootstraps Foundation is an incredible organization dedicated to helping young people succeed.  For those facing many challenges in life, some are still pushing ahead, and Bootstraps wants to help them attend college and get into a mentoring program.  This fall, the second annual Passion For Fashion fundraiser was a huge boost to the organization, and was sponsored by Zuus Country.  Kelly Sutton headed out to the big event to learn more about a "Passion For Fashion."

This is a very special time of year when we take a look back at some of our mot popular segments of the year.  Let's get things started with American Young.  Half of the new Curb duo is a well known writer and producer, and the other half is one hot fiddle player.  We had a chance to catch up with them at a showcase during this year's CMA Music Fest downtown.  

Joanna Mosca's career has hit another gear with the release of her latest EP "Let It All Begin," which is evident with her recent opening slot for LeAnn Rimes.  Kelly Lynn caught up with Joanna to see how she balances her family, her music, and the many causes she continues to support.

Clay Walker has battled multpile sclerosis since 1996, and he is committed to doing everything he can to find a cure.  That's why he established his non-profit "Band Against M-S," which helps raise money for researching that elusive cure.  To date, BAMS has raised over two million dollars.  One of the biggest annual fundraisers is Clay's "Chords of Hope" event at Nashville's Wildhorse Saloon.  The forth annual evet brought Clay together with good buddies Craig Campbell and Greg Bates.

The Inspirational Country Music Awards are a breath of fresh air in a market that is crowded with hard-partying drinking kinds of songs...or what you typically hear on the radio.  The ICM Awards take a different spin on things, honoring artists, songwriters, and industry people in Christian and Country music who are making a difference.  Big winners from the evening included Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride, and Scotty McCreery in the mainstraeam categories, and we had chance to catch up with many of the honorees before the big show.  Here's Kelly Lynn out on the red carpet.