Inside Music Row

Country newcomer Maggie Sajak released her latest single "Wild Boy" last month, which is an upbeat track about a rebellious boy with a wild side.  Her debut single "First Kiss" was released two years ago, and was featured in a Hallmark Movie Channel special.  Still a teenager, Maggie is making the most of this opportunity.  We had a chance to chat with her about that new music.

When a song hits the top spot on the charts, it's always cause for celebration.  When Jake Owen hit number one with "Anywhere With You," he went all out, throwing a summer block party for about 20 thousand fans.  This number one party became the biggest celebration ever held at BMI.  Kelly Lynn had a chance to catch up with Jake and co-writers Jimmy Yeary, David Lee Murphy, and Ben Hayslip just before the party got started.

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of Luke Bryan and his latest project "Crash My Party."  The album sold well over a half-million copies in its first week on sale.  That's the 3rd biggest debut of the year so far, and makes him the only country artist besides Taylor Swift to sell that many album copies in a week since 2008.  Keith Urban is also in the news as he has already added a third leg to his "Light The Fuse" tour, beginning January ninth in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Look for Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch to continue as opening acts, with Brett Eldredge joining for a few Canadian dates.  Sheryl Crow is also in the news as she celebrated the release of her latest project "Feels Like Home" with Southern Living.  The magazine co-hosted Sheryl's releae party at her home, creating a multi-platform and mult-media partnership.  Up next is Old Crow Medicine Show as they will be formally inducted into the Grand Ole Opry during their Tuesday night performace.  The group made their debut on the Opry stage in January 2001 and have become a fan favorite during dozens of performances since.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Brett Eldredge to hear about his hit single "Don't Ya."

While Nashville is known around the world as the home of country music, there is a lot more to us than that.  The city has undergone a renaissance of sorts with Jack White, The Black Keys, Paramore, and others all calling Nashville home.  Another local rock group MODOC is making waves in the music world with several albums released and tons of festival dates under their belts.  We were able to preview some of their latest music here at home at the Mercy Lounge.  

Some people may consider Zane Williams to be an "Overnight Success," but he's really far from that.  After years of working in the business, Zane is making his way up the Texas charts and now making a name for himself nationally.  He's performed on countless college campuses and played well over a hundred gigs in the last six months.  Kelly Lynn had a chance to catch up with him to talk about his new album "Overnight Success." 

"Off The Beaten Path" is a good way to describe Justin Moore and his music.  As Justin prepares to release a new album next week, we had a chance to talk to him about the project he's called "Off The Beaten Path." 

We kick off another "Inside Music Row" with the mention of Hunter Hayes.  Hunter is celebrating a couple of platinum certifications with his self-titled debut album along with his latest single "I Want Crazy."  Look for Hunter out on the road as he kicks off his CMT "Let's Be Crazy" tour October 10th in Knoxville, TN.  Up next is the mention of the 47th annual CMA Awards as they are right around the corner.  The program will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena November 6th on ABC with seasoned hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.  LeAnn Rimes and her husband Eddie are also in the news as they will star in a VH1 reality show premiering this fall.  Look for "LeAnn and Eddie" to bring the truth and make fun of all the gossip in at least six half-hour episodes.  We also mention Billy Dean as he has been tapped for the lead role in Kenny Rogers' Christmas production of "The Toy Shoppe."  The show at Branson's Starlit Theater begins November 1st with Kenny's original music and story.  Speaking of legends, we talk Loretta Lynn as she will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama at a ceremony later this year.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Gwen Sebastian to hear about her hit "Suitcase."

A Midwestern girl in a military family, Angie Johnson went into the Air Force as an intelligence analyst and Air Force Band Vocalist.  After helping to lift morale for troops deployed around the world, her love of music lead her to Nashville.  When a youtube vieo was posted of her singing on deployment, Angie made it onto the hit NBC show "The Voice," and brought her dreams back to reality.  Kelly Lynn caught up with Angie to hear all about that musical journey.

Since the release of the recent Jason Aldean hit "1994," everyone has been wondering "will the real Joe Diffie please stand up>"  We now have the answer.  Joe has been hard at work in the studio with the help of a few friends, and also returns the favor back to Jason by name-dropping him in the newest single "Girl Ridin' Shotgun."  We had a chance to chat with Joe about his recent popularity with an entirely new audience.

In the history of country music, one group certainly stands tall when it comes to bumber on hits, longevity, album sales, and overall popularity.  Throughout the years, they've made many friends in the business, so when the idea emerged for an "Alabama and Friends" album, the hardest part was narrowing down the list of friends.  We had a chance to catch up with the supergroup to hear all about that new project.