Inside Music Row

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of Eric Church as Eric's latest project "Caught In The Act:  Live" was recorded at Chattanooga's Tivoli Theatre in October and will be released April 9th.  Carrie Underwood joins other artists liek Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley, and Toby Keith in providing some of the best seats in the house on her "Blown Away" tour to benefit charity.  TicketsForCharity.com is the place to find these unbelievable offers, and proceeds will benefit the ACM Lifting Lives program and Carrie's very own CATS Foundation.  Up next is The McClymonts as they have earned the "Country Album of the Year" by the Australian Recording Industry Association and the "Golden Guitar" for the highest Selling Australian Album at the "Australian Country Music Awards."  Big Machine Label Group is mentioned next as they have launched an exclusive new mobile app allowing fans to get all kinds of artist news, tour dates, and even preview and purchase new material.  We also mention Johnny Cash as the U.S. Postal Service will issue a stamp with the legendary country singer this summer.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with John Ozier to hear about a song he co-wrote called "Hard to Love" which Lee Brice took all the way to number one.

Jimbeau Hinson has been a staple in the songwriting community for over forty years, but his very life was in jeopardy after contracting HIV.  We don't normally bring you such mature subject matter, but this story of perseverance and emotional therapy is certainly worth telling.  Kelly Lynn caught up with Jimbeau at a showcase for his debut album as an artist full of material he's written while living with HIV.

Rhett Akins has had a long distinguished career as a songwriter, earning plenty of number one hits and other accolades along the way.  We had a chance to catch up with Rhett at a private party to hear about his journey through the music business.  Here's Kelly with more.

Katie Armiger just released her fourth studio album "Fall Into Me," and has become Katie's fastest rising album on the charts.  When so much work goes into the production of the album and the marketing of the music, one thing that fans will oftentimes overlook is the selection of album artwork.  We had a chance to check in on Katie behind-the-scenes on the photo shoot for her latest project.  Take a look.

We kick off another Inside Music Row with thte mention of Alabama as the country supergroup is touring together again to celebrate their fortieth anniversary.  The "Back to the Bowery" tour launches in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina April fifth.  Lonestar is also in the news as their single "Maybe Someday" is doing well on the charts, and are excited about their forthcoming album "Life As We Know It."  Up next is the CMA SOngwriters Series as it is returning for a ninth season.  The 2013 program program features Craig Morgan, Shane Minor, Phil O'Donnell, and host Bob DiPiero.  The popular series kicks off March 19th at Joe's Pub in New York City.  We also mention Maggie Rose as she is excited about the release of her debut full-length album "Cut To Impress" March 26th.  The title comes from a lyric in one of her songs which she feels best represents her debut project.  The album was produced by Blake Chancey, James Stroud, and Stephony Smith.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Bobby Bare to hear about his hit "Detroit City" which was written by Mel Tillis and Danny Dill.

A few weeks ago, we had a chance to catch up with John Anderson to talk about the thirtieth anniversary of his hit "Swingin."  We had so much to talk about that we really didn't have a chance to hear how that song came about.  Fortunately, John filled us in on the story behind that hit song.

Rachel Potter has just finished up her role opposite Ricky Martin in the Broadway hit "Evita," and now she has some time on her hands to pursue her first love.  We had a chance to sit down with Rachel to hear about her second career and the release of her debut EP "Live The Dream"  Here's Kelly with more.

"Cruise" became a huge hit for Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, earning them their very first number one hit.  As Florida Georgia Line, the duo has signed to Big Machine Records, and the fruits of that new relationship have already paid off.  We had a chance to catch up with Brian and Tyler and co-writers Chase Rice and Jesse Rice at a party to celebrate.

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of Nashville's mother church of country music as it has been honored by Pollstar Magazine as the "Theatre of the Year" for the third year in a row.  Justin Moore is also in the news as he is set to kick off his "Outlaws Like Me" Tour in Pikeville, Kentucky on March 14th.  Up next is NBC's hit singing contest "The Voice" as it will feature a little bit of country competition in season four.  Look for Lady A's Hillary Scott to hook up with Team Adam as a mentor alongside Adam Levine.  We also mention "The Voice's" host Blake Shelton as he is set to release his new album later this month.  Look for "Based On A True Story..." to hit stores March 26th.  Lonestar is mentioned next as their super hit "Amazed" has now been certified with a BMI Million-Air award for over seven spins on the radio - congratulations to Lonestar and songwriters Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, and Marv Green.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with LeAnn Rimes to hear about an intensely personal song she recently wrote called "Borrowed."

Nashville is well-known for country music, but many people don't realize that you can find just about every genre of music here in town, which gives us the nickname of Music City, USA.  One of the biggest nights in gospel music, the annual Stellar Awards, was held at the Grand Ole Opry, and Cheryl Jackson came in from Dallas to check out all the artists celebrating the big night.