Inside Music Row

The election season here in the U.S. remidns us of the many ideological differences between political parties.  As the final push for votes nationwide was made las week, some artists like Burns and Poe are doing everything they can to help get our country back on much stronger ground.  We caught up with Keith Burns and Michelle Poe at a liberty festival in Tampa, Florida.

Jerrod Niemann has been playing music most of his life, but after writing hits for Garth Brooks, Jamey Johnson, and a few other artists, his career finally took off.  His first major label album "Judge Jerrod and the Hung Jury," included his catchy number one hit "Lover, Lover," as well as the top five single "What Do You Want."  Now on his second album for Arista Nashville's Sea Gayle division, "Free The Music" has a very different feel to it that he hopes his fans will love.  We caught up with Jerrod at a showcase to celebrate that new album.

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of Garth Brooks.  Garth is ending another era in music as the show called "Best In Vegas" finishes its run at the Wynn Las Vegas next weekend.  He also plans to film his one-man show next year for a possible network special.  Darius Rucker is on cloud 9 as he can now add Grand Ole Opry member to his musical resume.  Also in the news is Luke Bryan as he just finished up another successful "Farm Tour," and is ready to hit the road next year with Cabela's as a major sponsor.  Luke's first major headlining "Dirt Road Diaries Tour" kicks off in the new year and will inclde lots of cross promotin between the artist and the outdoor retailer.  Trace Adkins is up next as he launched his new brand of Country Smoked Sausage with Hightower Enterprises, LLC.  We also discuss Sammy Kershaw as his "A Sammy Klaus Christmas" album is now available.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Bucky Covington to hear about a atrack he wrote with his buddy Shooter Jennings called "Drinking Side of Country."

Justin Moore has seen his star rise since signing with the new Valory Music Group in 2008.  With hits like "Small Town U.S.A.," "Backwoods," and "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away," Justin has established himself as a major artist.  We had a chance to check him out behind-the-scenes on the set for his latest video "Til My Last Day."  The video was shot in East Nashville and includes a few interesting surprises.

Love and Theft has been through a lot of changes in a short amount of time, but celebrating a number one single is a change they sure are enjoying.  "Angel Eyes" is the duo's first bumber one hit, and is the lead single off their self-titled RCA Nashville release.  Co-written by Love and Theft's Eric Gunderson, Jeff Coplan and Eric Paslay, the song hit number one in late August.  We had a chance to catch up with the honorees at a party at ASCAP to celebrate.  

The International Bluegrass Music Association's annual awards show is always an event to remember.  The 23rd annual show was hosted by the legendary Del McCoury and Laurie Lewis at the historic Ryman Auditorium.  With the awards show moving to Raleigh next year, this evening brought out many special memories of time spent here in Nashville.  We caught up with many of the honorees at a reception before the big night.

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of Trace Adkins as he has been tapped as the spokesperson for the 2012 American Red Cross Holiday Giving Campaign.  Also in the news is Tracy Lawrence as his hometown has recently honored him with "Tracy Lawrence Day" and the first ever "Wilson County Humanitarian Award."  Up next is the country Music Association and their effort to "Keep The Music Playing" in public schools - Dierks Bentley recently visited a school in the Bronx to talk to the kids about the importance of music and keep engaged in school.  A big congratulations goes out to Allen Karl and Donna Cunningham for their second consecutive number one hit on the European Country Music Association's Country Radio Chart.  Their hit "Your Name Is On My Lips Again" hit the top spot overseas this summer following in the footsteps of their successful duet "Jesus Heard Every Word."  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Josh Turner to hear about "Punching Bag," which he wrote with Pat McLaughlin.

In 1999, Waylon Jennings made a few trips to the home studio of his steel guitarist Robby Turner.  His health was declining, but he had some songs he wated recorded, so he laid down twelve tracks, just him and his guitar.  He never got around to finishing those tracks, passing away in 2002.  Robby kept hold of that project, and is finally ready to release what would have been Waylon's last album.  We had a chance to learn more about that special project.  

Luke Bryan has seen quite a bit of success in his music areer since signing with Capitol Records about five ears ago.  He's earned a reputation as a great songwriter and performer.  Typically, Luke writes most of his own material, but every now and then he hears a song that he has to have.  Good thing he found "Drunk On You," written by Rodney Clawson, Josh Kear, and Chris Tompkins, which Luke took all the way to number one.  Kelly Lynn caught up with them at a party to celebrate that song's success.

With a tour name like "The Cowboy Rides Away" you know it will mean the passing of an era.  George Strait announced recently that he will retire from touring, although he still plans on recording and playing a few select shows around the country.  After 59 number one songs and over 65 million albums sold, he's earned a little bit of rest.  We caught up with George at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to learn about how he's going out in style.