Inside Music Row

Montgomery Gentry's popularity has remained strong since their move to new label home Average Joe's Entertainment.  With the release of their "Rebels On The Run" disc last year, the duo has more flexibility to try something new.  They've now teamed up with Buffet's Incorporated to offer their CD for sale with proceeds going to the Armed Services YMCA, helping to support our men and women in uniform and their families.  We caught up with Troy and Eddie at a local Ryan's Buffet to talk about their recent work.

The Pepsi Billboard Summer Beats Concert Series stopped over here in Nashville for a show that fans were able to watch online for free on Twitter.  The series began in June with katie Perry on Hollywood Boulevard but this show brought out some of the best new talent Nashville has to offer.  Kelly Lynn hit the red carpet to talk with a few of those artists about the special event.

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of Jamey Johnson - Jamey is set to release his third studio album this fall, and look for it to be a salute to the late singer songwriter Hank Cochran.  "Livin' For A Song:  A Tribute To Hank Cochran" features many of Hank's signature songs and will be available on vinyl September 25th and on CD and digitally October 16th.  We also mention Lionel Richie as he has signed on to mentor the winner of the NSAI Song Contest presented by CMT.  Also, the 2012 Farm Aid show has sold out in just four hours, and the lineup keeps on growing.  Look for Far Aid fouders Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young, along with board member Dave Matthews.  The Farm Aid show has also added country superstar Kenny Chesney and a few other artists to the mix.  Up next is former Army Ranger Keni Thomas - he has made a name for himself with his music, but now he's put down his guitar to write his own personval account of the chaotic 1993 raid in Mogadishu, made famous by the book and movie "Black Hawk Down."  "Get It On!" brings a message of inspiration in reminding readers that every person matters ant that they can always make a difference.  Finnaly we go Inside The Song with Colt Ford as he talks about his latest single "Back" which feature Jake Owen.

We've been fortunate enough to spend time with Lee and Elaine Roy of the Roys.  The brother and sister duo have come a long way in their recording careers.  Since signing with Rural Rhythm Records, they released "Lonesome Whistle" last year, which debuted at number seven on Billboard's Bluegrass Albums Chart, and included the hits "Coal Minin' Man' and "Trailblazer."  Their latest project is "New Day Dawning," and we had a chance to talk to them about that project which hits stores next week.  

The inaugural "Celebration Of Music" was held ahead of the recent NAMM convention here in Nashville.  The show featured plenty of great music, food, and a silent auction, with proceeds going to restoring music in public schools here in Music City.  Kelly Lynn had a chance to catch up with a few of the artists and guests helping to make this a night to remember.

We've featured this next artist several times here on Inside Music Row, only then she went by her more formal name of Margaret Durante.  As she was on the road, she felt a close connection with her fans, which is why she changed her name to Maggie Rose, which is what her friends and family call her.  We had a chance to check in with Maggie as she performed on the Country Throwdown Tour right here in Nashville.  Here's Kelly with more.

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of Dwight Yoakam.  Dwight is set to release his first new studio album in seven years - look for "3 Pears" out on Warner Brothers Records September 18th.  Up next is the mention of "Live On The Green" program which kicks off September 6th at the Public Square Park in front of the Metro courthouse.  The series includes Jakob Dylan's group The Wallflowers as part of the Americana Music Festival.  Next we mention Billy Currington as his "Good Directions" single has been certified platinum for sales reaching one million copies - Billy is currently in the studio working on his next album for Mercury Records.  We also mention Wynonna as she  is getting set for the holidays by putting together her "Rockin' Christmas Tour."  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Shane McAnally to talk about the song he co-wrote for Jake Owen, "Alone With You."

Love and Theft have seen quite a few changes in their short recording career.  When Disney folded their first recrd label and after the departure of one member of the trio, Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles kept the faith and music going.  Now the duo is signed to RCA, and just released their self-titled album.  Here they are talking about that new "Love and Theft" project.

Jason Aldean's latest number one hit tells the story of two men on a first class flight questioning who would want to live in the lands they see below them in the middle of nowhere.  Jason goes on to say that if these men had ever been to these places, they'd understand why God made those flyover states.  This song isn't his more typical party song, but has a little bit different feel to it, which country audiences seem to love.  Kelly Lynn headed out to a party to celebrate that song's success.

With the hot weather outside this time of year, it's hard to believe that the Christmas season will be upon us in just a few short months.  No yeletide holiday would be complete without "A Country Christmas" at Nashville's Opryland Hotel.  Known around the world for the dazzling light displays, the hotel truley has something for everyone.  Lorrie Morgan is set to complement the displays as she kicks off a new "Enchanted Christmas" program November 16th.  Kelly Lynn caught up with Lorrie to hear all about the new dinner show.