Inside Music Row

After five years, a few changes were in store for the annual Jeffrey Steele and Friends benefit show.  This year's concert moved to the historic Franklin Theater on Main Street in downtown Franklin, Tennessee.  Along with performances from some of Jeffrey's good buddies, this event raised money for programs to benefit overlooked and at-risk youth.  Kelly Lynn was there to check it all out.

Lee Greenwood wrote his career-breaking song almost thirty years ago on the back of a tour bus when he penned "God Bless The U.S.A."  Now he's taking his writing to a new audience as he tries to find out if God still blesses the U.S.A.  Kelly Lynn had a chance to talk to Lee about his new book out this week.

We kick off another Inside Muisc Row with the mention of the upcoming CMA Music Fest.  The festival will continue the tradition of free shows on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage with Montgomery Gentry kick opening on Thursday morning.  Alan Jackson is also mentioned as he is keeping his promise to the people of Mineral, Virginia.  The town with a population of less tha 500 cast over 31-thousand votes to hold a concert in their hometown this weekend.  Josh Turner is up next as he is set to release his fifth studio album "Punching Bag."  We also mention Trace Adkins as he has partnered up with Hightower Enterprises to bring a new Country Smoked Sausage to the Brookshire Grocery Company.  We also mention Musicians On Call as it celebrates five years in Music City.  The program has now expanded into six area hospitals, including a new program at Monroe Carell, Jr, Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Jonathon Singleton as he talks about a song he co-wrote with David Nail - "Let It Rain."

Christmas will be a more special time of year in 2012 for many middle Tennessee kids, thanks to bluefrass duo The Roys and Tennessee Titan Rob Bironas.  They co-hosted the inaugural Christmas For Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament, which raised over 32-thousand dollars for the program.  We headed out to the Pine Creek Golf Course in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee to check it all out.

Kenny Chesney is a busy man right now.  With his new "Welcome To The Fishbowl" album hitting stores next month and his "Brothers of the Sun tour" with Time McGraw kicking off in a few weeks, he still finds time to celebrate number one hits.  We headed out to a party for his latest hit "Reality."

The legendary Dolly Parton has captured the essence of her sold out shows at London's O-2 Arena for her latest project "An Evening with...Dolly."  Featuring many of her greatest hits, this live album comes with both a CD and DVD, and is available only in Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores.  Kelly Lynn had a chance to catch up with Dolly to talk about this latest project.

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of Luke Bryan as his latest "Tailgates and Tanlines" album has gone platinum for sales over one million units.  Luke is also currently headlining his own dates and also on tour with Jason Aldean.  Keith Urban is also in the news as he is now a member of the Grand Ole Opry.  He was invited to become a member at his Nashville "All For The Hall" show - he is the first artist born and raised outside North America to become an Opry member.  Alan Jackson is up next as he is set to release new music, just in time for next month's CMA Music Fest.  Lauren Alaina has been named "Special Olympics Project UNIFY Ambassador for North America."  She has been involved with her local chapter of the Special Olympics since she was in sixth grade.  CMT will launch their first ever animated project next year.  "Bouty Hunters" features executive prodecers Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy, and Lisa Lampanelli.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Keith Stegall as he talks about a song he co-wrote which became Billboard's bumber on song of the year 1991 - It's Alan Jackson's hit "Don't Rock The Jukebox."

Hometown boy Chris Young has done quite well for himself since winning the Nashville Star in 2006.  Now with three albums under his belt, he's had a string of five consecutive number one hits.  We caught up with Chris and co-writer and co-writer Luke Laird at a celebration for his latest single to take the top spot on the charts.  Here's Kelly at the newly remodeled ASCAP lounge.

The annual TJ Martell Honors Gala is always an incredible event, as you never know who you'll see. From top artists to politicians to philanthropists to professional sports team owners, this year's event had a wide range of people, stepping up to help support the foundation.  Kelly Lynn headed out to the red carpet to take it all in. 

We kick off another episode of Inside Music Row with the mention of Rascal Flatts as they are set to hit the road this summer on their newly re-named "Famers Insurance Presents "Changed" Tour."  Expect to see them out with Little Big Town, Wli Young Band, and Eden's Edge.  Belmont University is also in the news as students there will be the beneficiaries of the new Brad Paisley Endowed Scholarship.  Lady Antebellum is mentioned next as they have been relegated to opening act again during London's "Hard Rock Calling" music festival.  Look for Bruce Springsteen to headline.  Josh Turner is also in the news as he is hitting the road again - this time sponsored by Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Casey Beathard as he talks about Kenny Chesney's hit "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem."