Inside Music Row

The Grascals are arguably one of the biggest groups in bluegrass music, given their many wins at the IBMA Awards and other high profile events.  With a new record label in the Mountain Home Music Company, they've wasted no time in putting out another incredible album..."Life Finds A Way."  While it might be a little more county than some of their past albums, this surely will satisfy their die-hard fans.  Here's Kelly at a special listening party for the release of that new album.

Darryl Worley is in a great place right now.  After several number one hits, including his anthem "Have You Forgotten," he has a new label with fresh ideas, giving him the creative freedom to record the kind of music that means the most to him.  He's had a new single do well at radio..."You Still Got It," and he's looking forward to putting out a fell album this summer.  We had a chance to sit down with him to hear all about the new music.

This month's Academy of Country Music Awards took Las Vegas by storm, with country artists everywhere!  We were able to talk to many of them on their way into the big show on the red carpet.  Here's Kelly Lynn at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Vegas.

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of Lady Antebellum as they will make Henryville High School the official winner of their "Own Prom Night" contest.  Henryville High School showed resilience following the area's devastating storms last month.  The private prom show on May 16th will be followed by a nenefit concert in which all proceeds will go to the New Hope-Indiana Bankers Association Disaster Relief Fund.  Blake Shelton is also in the news as he is a bit amused by being named "Country's Hottest Guy" by People Magazine.  Billy Currington is enjoying the success of his fourth studio album "Enjoy Yourself."  Billy is currently working on his fifth studio album and headlining shows across the country.  Rick Monroe wil continue his tie with Jagermeister as the liquor company sponsors thier fifth country tour.  Average Joe's recording artist Matt Stillwell is also in the new as he recently married his longtime girlfriend Lindsey Crawford.  Finally we go Inside the Song with Sherrie Austin as she talks about a song she co-wrote for George Strait.

Many songwriters put their words to music for years before ever landing a cut, which can drastically affect their confidence and self-esteem.  We had a chance to chat with Mike Dekle at a recent number one party for Brantley Gilbert about some of the challenges and obstacles he's overcome as a songwriter in the the last thirty-plus years.  The inspirational story may surprise you.

With news that sets of Britannica encyclopedias will never be printed again...along comes the master of comedy music Ray Stevens with a new kind of encyclopedia...this time of recorded comedy music.  He's out with a new 9-disc box set containing over a hundered of the greatest comedy songs ever recorded throughout the history of music.  We caught up with Ray at a special party to check out that new project.  Here's Kelly with more.  

The songwriting team of the Peach Pickers, which include Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, and Ben Hayslip, have earned numerous top hits together, writing songs for many of today's hottest artists.  When you throw Luke Bryan into the mix, you might think they'll come away with a big time party song.  However...the foursome instead came up with the heartfelt hit "I Don't Want This Night To End."  We caught up with them at a party at Nashville's Cabana to celbrate the number one song.  

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles.  Jennifer will be loooking for a duet partner as part of ABC's show  "Duets," which airs this summer.  Look for Lionel Richie, Kelly Clarkson, and Robin Thicke to also join her in a search for a new duet partner.  Reba is also in the news as she will be inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame this summer.  Eric Church will represent country music on Metallica's "Orion Music and More linup in June.  Also, the Eli Young Band is heading back to college...this time fore charity.  The group joined up with a Maryland radio station and fraternity to raise money for St. Jude.  They performed several hits at the fundraiser, including their number one song "Crazy Girl."  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Sonya Isaacs as she talks about a hit she wrote for Martina McBride - "I'm Gonna Love Through It." 

Claudia lee may be best known for her television role on Disney's popular sitcom "Zeke and Luther," or her new role on the hit C-W series "Hart of Dixie."  What many fans may not know is that she also has an incredible singing voice.  We caught up with Claudia to find out how she has time for careers in both music and television, especially at such a young age.  Here's Kelly with more.

Brightstone helps adults living with developmental disabilities by providing for their total life needs in a God-centered, caring environment.  Through private donations, they are able to meet the needs of many in the Nashville community.  Trace Adkins recently signed on as the headliner for Brightstone's annual songwriters night to help raise funds for the organization.  Kelly Lynn caught up with a few people that made the evening a tremendous success.