Inside Music Row

Artists often awarded many honors during their recording career.  They normally start with local and regional awards, and then if they're lucky, move up to achieve national recognition.  When you get the call that the Country Music Hall of Fame wants you, then you know you've truly been accepted by the music community, as well as fans from around the world.  We had a chance to catch up with new inductees Garth Brooks, Connie Smith, and Hargus "Pig" Robbins at the special announcement.

We kick off another edition of Inside Music Row with the mention of Jimmy Wayne as he is continuing to work hard helping kids in Tennessee's foster care system.  Jimmy helped Tennessee lawmaker pass legislation that provides assistance to foster kids once they age out of the system, helping to bridge the gap between teenage years and adulthood.  Craig Morgan is also in the news as he recently appeared in Lifetime's hit drama "Army Wives."  We also mention Minnie Pearl as you may see the return of "Hats Across The Row" next week honoring her legacy.  Up next is the mention of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame as it is welcoming a new class of inductees.  Some of the inductees are Steven Curtis Chapman, The Kentucky Headhunters, Skeeter Davis and the group Exile.  Also, Trisha Yearwood is bringing her family-inspired recipes and traditions to the Food Network this week.  Look for the new daytime series "Trisha's Southern Kitchen."  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Jeremy McComb and his song "Time."

You may be a little familiar with this next artist, as we've featured his father Rhett Akins many times as a writer of hit songs.  Thomas Rhett is now signed as an artist to the Valory Music Company, and recently released his very first single to radio.  We had an exclusive visit to the celebration launch and had a chance to talk to Thomas about his budding career. 

Janie Fricke is known to many country music fans around the world for her hits in the 1980's, along with her two CMA "Female Vocalist of the Year" awards, so she decided to take a spin at bluegrass with a fresh look at many of her most popular songs.  That new release 'Country Side Of Bluegrass" is now available, and we caught up with Janie to hear all about that new project.  Here's Kelly with more.

After sending ten singles to radio, Eric Church was able to ring in the New Year with his very first number one hit.  This happened along with his first Grammy nomination, his latest album "Chief" spending two weeks at the top spot on the Country Albums chart, and that same albumbeing certified gold.  He's had a great short year so far, and now he's on the road for the first time as headliner on his "Blood, Sweat, and Beers Tour."  Kelly Lynn caught up with the key players on the track "Drink In My Hand" that helped it move all the way to number one.

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of Kenny Chesney as his new album is due out later this summer.  Thompson Square is also in the news as they're latest single "Glass" helps raise awareness of ChildFund International.  Kip Moore is mentioned next as he about to launch his "Up All Night" album later this month.  Also, fans of the legendary Wildhorse Saloon will be glad to know that the new Wildhorse mobile app will be available in the iTunes store and Android Marketplace.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Jim Femino as he talks about the song he co-wrote:  "Just Got Started Lovin' You."  James Otto took that song all the way to number one.

Born and raised in East Texas, Mark Cooke is chasing his dream as a country artist and songwriter here in Nashville.  He released his debut E-P last fall, and plans on launching a full album later this year.  The leadoff single "Any Way The Wind Blows" was written by the bumber one winning team of Mark Nesler, Jennifer Hanson, and Marty Dodson.  We caught up with Mark at his very first Nashville show downtown at The Rutledge.  Here's Kelly with more.

Neal McCoy started his professional music career as an opening act for Charley Pride over 30 years ago.  He's seen plenty of commercial success and radio airplay with hits like "Wink" and "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On."  He's performed for our troops overseas over fifteen times, earning him a spot on the Top 10 USO Entertainers of All Time.  Now he's back with new music, which was produced by a few of his good friends...Brent Rowan, Blake Shelton, and Miranda Lambert, who coincidentally back him up on a song or two.  Kelly Lynn caught up with Neal to learn all about his new album.

We've been fortunate enough to watch Kimberly, Neil, and Reid Perry grow into the polished artsists they've now become.  Not only has their self-titled debut album gone platinum, but their latest hit "All Your Life" has been certified gold, as well as taking the top spot on the charts.  This all follows the huge success of their monster hit "If I Die Young."  Kelly Lynn had a chance to catch up with the sibling trio at a party to celebrate their most recent achievements.

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of Vince Gill.  Vince is scheduled for a few performances at high-profile events, including Keith Urban's "All For The Hall" event here in town on April 10th.  He's also busy producing albums for Ashley Monroe...his Monday night buddies The Time Jumpers...and his daughter Jenny Gill.  Now it seems he's also preparing for a European tour in July.  Jason Aldean is also in the news as he recently participated in the G.A.C. television show "Day Jobs."  Look for that episode to air April 4th.  Sugarland is also mention as they are set to launch their 25-city "In The Hands Of The Fans" tour next week in Toledo.  We move on to Hank Jr. as he is now out on tour "Taking Back the Country."  His son Hand the third is set to release his latest "Long Gone Granddaddy" album April 17th.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Dierks Bentley as he talks about his song "Home."