Inside Music Row

You never know who you'll find working together to create hit records here in town.  Richard Marx has had an incredible career as a songwriter and as an artist, but he also writes with a few country artists, too.  One of those collaborations with Keith Urban went especially well, as Keith took "Long Hot Summer" to the top of the charts.  We caught up with Keith and Richard to talk about the success of that hit song. 

We kick off another edition of Inside Music Row with the mention of Carrie Underwood as she is excited about relasing her fourth studio album May 1st.  We also mention the 13th annual Country Music Marathon as it is featuring Rodney Atkins with Gloriana set to open.  Kellie Pickler is also mentioned as she is the first artist to launch the "Road To The Ram Jam" event taking place in Nasvhille later this year.  The all-star country musi series is sponsored by Ram Trucks.  Billy Ray Cyrus is mentioned next as he is set to release his memoir "Hillby Heart" which will be available next year through Amazon Publishing.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Mason Douglas as he talks about his song "Anything Can Happen."

Growing up in Castle Rock, Colorado, Emil Bishaw has been singing for most of his young life.  As a young teenage, he's already released two albums recorded right here in Nashville.  We caught up with Emil at home in Colorado to hear all about his budding music career. 

Through fan support of the annual CMA Music Festival every summer, the Country Music Association is able to "Keep The Music Playing" in Nashville public schools.  At the third annual All-Star Concert, featuring the best student groups alongside host Chris Young, the CMA Foundation donated 1.4 million dollars to benefit music education programs for Nashville's 78-thousand public school students.  Kelly Lynn headed out to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center to check it all out.

Eli Young Band hit the top of the charts last year with their monster hit "Crazy Girl."  We had a chance to catch up with the guys along with writers Lee Brice and Liz Rose at a party in their honor to celebrate the major milestone event.

Welcome to another Inside Music Row - we kick off the show with the mention of Rascal Flatts as they have just finished up their "Thaw Out 2012 Tour."  We also mention Colt Ford as he is set to launch his 2012 "Declaration of Independence" tour with a few labelmates from Average Joe's Entertainment.  Dierks Bentley is also mentioned as his "Country and Cold Cans" tour is still keeping the cans ice cold.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Jason Micael Carroll as he discussed his hit he wrote with Josh Thompson called "Ray of Hope." 

Legendary entertainer Frankie Avalon is ready to set sail this Fall for another "Malt Shop Memories" cruise.  He and many other icons from the '50's and '60's will embark on a luxury liner in late October cruising through the open sea.  We had a chance to talk with the legnd himself about the special "floating malt shop" and what fans can expect when they emmbark on this incredible journey. 

When Brantley Gilbert released his first project for Valory Records last Fall, he had high hopes but realistic expectations.  After co-writing two number one hits for Jason Aldean, Brantley finally hit number one as a songwriter and as an artist for his hit "Country Must Be Country Wide."  Kelly Lynn caught up with him and co-writers Colt Ford and Mike Dekle to celebrate that song's success.

Craig Morgan is well known for his hits like "Bonfire," "Tht's What I Love About Sunday," and "Redneck Yacht Club."  His latest single is still climbing the charts, and is the title track of a new disc which hits stores next week.  Kelly Lynn talked to the former soldier about his first new music in three years, and his first with Black River Entertainment.

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of the upcoming ACM Awards.  Luke Bryan and Eric Church are getting set for some special pre-awards shows in Las Vegas.  The two will each headline a night at the Fremont Street Experience March 30th and 31st before the show on Sunday, April 1st.  We also mention the Rascal Flatts as they are stoked about the new upcoming project "Changed" which hits stores April 3rd.  We also mention the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as it has reset the "All For The Hall" event for April 10th.  Look for Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Lady A., Rascal Flatts, Alabama, and many more to perform.  Taylor Swift is also in the news as she has recently gone through a crash-and-burn heartbreak - which has given her inspiration for her fourth album.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Shane Minor as he talks about the hit track "Live A Little.'  He wrote this with David Lee Murphy and Kenny Chesney took it all the way to number one.