Inside Music Row

Our featured artist of the week is Donna Cunningham, who began singing as a child, enamored with the sounds of traditional country artists.  In her music career, she's made a name for herself in her home state of Ohio, and is now making waves internationally.  We caught up with Donna to hear all about her journey through country music.

The Bigger Picture Music Group is not your typical Nashville label.  As a smaller, more independent company, the organization gives artists more flexibility and freedom than the larger, more corporate-type structure.  After success stories with Craig Campbell and now Chris Cagle, the label has found more talent to add to their growing lineup.  Kelly Lynn caught up with Keith Stegall and a few of his new acts at a special showcase downtown. 

Late last year, "God Gave Me You" became the fifth consecutive number one hit for Blake Shelton and his tenth overall.  Previously released by songwriter Dave Barnes, Blake heard the song on the radio and was inspired to propose to Miranda Lambert, who is now his wife.  We caught up with Dave and the crew at an ASCAP party to celebrate that number one song.

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of Brad Paisley.  He has kicked off his virtual Reality Tour and added new dates like the new Wrigley Field Tour June 9th.  Look for Miranda Lambert, Chris Young, The Band Perry, and Jerrod Niemann to join him.  Trace Adkins is mentioned next as he just released his tenth studio album last year - this album along with his new Songs ans Stories Tour where both inspired by a question and answer session in a television special about some of the fans' favorite songs.  Billy Currington is up next as he is set to kick off his tour across America - look for David Nail and Kip Moore to join him.  We also mention the new "Country Dance All Stars" and its release to Kinect for Sbox 360 next month.  Finally we go Inside the Song with Marty Dodson as he talks about his hit "Let Me Down Easy" recorded by Billy Currington. 

We first caught up with Sarah Darling back in the summer of 2009, as she had just been signed to the Black River Entertainment Group and was set to release her debut project for the label.  Since the, we've seen her career blossom with successful music, videos, and even an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry a year ago.  We managed to catch up with the rising star as she was honored with her own caricature on the walls at the legendary Palm restaurant right here in Nashville.

Keith Stegall may not be a household name, but in the music business, everyone knows him.  He's written countless songs, produced tons of incredible albums, and now he's partner and Chief Creative Officer for Bigger Picture Group, the label home for Chris Cagle, Craig Campbell and more.  Kelly Lynn caught up with Keith to hear about this musical Renaissance man.

Dailey and Vincent are the hottest new duo in bluegrass music.  Jaime Dailey and Darrin Vincent have seen tons of success already in their individual careers, but nothing like the critical acclaim since they've teamed up together.  They are now celbrating their first gospel album, which is their second exclusive Cracker Barrel project.  Kelly Lynn caught up with the guys to hear all about "The Gospel Side of Dailey and Vincent.

We kick off another edition of Inside Music Row with the mention of Keith Urban as he has just written for the first time specifically for a movie project.  Carrie Underwood is also in the news as she will headline the Nashville Symphony's "Nordstrom Symphony Fashion Show."  Lee Brice is mentioned next as he just celebrated a number one song and recently popped the question to his longtime girlfriend.  Craig Morgan is also mentioned as he is set to release his sixth studio album February 28th.  The annual Tin Pan South is ready to descend on Music City once again - look for the 20th annual event to start March 27th with feature songwriters and a variety of music from all genres.  Bailey also mentions BamaJam as it is now back!.  Enterprise, Alabama will gear up with a new BamaJam production beginning June 14th.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Keith Stegall as he talks about a song he wrote with Gary Harrison for George Strait called "I Hate Everything." 

"Beyond The Hits' is an incredible selection of songs by many of today's hottes country artists.  If you just listen to the radio, you may not be familiar with many of these tracks, since they wre never released as singles.  Blair Garner, from the syndicated radio show "After Midnite" has put together this compilation disc full of hits that could have hit number one if they had been sent to radio.  Kelly Lynn caught up with Blair to talk all about that new project.  

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of Tim McGraw as he has finally released his new studio-album "Emotional Traffic."  Look for Tim out with Kenny Chesney this summer on the "Brothers of the Sun Tour."  Blake Shelton is also in the news as he has started filming the first few episodes of the hit NBC show "The Voice."  The new season kicks off Sunday after the Super Bowl.  Brad Paisley's is also mentioned as he has just kicked off his Virual Reality 2012 World Tour with special guests "The Band Perry" and "Scotty McCreery."  The Rascal Flatts are excited about their new single "Banjo," which is the first track off their forthcoming album due out this Spring.  The guys are close to wrapping up their "Thaw Out 2012" tour, and audiences are loving it.  Average Joe's Entertainment and Scatter Records are teaming up to release "Waylon - The Music Inside:  A Collaboration Dedicated to Waylon Jennings, Volume Two."  This 11-track album is the second of three volumes featuring various artists performing the hits that made Waylon a household name.  The album is already available digitally, but will be in stores Tuesday.  Finally we go Inside The Song with Tim James and a cut off rodney Atkins latest album called "He's Mine."