Inside Music Row

The International Bluegrass Music Association holds its annual awards show each fall at the historic Ryman Auditorium.  We caught up with many of the winners and nominees at a reception to honor their incredible accoplishments of the year.

Rodney Atkins is celebrating the release of his new album "Take A Back Road" this month with his sixth number one hit.  Rodney caught the eye and ear of Hollywood director Andy Tennant, who brought his unique perspective to the video treatment.  We caught up with Rodney to talk about the new album and the number one single of the same name. 

Jusin Moore is getting used to these number one parties, with all the success he's seen with the Valory Music Group.  Kelly Lynn headed over to the Country Music Association to catch up with Justin and the writers behind the number one hit "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away."

Bailey starts off the news segment with Brad Paisley and the release of his new book "Diary of a Player."  Martina McBride is mentioned next as she partnered with Stanford Women's Cancer Center to help light up the Empire State Building.  She is also celebrating the recent release of her new album "Eleven."  Rascal Flatts and their recent induction into the Grand Ole Opry are discussed next.  Sarah Darling is also mentioned as she recently partnered up with Crock-Pot.  Finally we roll Inside the Song with the McClymonts and their song "Wrapped Up Good."

"Stars For Stripes" is more than just another military support organization.  Founded in 2003, Stars For Stripes helps brig entertainment to military troops deployed overseas in remote areas, where morale often needs the biggest boost.  By partnerting with artists and military organizations, a total of 54 celebrity entertainment tours have gone overseas, with the bulk going to Iraq and Afghanistan.  Kelly Lynn headed out to the only fundraising event of the year for this incredible organization at Nashville's Palm restaurant.

What began as a tribute to a close friend fourteen years ago has turned into an annual fundraising event for the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America.  Montgomery Gentry, Colt Ford, Ira Dean, and many others came together to put on an unforgettable evening, while raising money to fight this relatively unknown disease.

The legacy of Hank Williams has endured through the years.  People are still fascinated by a promising young career that ended too abruptly.  Fortunately, his music lives on in his family, and now through a restoration process...Hank, Senior is still putting out music.  We caught up with Junior, to talk about the new set "Hank WIlliams:  The Legend Begins."

In this segment Baily gets started with Keith Urban and his new Phoenix cologne.  People magazine is having a contest to promote the fragrance.  Check out Keith Urban.net to learn more and enter.  Next Baily talks Jimmy Wayne who teamed up with the Energizer Bunny and the VH1 Save the Music Foundation to raise money for the school.  The Beatles are also highlighted as their new complete collection of their first recordings becomes available through Time Life.  Tennessee governor Bill Haslam is mentioned as he issued a proclamation for "Country Music Month" to help kick off the 45th annual CMA Awards which airs live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on ABC on November 9th.  Deborah Allen's first book "The Loneliest Christmas Tree" is highlighted - the book is illustrated by Molly Brooks; daughter of Kix Brooks.  Finally we go inside The Song with writers Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip as they discuss the hit "Honey Bee" performed by Blake Shelton.

Mason Douglas gives music lovers an unforgettable performance.  He's been compared to Chris Isaak and Garth Brooks, and some even say he's country music's Rob Thomas.  On the roster at Rural Rhythm Records, Mason's debut disc "My Wild Heart" has done quite well, but the studio recordings just don't seem to capture the whole feel of a Mason Douglas show.  We caught up with him at a recent benefit in town to talk about his style and music.

Mac McAnally has spent most of his professional career as a Coral Reefer, a member of Jimmy Buffet's band.  Now he's enjoying the spotlight with his first live recording released just this week on Mailboat Records.  Kelly Lynn caught up with Mac to talk about "Live in Muscle Shoals."