Holly Dunn
Holly Dunn, a renowned female country singer in the late ’80s, was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1957. She had a musical upbringing as the sister of Chris Waters, a future country songwriter. During her high school years, Dunn performed with the Freedom Folk group, touring the South and even gracing the White House bicentennial celebration. At Abilene Christian University, she showcased her talent with the Hilltop Singers touring choir and collaborated with her brother on the track ‘Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind.’ Inspired by the recording of this song by Cristy Lane, Dunn decided to pursue a career in Nashville after completing her education.
In Nashville, Dunn initially worked as a demo singer before transitioning to a staff songwriter role at CBS, later moving to MTM. Her songwriting skills flourished as she penned hits for artists like Louise Mandrell, including the Top Ten success ‘I’m Not Through Loving You Yet.’ Dunn’s breakthrough came when she secured a record deal and released her debut single in 1985. Her self-titled album followed in 1986, featuring the iconic track ‘Daddy’s Hands.’ With the release of ‘Cornerstone’ in 1987, Dunn achieved chart success with hits like ‘Love Someone Like Me’ and ‘Only When I Love.’ Despite challenges when MTM went bankrupt, Dunn signed with Warner Bros. for ‘The Blue Rose of Texas’ in 1989, which included her first number one single ‘Are You Ever Gonna Love Me.’ Throughout the ’90s, Dunn continued to release albums and singles, navigating the changing music industry landscape until her retirement in 2003 due to evolving interests. Sadly, she passed away in 2016 from ovarian cancer at the age of 59, leaving behind a musical legacy that endures.
Mindy McCready
Mindy McCready, originally known as Malinda Gayle McCready, rose to fame with her debut album, Ten Thousand Angels, which marked her entry into the vibrant music scene of Nashville. Hailing from southern Florida, McCready’s passion for music led her to graduate high school at just 16, eager to kickstart her music career. Moving to Nashville at 18, she made a pact with her mother to pursue a college education if her musical dreams didn’t materialize within a year. Fortuitously, she crossed paths with influential figures like producer Norro Wilson and songwriter David Malloy, who recognized her talent and guided her towards success.
Her debut album garnered widespread acclaim upon its release in April 1996, swiftly achieving gold status within six months. Subsequent albums like ‘If I Don’t Stay the Night’ in 1997 and ‘I’m Not So Tough’ in 1999 solidified her position in the industry. Signing with Capitol Records in 2000, McCready dropped a self-titled album in 2002, highlighting her versatile talent. However, personal turmoil began to overshadow her career, leading to legal issues and personal struggles. Despite facing challenges, she made a resilient comeback by participating in VH1’s Celebrity Rehab 3 and relaunching her music career with the album ‘I’m Still Here’ in 2010. Tragically, her life was marred by heart-wrenching events, including the loss of her partner David Wilson to suicide and her own untimely passing in 2013.
The music industry mourned the loss of McCready, with country music icons like Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes, and Wynonna Judd paying heartfelt tributes. McCready’s legacy, marked by her powerful vocals and poignant lyrics, continues to resonate within the music community, reminding us of her enduring impact and the struggles she bravely faced throughout her career.
Keith Anderson
Keith Anderson, the hunky country heartthrob, started his music career with a behind-the-scenes job despite his captivating looks. Growing up near the Ozark Mountains in Miami, OK, he was influenced by artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, and Willie Nelson. Initially known for his baseball skills, a shoulder injury changed his path towards music, leading him to Nashville after success in bodybuilding and modeling. His journey from writing radio ad jingles to becoming a recognized artist was paved with collaborations with renowned songwriters like George Ducas and breakthrough hits like ‘Beer Run’ performed by Garth Brooks and George Jones.
Keith Anderson’s passion for country music and determination to succeed brought him to the forefront of the Nashville music scene. His debut album, ‘Three Chord Country and American Rock & Roll,’ released by Arista Nashville in 2005, marked the beginning of his solo career. Recognized for his songwriting skills and stage presence, Anderson’s story is a testament to perseverance and dedication in the competitive music industry. His journey from local gigs in Dallas to sharing credits with legendary artists like Garth Brooks and George Jones reflects his musical evolution and success as an artist.
Ricky Skaggs
Earning 12 #1 hit singles, 15 GRAMMY® Awards, 13 IBMA Awards, nine ACM Awards, eight CMA Awards (including Entertainer of the Year), two Dove Awards, the ASCAP Founders Award, three honorary Doctorate degrees, inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame, IBMA Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, National Fiddler Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame, and GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the 2013 Artist-In-Residence at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, an Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award in the Instrumentalist category along with countless other awards, Ricky Skaggs is truly a pioneer of Bluegrass and Country music.
He started his own record label, Skaggs Family Records, in 1997 and has since released 12 consecutive GRAMMY®-nominated albums. His latest release, Hearts Like Ours, with his wife, celebrated artist Sharon White of The Whites features the couple dueting on handpicked country love songs. And the Grand Ole Opry member has released his first-ever autobiography, “Kentucky Traveler.” The book details the life and times of Skaggs and provides a descriptive history of Country and Bluegrass music, as told by the master himself. In addition to his regular touring schedule with his band, Kentucky Thunder, he has added country tour dates as he plugs in and plays full shows of his chart-topping hits. In 2020, Skaggs was a recipient of the National Medal of Arts, the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government.
Ronnie Dunn
With 28 Academy of Country Music Awards, 15 Country Music Association Awards, 2 GRAMMY Awards and more than 30 million records sold as half of country music’s most-awarded duo in history, Brooks & Dunn, Ronnie Dunn has created a musical legacy.
A recent inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame, Dunn’s songwriting and voice have helped define the soundtrack of country music for decades. The release of RE-DUNN is fulfilling personal-passion project for Dunn. His previous solo albums include: Ronnie Dunn, Peace Love and Country Music, and most recently, Tattooed Heart, in 2016.
Dunn is also a dedicated photographer specializing in western imagery. In 2017 Dunn founded the Lensmen Project with an elite group of world-renowned photographers. Their works have appeared on numerous magazine covers around the world. www.RonnieDunn.com
Drake White
Drake White, the country singer and songwriter hailing from Hokes Bluff, Alabama, is a versatile artist blending country, blues, funk, rock & roll, and reggae in his music. His dynamic and foot-stomping live performances have propelled him from local venues to the vibrant music scene of Nashville and beyond. Throughout his upbringing, White’s passion for music blossomed as he sang in his church choir and delved into songwriting after receiving a guitar at the age of 14. While pursuing a degree in building science at Auburn University, he honed his musical talents by performing in the evenings at various venues. Following his graduation, White ventured into the music industry, capturing attention with his band the Big Fire and captivating audiences with his compelling stage presence, often improvising lyrics during his performances. Recognized by producer Jeremy Stover, White was quickly signed by MCA Nashville, marking the beginning of his dedicated musical journey that led to the release of his debut single, “Simple Life,” in early 2013. Subsequently, he joined Big Machine’s affiliate, Dot Records, unveiling singles like “It Feels Good” and “Livin’ the Dream” in 2015. White’s musical prowess shone with the release of his debut album, ‘Spark,’ in August 2016, which achieved a notable debut at number four on the Top Country Albums chart. Continuing to showcase his talent, White treated fans to the ‘Pieces’ EP two years later, solidifying his position as a rising star in the country music scene.
Read MoreDarryl Worley
Darryl Worley, a renowned country singer and songwriter, emerged as a prominent figure in the music scene during the 2000s, blending vintage sounds with traditional values. Influenced by legendary artists like George Jones and Merle Haggard, Worley infused modern elements into his music, drawing inspiration from the traditionalist movement in Nashville in the ’90s. His songs resonated with everyday themes of love, family, and heartache, with standout hits such as the patriotic anthem ‘Have You Forgotten’ in 2003. After a hiatus from the spotlight, Worley made a comeback in the late 2010s, releasing a new album that combined his signature sound with soulful grooves.
Born on October 31, 1964, in Memphis, Tennessee, Darryl Worley’s musical journey was shaped by his upbringing in Pyburn, Tennessee, in a family deeply connected to music. His father, a Methodist minister, and his mother, a church choir singer, instilled in him a love for music from an early age. Despite initially pursuing a basketball scholarship, Worley’s plans shifted after a back injury redirected his path towards music. Studying biology and chemistry at the University of North Alabama, he honed his musical skills by performing in local venues. Following his father’s advice, Worley transitioned into a career in music, starting as a contract songwriter in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, before making his mark in Nashville. Signing with DreamWorks Records in 1999, Worley’s debut album ‘Hard Rain Don’t Last’ in 2000 marked the beginning of his success, yielding multiple chart-topping singles and paving the way for his rise in the country music scene.
Tiera Kennedy
Rising singer/songwriter Tiera Kennedy is emerging as one of the most exciting voices in the format – injecting Country music with a breath of vitality. The Alabama native’s unique sound – an earnest storytelling-based country laced with the influence of the R&B she was raised on – stems from equal parts nature and nurture. She credits her celestial singing voice to God, while crediting her country music songwriting prowess to what organically flows from her pen. Lighting a fire with her independently released self-titled EP, Nashville Scene cited Tiera as ‘the total package’ and ‘a writer who has learned how to write for their own voice at a young age,’ while American Songwriter concurs, hailing her as ‘one of Nashville’s most promising young singer-songwriters.’ As she readies her forthcoming full-length debut album, Tiera delivers the project’s lead single “I Ain’t A Cowgirl” on April 26th. Forthcoming album standouts only deepen that narrative, taking listeners on a journey through the process of finding oneself as a person and artist amidst the shotgun start of a career and the peaks and valleys that followed – all-the-while sonically maintaining that one-car-only lane niche Tiera’s carved for herself in country music due to her commitment to authenticity. For the latest information and more, visit Tiera.com and follow along on Instagram.
Read MoreKathy Mattea
Kathy Mattea, a highly esteemed female country star, emerged as a successful hitmaker blending folk, bluegrass, gospel, and singer/songwriter elements into her music. Her versatility is evident in albums like ‘Willow in the Wind’ in 1989, showcasing her dedication to country pop, mining songs, honky-tonk, and Celtic ballads. Throughout the ’90s, Mattea’s musical range expanded, reflecting in multiple Top 20 singles and albums. Her peak success in the decade was the 1993 album ‘Walking Away a Winner,’ setting new benchmarks in her career.
Born in 1959 in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, Kathy Mattea’s journey started with classical voice training in junior high, alongside learning the guitar to explore folk music. Upon joining the bluegrass band Pennsboro in college, she ventured to Nashville in 1978, where she eventually secured a record deal with Mercury based on the strength of her demo tape. Mattea’s breakthrough came with the 1986 album ‘Walk the Way the Wind Blows,’ featuring hits like ‘Love at the Five and Dime.’ Her artistic evolution continued with chart-topping albums like ‘Untasted Honey’ and ‘Willow in the Wind.’ Later, Mattea’s exploration of Scottish folk traditions influenced her more eclectic works, leading to critically acclaimed albums such as ‘Time Passes By’ and ‘Lonesome Standard Time.’
Maggie Rose
Maggie Rose, a talented Nashville-based artist, is known for her versatile music style encompassing country, blues, R&B, and rock genres. She made her mark in the music industry by releasing her Billboard-charting debut album, ‘Cut to Impress,’ under the moniker Maggie Rose, previously known as Margaret Durante. Her musical journey evolved over the years, as seen in her more rock-oriented album ‘Change the Whole Thing’ in 2018 and the soulful, pop-infused ‘Have a Seat’ in 2021.
Born as Margaret Rose Durante in Potomac, Maryland in 1988, Maggie Rose started her musical career at a young age, performing with the B Street Band and later pursuing music full-time after being encouraged by industry veteran Tommy Mottola. Her discography includes a variety of singles, EPs, and albums, showcasing her talent and creativity across different music styles. With a string of successful releases and collaborations, Maggie Rose continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences with her unique sound and passion for music.
Alison Nichols
Alison Nichols is a remarkable country artist whose journey embodies a unique evolution in the music industry. As one of the pioneering Asian-American singers in the country genre, Alison proudly embraces her heritage by describing herself as “half Korean, half redneck, and 100% American.” Hailing from Georgia and influenced by her Texas roots, which connect her to the late Joe Diffie, Alison’s authentic country upbringing is evident. Growing up listening to iconic artists like Dolly Parton and Merle Haggard, as well as contemporary stars such as Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, and HARDY, she has cultivated a diverse musical palette that enriches her craft. Her vocal prowess combines sass and vulnerability, creating a mesmerizing blend that captivates listeners. Known for her cutting-edge songwriting and wisdom beyond her years, Alison Nichols stands out as a shining star in the country music scene.
Alison has gained significant recognition on TikTok, where her debut single “is it just me?” has garnered an impressive 4.6 million views, showcasing her widespread appeal and talent. Her latest release, “HOOPS,” has also made waves with over 1 million views, indicating another potential success for the talented artist. With a distinctive charm and unmatched talent, Alison Nichols is poised to make a lasting impact on the country music landscape. Fans can anticipate unforgettable performances from this one-of-a-kind country diva, as she gears up to grace honky tonks and stages across the nation, bringing her unparalleled artistry to audiences everywhere.
Erin Kinsey
Texas native, Erin Kinsey, is a rising star in the country music scene, bringing her unique voice and heartfelt songwriting to the forefront. Born with a deep passion for country music, Erin’s journey led her from the heart of Texas to Music City, where she embarked on her path to becoming a respected singer-songwriter. Her relentless pursuit of her dreams caught the attention of music insiders who recognized her undeniable talent and potential for greatness. Erin’s musical journey took a major step forward with her signing to RECORDS Nashville, a prominent joint venture with Sony Music in October 2021.
Her songwriting has not only resonated with listeners but has also been recognized by industry legends. Erin’s remarkable talent has led her to write songs that have been cut by esteemed artists including Dolly Parton, Rita Wilson, Jordan Sparks, Monica, and Sara Evans. Erin’s latest song “Wild” not only highlights Erin’s growth as an artist but also her ability to connect with fans through relatable narratives and memorable melodies. As Erin Kinsey continues to make her mark in the music industry, each new track stands out as a testament to her artistic evolution and her deep-rooted love for country music.