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Radney Foster

Radney Foster began his musical journey as a songwriter before achieving both commercial success and critical acclaim as part of the duo Foster & Lloyd. Transitioning to a solo career in 1991, Foster’s distinctive style of country songwriting became the focal point of his artistic expression. Hailing from Del Rio, Texas, Foster’s early passion for music led him to pick up the guitar at the age of 12. During his time at the University of the South in Tennessee, he started performing at small venues, eventually venturing to Nashville in pursuit of his dreams. Signing with the MTM publishing firm in 1985 marked the beginning of his professional songwriting career, which flourished when he teamed up with Bill Lloyd, a collaboration that birthed hits like “Since I Found You” which soared in the music charts.
The success of Foster & Lloyd’s albums between 1987 and 1990 propelled them to stardom with a series of Top Ten singles and positive reviews from critics. Following a slowdown in their musical journey, Foster decided to carve his path as a solo artist. His solo debut album, “Del Rio, Texas, 1959,” released in 1992, garnered both commercial success and critical acclaim with multiple singles making their mark in the Top 40. As his career progressed, Foster experimented with different musical styles, evident in his 1999 release, “See What You Want to See,” which incorporated influences from pop and rock genres. His shifting musical landscape led him to part ways with Arista and sign with Dualtone, releasing albums that showcased his versatility from traditional country in “Are You Ready for the Big Show?” to R&B elements in “Another Way to Go.”
Throughout his career, Foster collaborated with Bill Lloyd for projects like “It’s Already Tomorrow” in 2011, delving back into solo endeavors with releases like “Everything I Should Have Said” in 2014. Not limiting himself to music, Foster expanded his creative horizons by participating in theatrical productions such as Troubadour in 2017. This illustrious career continued to evolve, with his album “For You to See the Stars” in the same year, coupled with a book of engaging stories, showcasing Foster’s multi-dimensional talents as a musician and storyteller.

Highway 101

One of the most popular country bands of the late ’80s, Highway 101 boasted an influential country-rock sound that helped pave the way for the blockbuster superstars of the ’90s. The group was fronted by singer/guitarist Paulette Carlson, a Minnesota native, and assembled by manager Chuck Morris in Los Angeles in 1986. Morris pulled together Jack Daniels (guitar), Curtis Stone (bass, guitar, mandolin), and drummer Cactus Moser, all of whom were seasoned session pros; Daniels and Stone had also worked together as the Lizards. Highway 101 signed with Warner Bros. and issued its self-titled debut in 1987. It was an immediate success, as the first two singles — ‘The Bed You Made for Me’ and ‘Whiskey, if You Were a Woman’ — shot into the country Top Five. The next two, ‘Somewhere Tonight’ and ‘Cry, Cry, Cry,’ both went to number one, and seemingly overnight, the group members had become stars. Their 1988 follow-up, Highway 101, Vol. 2, spawned another chart-topper in ‘(Do You Love Me) Just Say Yes,’ and three more Top Tens in ‘All the Reasons Why,’ ‘Setting Me Up,’ and ‘Honky Tonk Heart.’ Following 1989’s Paint the Town, which contained one further chart-topper in ‘Who’s Lonely Now,’ Carlson left the band for a solo career in 1990. She was replaced by Nikki Nelson, who debuted on 1991’s Bing Bang Boom; however, despite some decent-sized hits, the new version of Highway 101 wasn’t quite as commercially successful, and the band soon parted ways with Warner. They signed with Liberty for 1993’s The New Frontier, but the album flopped, and Daniels subsequently left the group. He and Carlson temporarily returned to the fold for 1996’s Reunited, released on the smaller Intersound label. Curtis Stone and Cactus Moser later formed a new version of Highway 101 with vocalist Chrislynn Lee and guitarist Charlie White, and recorded Big Sky for FreeFalls in 2000. White left in 2002 and was replaced by Justin Weaver. Steve Huey, Rovi

Buck Owens

Alvis Edgar “Buck” Owens Jr. (August 12, 1929 – March 25, 2006) was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and band leader. He was the lead singer for Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, which had 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country music chart. He pioneered what came to be called the Bakersfield sound, named in honor of Bakersfield, California, Owens’s adopted home and the city from which he drew inspiration for what he preferred to call “American music”.
While the Buckaroos originally featured a fiddle and retained pedal steel guitar into the 1970s, their sound on records and onstage was always more stripped-down and elemental. The band’s signature style was based on simple story lines, infectious choruses, a twangy electric guitar, an insistent rhythm supplied by a prominent drum track, and high, two-part vocal harmonies featuring Owens and his guitarist Don Rich.
From 1969 to 1986, Owens co-hosted the popular CBS television variety show Hee Haw with Roy Clark (syndicated beginning in 1971). According to Owens’ son Buddy Alan, the accidental 1974 death of Don Rich, his closest friend, devastated him for years and impacted his creative efforts until he mounted a comeback in the late 1980s.
Owens is a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Loretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn, a pioneer in country music, emerged as a powerful and iconic figure in a male-dominated industry. Her songs resonated with the struggles and aspirations of working-class women, unapologetically addressing themes of strength, independence, and defiance. From recounting her humble beginnings in tracks like ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ to exploring complex relationships in ‘Fist City’ and ‘You Ain’t Woman Enough,’ Lynn’s lyrics exuded authenticity and honesty. Her collaboration with Conway Twitty and the release of feminist anthems like ‘The Pill’ solidified her place as a trailblazer for female artists in the country genre.
Born in 1932 as the ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, Loretta Lynn’s musical journey began at a young age, singing in local venues and churches. Despite marrying at just 13 years old, Lynn’s passion for music never waned. Her breakthrough came in 1960 with the hit ‘I’m a Honky Tonk Girl,’ marking the start of a successful career with Decca Records. Lynn’s evolution as an artist saw a transition from traditional honky tonk to more personal and feminist-inspired compositions, setting new standards in country music. Collaborating with Conway Twitty, she dominated the charts with hits like ‘Don’t Come Home a Drinkin” and ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter,’ earning numerous accolades and establishing herself as a legendary country artist.

Chad Brock

Contemporary country singer/songwriter Chad Brock was born and raised in Ocala, FL. Despite starting his musical journey in the church choir during his youth, his passion initially lied in athletics, excelling as a prominent high-school football player. However, his talent as a soloist in the school chorus led him to pursue a career in music, prompting him to decline a collegiate athletic scholarship. Upon moving to Nashville to delve into songwriting, Brock faced challenges breaking into the music industry, leading him to tour with the World Championship Wrestling organization for three years. In 1998, he secured a record deal with Warner Bros., releasing his self-titled debut album the same year. The single ‘Ordinary Life’ from the album gained significant success, reaching the Top Five on the country charts, with ‘Lightning Does the Work’ also achieving moderate popularity. Brock’s second album, ‘Yes!’ in 2000, featured the title track that narrated the story of meeting and falling in love with his wife, marking his first country chart-topping hit, nearly crossing over to the pop charts as well. Although his 2001 album ‘III’ did not match the same level of success, Chad Brock’s musical journey continues to captivate audiences with his heartfelt storytelling and country charm.

Ty Herndon

Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning, Herndon burst onto the scene in 1995 with “What Mattered Most,” which became his first No. 1 song. His debut album of the same name had the biggest first-week shipment in the history of Epic Records Nashville. Between 1995 and 2002, Herndon charted 17 singles, including his three No.1s and numerous top 10 hits, such as “I Want My Goodbye Back,” “Loved Too Much,” “A Man Holding On,” and “Hands of a Working Man.” He topped the charts in 1996 with the single “Living in a Moment” and again in 1998 with “It Must Be Love.” In 2014, Herndon became the first major male country artist to publicly come out as gay and made history again when he hosted a first-of-its-kind country music event, The Concert for Love and Acceptance, now an annual event that provides a stage for LGBTQ and allied artists. In 2020, he created the Foundation For Love & Acceptance to further his work on behalf of LGBTQ youth. Herndon found himself back at No. 1 in 2020 — this time on iTunes with his remake of “Orphans of God,” a collaboration with Kristin Chenoweth and Paul Cardall featured on his holiday release, Regifted. JACOB, his most revealing and personal album to date, is his first of all-new music since 2016’s House On Fire.

American Brass Band

American Brass Band is a prominent musical ensemble known for its captivating performances worldwide. Established with a passion for brass music and a commitment to excellence, the American Brass Band has gained a loyal following of music enthusiasts. With a rich history dating back several decades, the band has redefined the brass band genre, incorporating innovative techniques and creative arrangements into their repertoire.
Led by talented musicians, the American Brass Band continues to impress audiences with their dynamic concerts and unique musical interpretations. Their diverse range of musical styles, from classical to contemporary, showcases the band’s versatility and artistic prowess. Recognized for their precision, unity, and powerful sound, the American Brass Band sets a high standard in the world of brass music, inspiring aspiring musicians and delighting audiences of all ages.

Caleb Lee Hutchinson

For as long as Caleb Lee Hutchinson has been making music, he has rooted his creative process in the brutal honesty and rich storytelling tradition of country music’s roots. Hutchinson’s voice and wit inspired important collaborations on his 2019 self-titled debut EP, producer by Grammy winner Kristian Bush, and 2021 follow-up, ‘Slot Machine Syndrome,’ produced by Grammy-nominated Americana stalwart, Brent Cobb. In 2022, Caleb self-producer the darkly themed EP, ‘Song I’ll Never Sing Again,’ and wrote and starred in the accompanying short film. With his new project, ‘Southern Galactic,’ – produced by multi-genre artist and creator Titanic Sinclair – Hutchinson explores new territory while maintaining his reverence for the honesty and storytelling that seeded his love for country music as a Georgia boy listening to Mississippi John Hurt and Waylon Jennings cassettes with his dad.

Jamey Johnson

Singer/songwriter Jamey Johnson is known for his versatility in delivering heartfelt ballads reminiscent of Hank Williams and energetic honky tonk performances. Originally from Alabama and a former Marine, Johnson’s journey to the top of the Nashville music scene was paved with dedication and hard work. Growing up in a deeply musical family, he found his artistic voice, but it was his move to Music City that truly propelled his career. Connecting with fellow songwriters at songwriter nights marked the beginning of his rise to prominence.
In 2002, Johnson’s talent caught the attention of producer/songwriter Buddy Cannon through a mutual friend, Randy Hardison. This encounter led to a close friendship that influenced Johnson’s career significantly. Signing with EMI in 2005 and later with BNA, Johnson released his debut album “The Dollar” in 2006. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, including a divorce and label changes, Johnson persevered and released successful albums like “That Lonesome Song” and “The Guitar Song”. His tribute album to Hank Cochran, “Livin’ for a Song,” showcased his collaboration with renowned artists like Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, and Merle Haggard, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.

Ricochet

Ricochet emerged in the spring of 1996 as one of the most successful new country groups, consistently ranking in the Top 40 of the country charts. The band’s inception in 1993 began when drummer Jeff Bryant invited singer/guitarist Heath Wright to join his group Lariat, which also included Bryant’s brother, Junior, on fiddle/mandolin. After Lariat disbanded, the trio decided to reform as Ricochet, completing the lineup with Greg Cook (bass, backing vocals), Teddy Carr (steel guitar), and Eddie Kilgallon (keyboards, rhythm guitar, saxophone, backing vocals). Over the following two years, Ricochet extensively toured the South and the West Coast, nurturing a loyal fan base and honing their dynamic, edgy neo-traditional sound through rehearsals and songwriting sessions.
The band’s pivotal moment came when record producer Ron Chancey, associated with renowned acts like the Oak Ridge Boys, recognized Ricochet’s potential and facilitated a demo recording. Impressed by their live performance, Columbia Records offered the group a development deal under producer Ed Seay. By early 1995, Ricochet signed a record contract and commenced recording their debut album. Throughout the year, they toured alongside legendary artists such as Merle Haggard, Doug Stone, and Charlie Daniels, solidifying their presence in the country music scene.
Ricochet’s self-titled debut album, overseen by Chancey and Seay, debuted in 1996 with chart-topping singles like “Daddy’s Money” and “Love Is Stronger Than Pride.” Despite a lukewarm response to their follow-up album, Blink of an Eye, Ricochet continued to release singles that resonated with audiences. However, setbacks like changes in band members and unreleased tracks from the shelved album ‘What a Ride’ marked a transitional phase for the group. The band’s resilience led to the release of their third album, ‘What You Leave Behind,’ in September 2000, showcasing Ricochet’s enduring passion for their craft and commitment to their musical journey.

Jay Allen

Known for his philanthropic work spurred on by his mother’s passing from Alzheimer’s in 2019, Jay has gone on to raise over $160 million to help fight the disease. He’s been featured on NBC’s The Voice, ABC World News, PeopleTV, Pickler & Ben, and in People & Forbes Magazine, among many other media outlets. He was selected as The Highway Find on Sirius XM with his song “Sounds Good To Me”, won the 2022 Country Now Awards as Favorite Competition Contestant, and was recognized as one of Music Mayhem Magazine’s 2023 Artists to Watch.
Celebrated for his philanthropic work in 2023, Allen was presented The Caregiver Award by The National Alzheimer’s Association, was personally invited to The White House by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, made history by performing the first ever concert in the U.S. Capitol Building, and successfully concluded his first international tour in the United Kingdom, leading to airplay on BBC. Jay signed a record deal with ONErpm in 2023 and continues to tour with his band “The Stallions” in efforts to help those suffering with dementia and their caregivers. His new 10-song album “Des Moines” is available now.

Fontaines D.C.

Dublin five-piece Fontaines D.C. is a band with strong ties to their native city, which they infuse into their music through abrasive vocals, driving percussion, and captivating melodies. Since their debut in 2019, the group has rapidly climbed the ladder of international success, showcasing an evolved sound in their 2020 album ‘A Hero’s Death.’ Their latest accomplishment came in 2022 with ‘Skinty Fia,’ their third album, which claimed the top spot on the music charts in the U.K., Ireland, and Scotland.
All five members of Fontaines D.C. crossed paths while studying at Dublin City Music College. Grian Chatten on vocals, Conor Deegan III on bass, Conor Curley on guitar, Carlos O’Connell on guitar, and Tom Coll on drums shared a class and a passion for music. Their chemistry as musicians was undeniable, prompting them to leave their previous bands behind and form Fontaines D.C. The band’s name, inspired by The Godfather, faced a legal challenge from a L.A. group with the same name, leading to the addition of ‘D.C.’ for Dublin City. Their journey began in 2017 with the release of ‘Hurricane Laughter,’ followed by a string of successful singles and their debut album, ‘Dogrel,’ in 2019, produced by Dan Carey.