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Lee Greenwood

Lee Greenwood was born with a good voice and a wide range, which he accidentally turned into a unique voice through overworking in a less-than-healthy setting. Originally from Sacramento, Greenwood honed his musical skills on the casino circuit in Reno and Las Vegas, dealing cards by day and performing in dark lounges by night. The strain of performing six nights a week in smoky nightclubs led to permanent hoarseness, yet Greenwood used this to his advantage, establishing himself as one of country music’s premier balladeers. Discovered by Mel Tillis’ road manager, Larry McFaden, Greenwood took the initiative to fly to Nashville, where his efforts finally paid off in late 1981 with the breakthrough hit “It Turns Me Inside Out.” His career took off, earning accolades for his signature song, the self-written “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Mary Chapin Carpenter

Mary Chapin Carpenter is a talented singer and songwriter who embarked on her musical journey as a folk-inspired artist in the Washington, D.C. region. She gained recognition on country radio during the 1980s and ’90s by captivating a broad audience with her emotionally resonant songs. Starting with her album ‘Hometown Girl’ in 1987, Carpenter showcased her skills in the contemporary singer/songwriter genre before transitioning to country-infused tracks in ‘Shooting Straight in the Dark’ in 1990, featuring the hit ‘Down at the Twist and Shout.’ Her pivotal commercial success came with ‘Come on Come On’ in 1992, selling over two million copies on the strength of singles like ‘I Feel Lucky’ and ‘Passionate Kisses.’ Over the years, Carpenter has evolved her sound, gradually moving away from commercial country to reconnect with her folk roots, as evident in albums like ‘The Calling’ (2007) and ‘The Things That We Are Made Of’ (2016), resonating deeply with her dedicated fan base.
Born and raised in Princeton, New Jersey, Mary Chapin Carpenter was exposed to music from an early age, with her mother introducing her to the guitar during the folk boom of the 1960s. Carpenter’s musical inclination grew during her high school years, and after moving to Washington, D.C. in the mid-1970s, she immersed herself in the local folk music scene. Her collaboration with guitarist John Jennings in the early ’80s marked the beginning of a successful musical partnership, leading to a record deal with Columbia Records in the late ’80s. Despite initial hesitance from mainstream country radio, Carpenter’s distinctive blend of folk, pop covers, and singer/songwriter material attracted a devoted following. Her breakthrough came with ‘Come on Come On’ (1992), showcasing her versatility and paving the way for further successes in albums like ‘Stones in the Road’ (1994) and ‘Place in the World’ (1996). Through her introspective albums like ‘Between Here and Gone’ (2004) and ‘The Calling’ (2007), Carpenter delved into personal reflections on significant events like the September 11 attacks, solidifying her place as a respected artist in the folk and country music genres.
In her illustrious career, Mary Chapin Carpenter has displayed a remarkable evolution in her music, exploring diverse themes and genres with each album release. From her departure from commercial country in ‘Time* Sex* Love*’ (2001) to the critically acclaimed ‘The Things That We Are Made Of’ (2016), Carpenter has continuously reinvented her sound while staying true to her folk roots. Her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level is evident in albums like ‘The Age of Miracles’ (2010) and ‘Ashes and Roses’ (2012), where she delves into introspective songwriting with a raw emotional honesty. Carpenter’s resilience and creativity shone brightly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, as she engaged with her fans through virtual concerts and released the highly anticipated ‘The Dirt and the Stars’ (2020) album. Through her enduring musical journey, Mary Chapin Carpenter remains a beacon of authenticity and artistry in the music industry, captivating listeners with her soulful melodies and profound lyrical storytelling.

Koe Wetzel

Koe Wetzel never met a genre wall he couldn’t tear down. The Texas singer-songwriter has garnered a dedicated following with his eclectic blend of country, rock, hip-hop, and Nineties grunge in his music. His 2016 album, Noise Complaint, resonated with fans through its unfiltered lyrics capturing themes of wild nights, heartbreak, and personal struggles, featuring Gold-certified hits like “Love” (feat. Parker McCollum), “Something to Talk About,” and the infamous “February 28, 2016.” In 2020, Wetzel made his major label debut with Sellout, elevating his status with Platinum-certified track “Drunk Driving,” as well as Gold-certified singles “Good Die Young” and “Kuntry & Wistern.” The release of his 2022 album, Hell Paso, soared to No. 3 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart, spawning chart-topping hits in both the country and rock genres, including Gold-certified tracks like “Creeps” and “Cabo.” With 2.6 billion total streams to his name, Wetzel has cultivated a raw and authentic concert experience described as “total chaos,” drawing over 275,000 attendees in 2023 alone and securing a place on POLLSTAR’s prestigious Top Worldwide Tours list for the third time. This July, Wetzel is set to kick off the One Night at a Time Stadium Tour supporting Morgan Wallen, and also headline major festivals such as Country Thunder and Watershed this summer, in addition to embarking on his own headline tour, Damn Near Normal World Tour. Anticipation is high for his upcoming album, 9 Lives, slated for release on July 19.

Aaron Tippin

Aaron Tippin, a prominent figure in the commercial explosion of new traditionalist country in the early ’90s, crafted his reputation through a blend of robust honky tonkers, heartfelt ballads, and patriotic anthems celebrating the working class. Born in Pensacola, Florida in 1958, Tippin spent his formative years on a family farm near Greer, South Carolina, where he discovered his passion for singing while tending to daily chores. At just ten years old, he picked up the guitar, influenced by his father’s love for flying, who transitioned from a pilot to a farmer. Tippin followed his father’s footsteps by earning his pilot’s license at the young age of 15 and pursued a professional flying career before venturing into the music industry. After experiencing setbacks in aviation due to a downturn, Tippin redirected his focus to music. Transitioning to Nashville in 1986, he immersed himself in the local honky tonk scene, refining his songwriting skills while juggling various blue-collar jobs. The pivotal moment came in 1990 when his demo tape caught the attention of RCA Records, leading to a record deal.
Tippin’s musical journey soared with the release of his debut album, ‘You’ve Got to Stand for Something,’ in 1991, which skyrocketed with the title track echoing the patriotic sentiments during the Persian Gulf War. The success of his second album, ‘Read Between the Lines’ in 1992, solidified his position in the industry with chart-topping hits like ‘I Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way’ and ‘My Blue Angel.’ Over the following years, Tippin’s albums like ‘The Call of the Wild’ in 1993 and ‘Tool Box’ in 1995 continued to showcase his flair for anthems and emotional ballads, earning him critical and commercial acclaim. Despite facing some challenges in sustaining his initial success, Tippin persevered and signed with Lyric Street Records in 1998, paving the way for hit singles like ‘For You I Will’ and ‘Kiss This,’ which topped the country charts. Tippin’s musical legacy expanded with diverse projects such as the Christmas album ‘A December to Remember’ in 2001 and the patriotic ‘Stars & Stripes’ in 2002, featuring the iconic track ‘Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly.’ Through the years, Tippin continued to captivate audiences with his compelling storytelling and timeless music, leaving an indelible mark on the country music landscape.
Continuing to evolve as an artist, Tippin ventured into new territories, releasing the trucking-themed album ‘In Overdrive’ in 2009 and embarking on tours with acclaimed country singers like Sammy Kershaw and Joe Diffie. Their collaboration on the album ‘All in the Same Boat’ in 2013 further showcased Tippin’s enduring passion for music and camaraderie within the country music community. With a career spanning decades, Aaron Tippin remains a cherished figure in country music, known for his authentic storytelling, patriotic fervor, and unwavering dedication to the craft. His journey from a farm in South Carolina to the hallowed halls of Nashville symbolizes resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of a true artist.

Aaron Watson

Aaron Watson is an authentic country artist who honors the tradition of country music with the songs he writes and sings. What you see is what you get and what you get is the heart and hustle of a man on a mission. And his mission has spanned two decades of making music and loving on the people who enjoy it — who support his “family business.”
His new album, Red Bandana, is an epic statement — a collection of 20 songs all composed by Watson himself. It’s a gutsy move in step with how he likes to do things; not following fads or chasing trends. It’s the next stop in a long and successful musical journey, marked by songs, albums, and a career far too vast to detail but that has made a deep personal connection with the people that matter the most – his fans.
Watson remains an independent pioneer – true to himself and his deep Texas roots, fully in control of the reins of his destiny. It’s a destiny that has taken him coast to coast and far beyond his native Texas, exposing his own brand of country music to the world. Red Bandana represents more than his hard work getting to this point, it’s a nod to those who came before him and an ambitious glimpse of what’s next for country music.

Laura Bryna

With the release of her powerful single “Jawbreaker”, Laura Bryna marked the beginning of a new chapter in her illustrious career. This captivating anthem, filled with attitude and confidence, showcases Bryna’s electrifying energy and exceptional vocal prowess, reflecting the fearless creativity she has embraced in her songwriting. Building on her remarkable journey that has seen her share the spotlight with icons like Taylor Swift and Emmylou Harris, Bryna is now preparing to unveil a collection of music that defies genres and pushes boundaries in the pursuit of pure enjoyment.
Drawing inspiration from legends including Etta James, Wynonna Judd, and Joan Jett, Bryna’s musical roots can be traced back to the classic pop tunes of the ’50s and ’60s that filled the jukebox in her family’s Mount Airy, Maryland home. After relocating to Nashville, she introduced her debut album ‘Trying to Be Me,’ featuring ‘Hometown Heroes,’ a heartfelt track co-written as a tribute to the Air National Guard and premiered on Fox’s Monday Night Football. Bryna has since showcased her soul-stirring vocals and radiant charm at numerous USO events, leaving a lasting impact on her audience.
Yet, for Bryna, the most gratifying aspect of her career is the connection with her loyal fanbase, affectionately known as ‘The Bryniacs.’ This diverse community, spanning different ages and backgrounds, has united in their shared love and devotion to Bryna’s music, creating a supportive and welcoming environment where appreciation for music reigns supreme, devoid of any judgment or criticism.

Phil Vassar

Phil Vassar’s reign of signature songs includes 10 No. 1 singles and 26 Top 40 hits, including Carlene, Just Another Day in Paradise, Six-Pack Summer, When I Love You, and many more. Vassar was racking up hits on the radio long before he even began his own recording career that has seen the release of nine albums, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist and sold-out shows across the country. Vassar’s songwriting career blossomed in the mid-’90s when he landed a publishing contract with EMI and penned hits for Collin Raye (Little Red Rodeo), Alan Jackson (Right on the Money), Tim McGraw (My Next Thirty Years, For a Little While), Jo Dee Messina (Bye Bye, Alright), and Blackhawk (Postmarked Birmingham). He signed a record deal of his own with Arista in 1998 and was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 1999 and 2001. 2019-2020 marks 20 years of hits for Vassar and to celebrate he is hitting the road playing fan-favorite tunes across the country on his ‘Hitsteria Tour.’ Phil also hosts a wine-infused series of conversations and music with hit artists, song-writers, athletes, and entertainers entitled ‘Songs from the Cellar.’ Learn more at philvassar.com & songsfromthecellar.com.

Rhett Akins

With his Top Five single “That Ain’t My Truck,” Rhett Akins became a sensation, however briefly, in the summer of 1995. Like many new country singers, he wasn’t able to follow the record up with an equally successful second record, but he managed to cultivate a following of dedicated fans. Akins grew up in Valdosta, GA, learning to play guitar and forming his first band with his two younger brothers by the time he was 11. In 1992, he moved to Nashville, where he began singing on demos, as well as securing a publishing deal of his own. Eventually, Decca Records secured a demo of one of Akins’ songs and the label offered him a contract.
A Thousand Memories, Akins’ debut album, was released in 1994. After his first two singles — “What They’re Talkin’ About” and “I Brake for Brunettes” — cracked the Top 40, “That Ain’t My Truck” became his breakthrough hit, rocketing to number three in the summer of 1995. “That Ain’t My Truck” became his signature song and helped the album become a hit. For most of 1995, he toured as Reba McEntire’s opening act, performing a few dates as a headliner as well. In the summer of 1996, Akins released his second album, Somebody New. Although the record sold well initially, it quickly fell out of the Top 40. He returned in January 1998 with his third album, What Livin’s All About. He signed with Audiom Records for 2002’s Friday Night in Dixie and later with BNA Records for 2006’s People Like Me.

Mark Wills

Mark Wills is a multi-platinum selling singer with multiple top 40 country hits including “19 Something,” “Wish You Were Here” and “Don’t Laugh At Me;” all of which received nominations for Single, Song and Video of the Year by the Country Music Association. Additionally, Mark won the Academy of Country Music’s award for Top New Male Vocalist in 1998. In 2002, his single “19 Something” spent six consecutive weeks at No. 1, was “Billboard’s” top country hit of the year and was the second most-played song of the decade in 2009. A devoted supporter of the U.S. military, Mark has completed numerous USO tours overseas in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Korea and Italy, among others.
For more information visit: www.markwills.com and follow Mark on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – @markwillsmusic.

Randy Rogers Band

Few relationships in life are more complicated than those among band members. Music history is filled with stories of the rise and fall of creative personalities, but the Randy Rogers Band is a unique brotherhood fueled by a shared passion for making great music and a strong commitment to each other. That bond forms the foundation for the new music on their latest album Hellbent, a high-octane collection of songs buoyed by the same fearless spirit and sense of camaraderie that has made them one of country’s most compelling bands.
In a business where bands come and go and membership is often a revolving door, the Randy Rogers Band has been together for more than 17 years. “Just like any other relationship, you have to pick your battles and have respect for each other,” Rogers says. “None of us know how to do anything else. This is our livelihood. It’s how we take care of our families. Years ago when we were really struggling and wondering how we were going to make it, there were some deep and emotional conversations that we all had with each other about if this is really what we all wanted and the decision was made a long time ago. The answer was yes then and the answer is still yes now. It’s something we all believe in. This is our life’s work.”
The culmination of their musical journey thus far can be heard on Hellbent.

Hannah Ellis

Country music singer/songwriter Hannah Ellis’ journey – and world – is one all can feel at home in. The Campbellsville, Kentucky-native’s voice – a mix of favorite flannel, sparkling pink wine and welcome – is the friend we always wanted. Whether pouring from a car radio or your phone, the act named to Rolling Stone Country’s “Artist To Watch” list reminds you big leaps often come as a series of small steps when no one is looking. Having paid for her University of Kentucky degree with her full-ride scholarship, she – with the full support of her family – started chasing her dreams. Like so many, that meant a self-financed EP, and moving to Nashville to begin the endless rounds of writers nights, meetings, making friends, and trying to find your way. Hannah paid her dues, kept her focus and kept moving towards something she was sure she felt and knew was right. The fresh-faced songwriter, who has nearly 40 million career streams, has since written songs recorded by artists, and been featured as a vocalist on songs, spanning multiple genres, including: Russell Dickerson, Carly Pearce, FOR KING + COUNTRY, Emily Weisband, Cassadee Pope, and Sidewalk Prophets. The magnetic artist, who has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry multiple times since making her debut, has toured with Carly Pearce, Gavin DeGraw, Dwight Yoakam, Devin Dawson, and many others, and has toured as part of the CMT “Next Women of Country” Tour and is currently one of the “CMT LISTEN UP” artists to watch for 2023.

Elvie Shane

Acclaimed champion of the next blue-collar generation, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville Records’ Elvie Shane has emerged as a country star with his heart on his sleeve, driven by his unwavering determination to aim for impact. A dynamic project of extremes and deep empathy with a sharp-edged fusion of country, rock, and hip-hop, Shane’s sophomore album DAMASCUS tells the deeply-layered tale of his journey through success, struggle and self-discovery – one that countless others battle with each day. The Kentucky native has won over critics, delivering “an ode to blue-collar workers that exposes the heart-aching realities of the working class,” (Billboard) as the project “further cements Shane as a new voice of the damaged, addicted, and lost in country music,” (Rolling Stone). It was another shared life experience that earned Shane his Platinum-certified Number One debut, “My Boy.” The tender tribute to the unconditional love of stepparents took Shane from a country road to the top of the charts, touring the country’s biggest stages as well as overseas and racked up over 400 million streams and counting. The track helped launch Shane’s debut album BACKSLIDER, which was hailed by critics from Billboard and Rolling Stone to the Nashville Scene and beyond, earning spots on many “Best Of” lists alongside new artist nominations from the ACM Awards, CMT Music Awards and iHeartRadio Music Awards.