Lorrie Morgan’s authenticity as a country artist is irrefutable. If pedigree
is not proof enough, Morgan’s life itself is testament to the themes that make
country music rich with the soaring highs and crushing lows of real life. Because
of her dedication to the Grand Ole Opry, Morgan was invited to become a member in
1984, long before she released her platinum-selling debut album Leave the Light
On in 1989. Lorrie quickly became one of country music’s most popular and
successful female artists charting over a dozen top ten hits including “Five Minutes”, “What Part of No”, and “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” which all anded at number one. Recognized as a creative force in music videos, Lorrie charted eight number one videos at CMT. Praise from her peers and fans followed,
and Morgan earned nine industry awards including four wins as Female Vocalist
of the Year.
The country music group Shenandoah framed Marty's smoky voice with
bluegrass-tinged harmonies and crisp contemporary instrumentation
on hits like their first #1, "The Church On Cumberland
Road," making the group one of the most popular during the
country boom of the late 80s and early 90s. Despite the group's
success, Marty's growing spirituality and creative restlessness
eventually led him to leave. Over the next several years, he
recorded an album with his brother Tim, a solo country CD and
several gospel albums that complemented his growing evangelical
calling. Yet as he recalls, the idea of a return to bluegrass was
growing, too. The result is a sensational bluegrass album that
includes a half dozen classics from Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs
and Jimmy Martin, remakes of two Shenandoah hits and a gem from
his solo album of 2000 and three new songs written or co-written
by Marty. With Full Circle's release, Raybon has turned his
attention to completing his return to the bluegrass community
through personal appearances.
One of the best instrumentalists in the business, with four gold
albums and countless hit singles, Marty Stuart's career
continues to go strong. He has received eleven Grammy
nominations, three awards; five ACM nominations; seven CMA
nominations, one award; five certificates from BMI's
"Million-Air" club for one million air-plays, five BMI
songwriting awards and he now has a new GRAMMY to add to his
collection for "Best Country Instrumental Performance"
on Foggy Mountain Breakdown with Earl Scruggs. Once again he has
been elected as President of the Country Music Foundation,
making this his fourth term. When the new Hall of Fame building
opened its doors, it devoted an entire revolving and evolving
exhibit to Marty's collection of memorabilia.
Matt Jenkins will never need to talk about overcoming rejection. As
soon as he starts singing, doors swing open. As soon as people
hear the quality of his original country songs, they
enthusiastically get on board. Matt came to Nashville to
compete in a Grammy talent competition. He left with a record
deal from Universal South and a publishing deal with Jody
Williams. The comparisons tend to fall toward the leading
traditionalists of the modern era. The deep tone, relaxed
rhythm and sly expressiveness of Matt’s voice draw
references to Keith Whitley and Randy Travis. The wry
cleverness of his lyrics and the fresh take on tradition in
his arrangements bring talk of similarities to Alan Jackson
and George Strait. But Matt Jenkins is his own man. All it
takes is one listen.
