Richard Fagan

Richard Fagan formed OF Music, Inc. publishing company 24 years ago with partner, Tom Oteri. His songs have been recorded by: George Strait, George Jones, Clay Walker, Shania Twain, Hank Williams Jr., Patty Loveless, Neil Diamond, Ricochet, Shenandoah, Jason & The Scorchers, and The Blues Brothers Band among others, plus three #1 hit singles by John Michael Montgomery: "Be My Baby Tonight", "Sold", and "I Miss You A Little". Fagan's songs are in six feature films, including Strait's PURE COUNTRY.

Shelly Fairchild

Shelly Fairchild is a little bit funk, a little bit soul, and a little bit rock-n-roll. Born in Mississippi, she grew up listening to everything from Dolly Parton to Aerosmith. Shelly moved to Nashville in 1996 and signed a record deal with Sony Music in 2003. Her Columbia Records debut, RIDE, was released in May of 2005. Since the release of RIDE, Shelly’s opened shows for John Fogerty, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Wynonna, Travis Tritt, Martina McBride, Shooter Jennings, David Allen Coe, and others. Shelly has also had songs recorded by other artists such as the Grammy nominated group Little Big Town. She’s currently in the studio finishing up her second record with singer/songwriter, and producer Stephony Smith.

Mike Farris

Mike Farris, the one time lead vocalist for blues rock combo, The Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies, released his sophomore solo project Salvation In Lights in late June of 2007 on INO/Columbia Records.  A mix of original compositions, traditional New Orleans black gospel and southern roots music that are reinvented with various influences ranging across the board from Memphis Stax and blue eyed soul to groove laden rock & roll.  Critical acclaim has come from all sectors of the music industry and has found its way to the Americana, Christian, AAA and indie fan alike.

Keith Follese

Keith Follese grew up in the music rich scene of Minneapolis, then made his way to Nashville via Los Angeles. His relentless drive and talent has earned top songwriting honors, such as ASCAP and Billboard Magazine's Songwriter of the Year . Faith Hill sang his #1 crossover smash "The Way You Love Me," which was Grammy-nominated and ASCAP's Country Song of the Year. Keith has also written #1 Singles for Randy Travis, Little Texas, Martina McBride, Lonestar and Tim McGraw. He continues to write with artists and producers everywhere. Keith also serves as the CEO of Midas Music and works in A&R for Midas Records, which handles artist like Emerson Drive, Whiskey Falls, Adam Gregory and Rush of Fools. For more information: http://www.myspace.com/follese   

Donnie Fritts

Donnie Fritts began playing drums in local bands at age 15 and later developed into a session keyboard player.  Working closely with Rick Hall, Billy Sherrill, Dan Penn, Arthur Alexander, David Briggs, Jerry Carrigan and Norbert Putnam, Donnie was involved in many of the early songs and recordings created in the Muscle Shoals music industry.  In 1965, Donnie was signed to a Nashville publishing company and had songs recorded by Charlie Rich and Jerry Lee Lewis.  Donnie later met Kris Kristofferson, who was just beginning his songwriting career.  Donnie became his keyboard player and the two have remained friends and co-workers for more than two decades, performing live, on recordings and in numerous movies.  As a songwriter, Donnie is known for songs such as "We Had It All," "You're Gonna Love Yourself In The Morning," "Breakfast In Bed" and "Choo
Choo Train." 

Billy Gaines

Benson recording artist and two-time Dove Award winner (Sing Me To Sleep Daddy and From Generation 2 Generation), Billy Gaines is also an in-demand feature vocalist Disney Babies Lullaby Golden Slumbers and Sing Me To Sleep Daddy) and background vocalist (for Peabo Bryson, Vanessa Williams, CeCe Winans, Nicole C. Mullen, DC Talk, Carman and Susan Ashton).  Billy met his wife-to-be, Sarah, at the age of 18 and began singing with her the next year.  After their band, Living Sacrifice, broke up, the Gaines continued their singing ministry as a duo, moving to Nashville in 1984 and recording their first album in 1986.  To date, their recordings have garnered two Dove awards, five Dove nominations, six #1 radio singles and a #2 video on BET ("Quiet Storm").

Nicolle Galyon

Nicolle Galyon spent her growing years in Sterling, Kansas studying classical piano. From there, she moved to Nashville and attended Belmont University's Music Business program, graduating in 2006. Shortly after arriving in Nashville, Galyon's passion for music shifted from classical to country and she began writing songs of her own. In May of 2007 she signed a publishing deal with Warner-Chappell Publishing, and is earning her place in Nashville's newest generation of up-and-coming songwriters.

Teddy Gentry

Teddy Wayne Gentry was born in Fort Payne, Ala., in 1952. Co-founder and bass player of legendary Country supergroup Alabama, the band was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in November 2005. When it comes to music, Teddy plays by ear and has hundreds of songs to his credit, including many of the Alabama hits -- "How Do I Fall In Love," "Why Lady Why," "My Home's In Alabama," "Fallin' Again," "Give Me One More Shot" and "Sad Lookin' Moon" to name a few. He's also the founder and president of Creative Cafe.

Dave Gibson

Singer, songwriter and an all around nice guy! If you are not familiar with the former front-man of the ACM Award-winning Gibson/Miller Band, you are in for a real treat!      This Arkansas native not only brought the Gibson/Miller Band to the top of the charts with "Texas Tattoo", "Big Heart", "Red White and Blue Collar" and "Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys", but he has written career hits for other artists as well. Billboard #1 songs like " Queen Of Memphis " & " Daddy Never was the Cadillac Kind " (Confederate Railroad), Joe Diffie's " Ships That Don't Come In ", Alabama's " Jukebox In My Mind ", and Montgomery Gentry's " Lonely & Gone " are just a few of the hit songs written by this prolific artist/writer.   This soulful artist/writer delivers an evening of stories, laughs and music never to be forgotten.   For more information check out www.Dave-Gibson.com .

Rick Giles

Rick Giles is celebrating his fourth decade as a hit songwriter, including 24 years in Nashville. From 70’s Pop to today’s Country, he has written for some of the biggest stars: Rascal Flatts, Terri Clark, Patty, Reba, Tanya, Tim, Blackhawk, Colin Raye, Ricky Van Shelton, Restless Heart, Hall & Oates, Eddie Rabbitt, Charlie Pride, T. Graham Brown, Eddy Raven, The Oaks, , , and more. His songs have been recorded in Country, Pop, Rock and R&B formats on four continents. But even after all this time, Rick has never lost the passion for his music. Come hear him do songs like: “Is There Life Out There”, “Prayin’ For Daylight” and a few yet-to-be-recorded gems that’ll remind you why you love music.

Vince Gill

Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill achieved his big breakthrough with "When I Call Your Name," which won the Country Music Association's Single of the Year award.   Since then, he has won 17 more CMA honors, including Song of the Year four times.   Since 1990, Gill has walked away with 19 Grammy awards and has racked up sales in excess of 26 million.   His high, pure tenor voice and unerring sense of harmony have made him a favorite duet partner.   Gill's 4-CD set of 43 new and original songs entitled These Days is an artistic tour de force that displays Gill's mastery of lyrics and musical styles, ranging from traditional country and bluegrass to jazz and rock.

Andrew Gold

Andrew Gold, best known for his 1977 Top 10 single "Lonely Boy" and the 1978 single "Thank You For Being A Friend," has the distinction of being the first human voice to be 'heard' on the surface of Mars.  His rendition of the theme from the television series Mad About You, titled "Final Frontier," was used as the wake-up call for the Mars Pathfinder space probe in 1996.  A prolific session musician, Gold joined the family business: his mother is singer Marni Nixon (who provided the singing voice for numerous well-known actresses, notably Natalie Wood and Audrey Hepburn), his father was the late Academy Award-winning composer Ernest Gold.  Andrew began writing songs at the age of 13, and by the early 1970s was working as a musician, songwriter and producer for many well-known stars, including Linda Ronstadt and Art Garfunkel.  He played a major role as multi-instrumentalist and arranger for Ronstadt's breakthrough album, 1974's Heart Like A Wheel.  Among other accomplishments, he played the guitar solo and the majority of other instruments on the album's first track, "You're No Good," Ronstadt's only #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100.  In 1975 Gold began recording as a solo artist, releasing four studio albums.  His single "Lonely Boy" has appeared in several movie soundtracks, including Boogie Nights (1997).  "Thank You For Being A Friend" gained new popularity as the theme song for NBC TV's The Golden Girls (1985-1992).  Later, Gold founded the 1980s Pop group Wax with Graham Gouldman (of 10cc) and the 1990s band Bryndle.  He also played keyboards on "Johnny Can't Read" for Don Henley's solo debut album I Can't Stand Still.

Cliff Goldmacher

Cliff Goldmacher is a songwriter, producer and the owner of recording studios in both Nashville and New York City.   A multi-instrumentalist, Cliff has recorded, played on and produced over fifty independent albums working with artists as varied as Emmylou Harris and Chris Barron (singer for the group, The Spin Doctors). As a songwriter, Cliff has had songs recorded across multiple genres. The Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan on his Universal Records release "Ronan" recorded Cliff's song "The Light Inside of You". "Table For Two" a song Cliff wrote and produced was included in "Trust The Man," a feature film starring Julianne Moore & David Duchovny.   Most recently, Cliff's song "You're Lyin' Through Your Tooth" was recorded by Universal Recording Artist Big Mike Callan. Cliff is also a freelance journalist and teaches recording workshops for BMI, ASCAP and The NSAI.

Nicole Gordon

Nicole appeared as the singing voice of " Madison " on the Warner Bros show EVERWOOD for 4 episodes and her songs can be heard nationwide on television shows such as: Brothers and Sisters , Friday Night Lights, Without a Trace , Numb3rs, Charmed ,   Gilmore Girls , One Tree Hill , Reba,   Smallville , Jack & Bobby,   Felicity , &   Angel , as well as in commercials, satellite, public, & college radio, Itunes, and in Regal Cinema's. She continues to write with composers & songwriters on film and TV projects, she frequently travels to Nashville for writing and recording sessions where she teamed up with Gary Burr on some new tunes and she tours regularly. She has had the great fortune to work with some of the best musicians in the world such as: Jim Keltner (John Lennon, Simon & Garfunkel), Barry Goldberg (Bob Dylan, Electric Flag), Gary Mallaber (Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison), Johnny Lee Schell (Bonnie Raitt, Melissa Etheridge), Hutch Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt), John Hall & Lance Hoppen (Orleans), Todd Nichols, Randy Guss, & Dean Dinning (Toad the Wet Sprocket).

Marv Green

A native of Santa Barbara, CA, Marv Green has become one of Nashville’s most prolific and popular songwriters. He is a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and has received many awards for his work over his 14 years on Music Row ( BMI POP Award for “Amazed,” BMI's 2001 Country Songwriter of the Year Award, 1999 ACM Song of the Year and the 2000 BMI Country Song of the Year for “Amazed”). Marv also wrote the huge Tim McGraw/Faith Hill Hit “Let’s Make Love,” JoDee Messina’s “ Was That My Life” and George Straits #1 single “ True”. Marv is on the charts currently with the new George Strait single “It Just Comes Natural” that is shooting up the charts and is also the title track to his new album. Marv has had many other songs recorded by Diamond Rio, Sara Evans, Jo Dee Messina, Lee Ann Womack, Trisha Yearwood and Carrie Underwood to name only a few.

Adam Gregory

Though he's just 22 years old, Adam Gregory draws on more than a decade"s worth of writing and performing experience for his self-titled debut album on Midas Records. Growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Adam was signed to a record deal with Sony Canada when he was just 13 years old. Adam scored several Top 10 hits on Canada"s Country charts throughout his teens, gaining a loyal following with the release of three studio albums. Moving to Nashville just under two years ago, Adam was quickly introduced to industry veteran Lawrence Mathis. Though Lawrence was planning to leave the music industry, Adam"s undeniable talent and work ethic convinced him to change course and sign on as Adam"s manager. Through Lawrence, Adam met a group of songwriters he now considers to be his musical band of brothers, including top Music Row tunesmiths Lee Brice, Kyle Jacobs and songwriter/producer Keith Follese. One of the songs created from Adam"s songwriting circle is his first U.S. single, "Crazy Days."

Jeff Hanna

Jeff Hanna is a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, in which he is a lead vocalist and guitarist. Since the release of their self-titled debut album in 1967, the band has had seven CMA Award nominations and won the 1989 CMA Album of the Year Award for Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Volume 2. In addition to Dirt Band songs such as "Baby's Got A Hold On Me" and "Down That Road Tonight," Hanna is a co-writer of “Bless The Broken Road." The Rascal Flatts version earned a 2005 Best Country Song Grammy, as well as NSAI Song of the Year. In 2007, the Selah - Melodie Crittenden version earned the song its second nod as NSAI Song of the Year.

Alex Harvey

If Ray Charles and Janis Joplin had a baby, it would probably sound like Alex Harvey.   If Stephen Foster and Loretta Lynn had a baby, it would probably write like Alex Harvey.   With songs like "Reuben James" and "Delta Dawn", you can, with confidence, say he defies classification.   His success will also hint at the same.   Kenny Rogers recorded 17 Alex Harvey songs.   His songs have been consistently in the charts since his entre in the seventies, with artists like Bette Midler, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffet, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tanya Tucker and even Sammy Davis, Jr.    As a pop artist on Capitol Records, he was a star in Europe before anyone ever heard of him in the States.   A West Tennessee country boy with an education; that could be dangerous!

Don Henry

Grammy Award winner Don Henry's songs have been recorded by legends like Ray Charles, Patti Page, Conway Twitty , Gene Watson, John Conlee, Blake Shelton, Lonestar and Kathy Mattea. Don Henry is a veteran of 28 years in the music business. The wit and wisdom of Don's songs are widely renowned whether it's campfire favorites, the hilarious " B.F.D." and biker lullaby " Harley," to the wonderfully poignant tribute to Martin Luther King " Beautiful Fool," and of course, the Grammy Award winning country classic " Where've You Been". In addition to a Grammy, Kathy Mattea's version of " Where've You Been" won Don (and co-writer Jon Vezner) Song Of The Year honors from ACM, CMA and NSAI. " Where've You Been" was the first song to be awarded all four honors in the same year! Billboard's Ken Schlager and Larry McClain of BAM magazine chose Don's Epic/Sony debut album Wild In The Backyard as one of 1991's Top Ten records. Since then Don has released a live album candidly recorded at the internationally famous Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tennessee on the American Originals label. Not long after Live At The Bluebird he released his latest studio effort Flowers & Rockets on Poppermost Records and is in the process of recording his fourth album Based On A True Story due to be released by fall of 2007.

James Dean Hicks

Songwriter and solo artist James Dean Hicks has had over 150 songs recorded by artists including Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Aaron Carter, Vince Gill and Aaron Neville. Hicks has written five #1 songs and his current duet with Natalie Howard “I Don’t Want to Live Like That” is currently the #1 video in Australia and is being rapidly added to Country radio stations everywhere.

Jimbeau Hinson

His hits include the Grammy nominated "Color" by the Oaks as well as their #1 smash "I'm Settin' Fancy Free", Steve Earle's first single "Hillbilly Highway " from his ground breaking MCA album "Guitar Town ", Kathy Mattea's "Train of Memories"; Brenda Lee's classic "Broken Trust "; John Conlee's "Harmony"; and Patty Loveless' first country single "After All ". David Lee Muphy's break through single "Party Crowd ", co-written and co-published by Hinson, became airplay record of 1995. In his forty-year career Jimbeau has also had songs recorded by Reba McEntire, Lee Greenwood, Ricky Scaggs, Billy Burnette, Rita Coolidge, Carl Perkins, Porter Waggoner, Tracy Lawrence, Ray Herndon, Connie Smith, Michael Peterson, Rodney Crowell, Ty Herndon, and the Lost Trailers. Jimbeau currently writes for RPM Music.

David Hodges

David Hodges is a Grammy award-winning writer/producer/artist hailing from Little Rock, AK. As former keyboardist and backing vocalist of the band Evanescence, he and the band took home Best New Artist as well as the Best Hard Rock Performance trophy for their hit "Bring Me To Life" in 2004. David went on to write Kelly Clarkson's biggest worldwide single to date, "Because Of You", which appeared on Clarkson's 12 million-selling Breakaway album and garnered him the 2007 BMI Song Of The Year honor. The song was covered by Reba McEntire as the first single off her recent Duets album, and quickly rose up the country charts in 2007 becoming McEntire's 30th Top 2 country single.   Hodges also penned "What About Now", which appears on American Idol Chris Daughtry's debut album Daughtry . The hit record has sold over three million records to date and was credited as the fastest selling debut rock album in Soundscan history.

Wayland Holyfield

Wayland Holyfield is a native of Little Rock, Ark., where he attended public schools and completed his formal education with a marketing degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He moved to Nashville in 1972 and had his first # 1 song, "Rednecks, White Socks And Blue Ribbon Beer" in 1973. Since then Wayland has been honored with 37 ASCAP and BMI awards and has written more than 40 Top 10 hits, including 14 # 1 songs. "Could I Have This Dance" by Anne Murray, "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend" and "Till the Rivers All Run Dry" by Don Williams, "Only Here For A Little While" by Billy Dean and "Meanwhile" by George Strait are but a few of his almost-four decades of hits. He also wrote "Arkansas You Run Deep In Me," adopted in 1987 as the official state song of Arkansas. Long active as an advocate for songwriters' rights, Wayland was the first Nashville-based writer to be elected to the ASCAP Board of Directors. Wayland has also served as President of the NSAI and as Chairman of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992.

Jamie Houston

Jamie Houston is an award winning songwriter and producer. From chart topping hits to multi-platinum albums and Emmy nominations, his work has been sought after by a long list artists, including Stephen Tyler, Carlos Santana, Macy Gray, Kid Rock, Aaron Neville and Jessica Simpson. He also has the unique distinction of writing the song that now holds the record for the biggest single jump in chart position in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart: “Breaking Free,” featured on the album, High School Musical.

Robb Houston

Robb Houston is a guitar player, vocalist and writer with experience both in and out of the studio. During his first year of college, Robb moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University and to be closer to the music industry. After graduating, Robb began writing for tMTM Music Group. Robb's writing efforts eventually helped him land a recording contract with independent label Carlyle Records. As a recording artist, he wrote a multitude of songs, many of which appeared on his Carlyle album, Dream State. Upon leaving Carlyle, Robb seized an opportunity to go on tour as lead guitarist with newly formed country act Brother Phelps. Between concert performances, he continued to work on studio projects, including recording an album with writer/vocalist Steve Mandile for Magnatone Records. After a stint as guitarist and background vocalist for Randy Travis, Robb reconnected with Steve (now an aspiring producer) for a band project that would ultimately become Sixwire. With the support of Warner Bros. Records, Sixwire's self-titled debut album was well received by radio. Their single "Look At Me Now" reached #23 on the charts, with the accompanying music video making Top 10 on both CMT and GAC.

www.sixwire.com

John Howard

John Howard is from Plainview, Texas, and is an accomplished bassist and songwriter. John toured with Lee Greenwood, which is where he met and became friends with Sixwire bandmates Steve Mandile and Chuck Tilley. He's toured and recorded with various artists too, including Randy Travis and Faith Hill. John has also spent a lot of time in the studio when not on tour, playing on recording sessions for many publishing companies and songwriters in Nashville.

Mark Hudson

After making career moves from television to music to television and finally back to music, Mark Hudson is best known for his co-write with Aerosmith on the Grammy-winning single, "Livin' On The Edge." He has written with, for and has inspired, the best work from multi-platinum artists including Burt Bacharach, Carole King, Ringo Starr, Ozzy Osbourne, Celine Dion, Bon Jovi, Hanson, the Baja Men, Alice Cooper, Boy Zone, and LeAnn Rimes. His songs have appeared in films including Gremlins, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, It's A Guy Thing and Hysterical.

Jedd Hughes

Growing up in the small south Australian town of Quorn, Jedd was first given the gift of country music by his father, who loved the sounds of Australian traditional country singer Slim Dusty and American icons such as Johnny Cash and Marty Robbins.  When he wasn’t listening to music at home, much of Jedd’s childhood was spent onstage at various Music Festivals and even representing Australia at the International Music for Youth Festival. Since his move to Nashville, TN, Jedd has earned the respect of Music City’s elite.  He's been sought after by artists like Patty Loveless, Rodney Crowell and Keith Urban to play in their bands, leading to a juggling act trying to balance his solo career with requests to work on other artists' projects.  He was an invited player at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival.  
As a songwriter, he's had a top-ten single for Josh Gracin and the title cut on The Greencards album Weather and Water, though his focus has been on writing songs for his upcoming album for Capitol Records.

Marcus Hummon

Marcus Hummon has a diverse career as a writer of theatrical works, as a recording artist, and as an award-winning songwriter. To date, he has created five musical productions that have been staged at the repertory theatre in Nashville and beyond. His sixth and latest work, the opera Surrender Road, was awarded developmental funding from Opera America, and was premiered by the Nashville Opera in November. Alongside his theatrical work, he has received Grammy, Tony, Academy of Country Music, and Country Music Association nominations for hits like Wynonna’s “Only Love,” Alabama’s “The Cheap Seats,” Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly,” Tim McGraw’s “One of These Days,” and the Dixie Chicks’ “Ready to Run” and “Cowboy Take Me Away.” His most recent smash, Rascal Flatt’s “Bless the Broken Road” enjoyed 6 weeks at #1 and recently won Nashville Songwriter Association International’s “Song of the Year” and a Grammy for “Country Song of the Year.” He has also released six solo CDs on Velvet Armadillo Records, a CD with his Celtic band, The Raphaels, written a book of poetry, and lyrics for the PBS children’s cartoon series Book of Virtues.

Jon Ims

Jon Ims is the writer of "She's In Love With The Boy" which won BMI's Robert J. Burton Award as the Song Of The Year in 1992. He is a past Kerrville Music Festival New Folk Winner and the recipient of Music Row's Breakthrough Writer Award. His songs have been recorded by Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, The Dixie Chicks, Confederate Railroad and many more.

Kyle Jacobs

Songwriter, guitarist and pianist, Kyle Jacobs hails from Minneapolis, MN and has been in Nashville for six years. He achieved pop success with American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke’s Top 10 hit “8th World Wonder.”He works on a constant basis with hit songwriter/producer Shaun Shankel (Destiny’s Child, Hillary Duff, Clay Aiken) and has collaborated with such hit songwriters as Doug Johnson, Kylie Sackley, Melissa Pierce, Nicole Witt, and Holly Lamar.

Brett James

In the past five years Brett James has had over one hundred and fifty of his songs recorded by major label artists! Today the list of artists who have recorded songs written by Brett James reads as a 'who's who' in country music: Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Jo Dee Messina, Sara Evans, Lonestar, Wynonna, Billy Currington, Josh Gracin and Carrie Underwood are just a few. Several of his songs have topped the country charts, including "Who I Am" (Jessica Andrews), "Blessed" (Martina McBride), "When The Sun Goes Down" (Kenny Chesney) and most recently "Jesus, Take The Wheel" (Carrie Underwood) which also garnered nominations for single and song of the year at both the ACM and the CMA awards and nabbed a Grammy this year!

Megan James

Upon meeting singer/songwriter Megan James, one is immediately drawn to her personable charm.  It is not until seeing her live, that one realizes the true star power of this incredible vocalist and performer.  A native Minnesota girl, Megan moved to Nashville in the fall of 2004 quickly gaining notice from her peers and industry executives. Within a year of moving to town she signed her first writing deal with publishing powerhouse Warner/Chappell Music at the age of 22.  With a BMI John Lennon Songwriting award, performances to crowds of over 13,000 people, production credits, and a handful of independent cuts propelling her toward her dream, she is showing no signs of slowing down.   These achievements teamed with a strong work ethic, dedication and passion for songwriting have made her one of Nashville's most sought after up and coming artists to watch.   For more Megan James please visit www.myspace.com/meganjamesmusic and www.youtube.com/meganjames.

Tommy lee James

Tommy Lee James, has found the formula for worldwide success in both country and pop music.   He has had six number one songs on the country charts, recorded by Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Brooks and Dunn, Reba McEntire and Cyndi Thomson, and two top five singles, recorded by Lonestar and Gary Allan, who's "Life Ain't Always Beautiful" stayed on the charts for 32 weeks. James has also had his songs recorded by such major artists as Rascal Flatts, Trisha Yearwood, Jo Dee Messina, Little Big Town and 98 Degrees   In late 2007, Tommy Lee had the first single on the new record by international sensation Delta Goodrem, which he followed with her third single as well.   In the fall, Delta's record will be released in the US and promises to be a huge success. He has also written and produced hit singles for Cyndi Thomson and Danielle Peck, as well as having the first single for local rockers Luna Haloon their first release for Columbia due out later this year.   Tommy Lee James is truly a writer for all!

Trent Jeffcoat

Trent Jeffcoat is from Lexington County, SC. He started writin' and singin' as a child, and has never wanted to do anything else. He moved to Nashville in July of 2003 with his wife and son, and is now a staff writer for Montage Music Publishing.

Paul Jefferson

Paul Jefferson combines elements of Country, Bluegrass and old-time music in his songwriting. His first taste of success was as a co-writer on Aaron Tippin's "That's As Close As I'll Get To Loving You." Paul moved to Nashville from Los Angeles after securing a publishing deal, and in 1996 he released his debut album with its first single, "Check, Please," becoming a Top 40 hit. Keith Urban also co-wrote (and cut) with Jefferson on the single, "You Are Not My God."

Doug Johnson

Doug Johnson has been a professional in the music business for the last 24 years. He has enjoyed success as a recording engineer, a musician, songwriter, producer and record company executive. He has penned six #1 singles and thirteen Top 10 singles including 2003 CMA, ACM, NSAI, and CCMA Song[s] Of The Year, and Grammy winning “Three Wooden Crosses”. Other #1 singles he has written include, “Skin (Sarabeth),” “Livin’ In A Moment To Die For”, “Love Is Stronger Than Pride”, and “I Don’t Think I Will”. Doug has had over forty songs recorded by major artists including Rascal Flatts, Buddy Jewell, Steve Holy, Kenny Rogers, Collin Raye, Patty Loveless, Ty Herndon, Lisa Brokop, Jeff Carson, Lee Greenwood, Don Williams, the Oak Ridge Boys, John Michael Montgomery.

Tim Johnson

One of the co-owners of Giantslayer, Tim Johnson grew up in a small logging community in western Oregon, and it's evident his rural roots run deep in his words and his approach to music. Tim's early influences include artists such as Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings. Tim's first cut was "The Struggling Years" recorded by the late, great Chris LeDoux.  Over a decade later, Tim has scored over 100 major label cuts, including such hits as "I Let Her Lie," "Thank God For Believers," and Diamond Rio's moving single, "God Only Cries."  Tim's song, "To Do What I Do," was recorded by Alan Jackson and inspired the title of his 2004 release, What I Do.  Tim also co-wrote the song, "When I Think About Leavin,'" on Kenny Chesney's quadruple platinum album, When the Sun Goes Down .  Tim co-produced Blaine Larsen's first two albums Off To Join The World, and Rockin' You Tonight, on Giantslayer / BNA Records. Tim's song, "Things That Never Cross A Man's Mind" is Kellie Pickler's current single and is climbing the charts. 

Jude Johnstone

Jude Johnstone grew up in Maine. She released her first CD, Coming of Age, on the independent record label Bojak Records. The CD featured 11 tracks written by Johnstone and guest performances by many of the artists for whom Johnstone had written songs. The CD rose to #6 on Amazon's Best Seller's List and was the #1 selling CD for Burnside Distribution Company (BDC) that year. Johnstone's second CD, On A Good Day, was released in February 2005. As a songwriter, she is known for "Cry Wolf" (recorded by Laura Branigan in 1987 and Stevie Nicks in 1989) and "The Womand Before Me" and "Hearts In Armour" (recorded by Trisha Yearwood).

Brett Jones

Originally from near Macon, Georgia, Brett first started writing songs at age 16. His first radio success was the Confederate Railroad 1995 hit, “When and Where,” since then he has had 10 top ten country records in the past ten years including four #1 hits, ”You Gotta Love That,” by Neal McCoy, “A Little Past Little Rock,” by Lee Ann Womack, “Better Man Better Off,” by Tracy Lawrence, “You Won’t Ever Be Lonely,” by Andy Griggs and a #2 hit with John Michael Montgomery, “Cover you in Kisses”. He recently had a top 10, “Good Little Girls” which was the first single released on Blue County’s debut album and a #14 with Bobby Pinson’s debut single “Don’t Ask Me How I know”. Brett currently has the single "If I Don't Make It Back" on Tracy Lawrence's Now and Then Greatest Hits Album and the first track "I Wanna Be a Hillbilly" on Billy Currington's current album. Brett is currently focusing his efforts on his new publishing company. He started Big Borassa in 2005, signing his first songwriter, Dallas Davidson, who co-penned the Trace Adkins’ hit "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and his second artist/songwriter, Joanna Smith, in December of 2005.

Diana Jones

"Diana Jones writes songs which she sings in such a haunting high lonesome that one can’t help but wonder if she isn’t the lost daughter of the Carter Family."-- Ann Patchett, New York Times. Each of Diana's original songs are informed by the themes that have run through her life -love, loss and redemption- bringing to mind Emily Dickinson and Loretta Lynn in the same breath. Adopted as an infant and raised in New York, Diana Jones left home at 15 in search of her roots. Unlike her friends, Diana was attracted to the music of Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, as well as contemporary artists Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton. It wasn’t until she was reunited with her birth family and the music of the Eastern Tennessee hills some years later, that she discovered why that music had always moved her.

jason Jones

Jason Jones grew up in a small town south of Tallahassee, FL.   He got his first guitar at age 13, wrote his first song a year later and started his first band at age 15, playing a wide array of music from country to rock and blues.   After a couple of years of college he decided it was time to pack it up and move to Nashville to pursue his dream of being in the music business.   In mid-August of 2001, 21 year-old Jason made the move and in June of 2002 he signed his first publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music, where he has been writing ever since.   He has spent the last 6 years writing with Nashville's top writers, played over 100 hundred shows a year with his band for the last 5 years or more, and has most recently signed a record deal with Warner Brothers.   Jason's soulful small town style, both on stage and off, is sure to keep him around for years to come.

www.jasonjonesmusic.com

www.myspace.com/jonesville

Matthew Perryman Jones

Jones's latest album, Throwing Punches in the Dark, wipes the dust from his guitar and represents a new chapter in his life. It also reveals a new direction musically, one he's eager to explore. Since its April 2006 release, Throwing Punches has already seen wide acclaim. Jones filled Nashville's Mercy Lounge for his CD release concert, and has consistently pulled in crowds at other local venues. Recently, the artist, whose sound has drawn comparisons to early Counting Crows, was featured in The Rage as one of Nashville's "Next Big Acts to Know." There's a lot that's unpredictable about Throwing Punches . Because Jones admits to having a bend toward melancholy at times, themes like mystery and longing weave throughout the album. But there's a lively backdrop of sounds, a momentum, even a tension that permeates the record too. In many ways, Throwing Punches represents a spiritual, relational, and creative journey Jones has been on since his twenties. www.mpjmusic.com

Steven Dale Jones

Steven Dale Jones is best known for his multiple Grammy Nominated song, "One More Day" (Diamond Rio). "One More Day" was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2001 Country Music Awards and received the National Songwriter's Association Achievement award for composing the song. Other hits include: "Ten Thousand Angels" (Mindy McCready), “He Gets That From Me” (Reba McEntire), "She Wants To Be Wanted" (Ty Herndon), "Little Things" (Tanya Tucker), "I Know How The River Feels" (Diamond Rio), and "After a Kiss" (Pam Tillis) which was featured in the major motion picture Happy Texas. He is an accomplished singer/performer as well. He is featured on the BMG compilation album Names Behind The Artists and has co-authored the book “One More Day” published by Thomas Nelson/Rutledge Hill Press.

Troy Jones

In addition to writing Kenny Chesney's recent   hit "Shiftwork", Troy's writing credits include Chesney's "Like Me" and Joe Nichols' "Shade." Prior to being a full-time songwriter, Troy worked in a paper mill for twenty years, where his co-workers called him the "Fork Lift Philosopher". He became enamored with country music as a boy listening to his father spin records at a local AM radio station. Troy writes for Carnival Music Publishing and lives outside of Birmingham, Alabama.

Meghan Kabir

This exotic Afghan-Irish singer/songwriter, at the young age of 19 years old, is well on her way to becoming the next successful artist on the scene. She tastefully infuses her rich Middle Eastern background in her music and has been compared to the likes of No Doubt, Sublime, and Nelly Furtado. She is currently working with Kyle Cook (of Matchbox Twenty) who produced her first EP at the well known, Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Not only is Meghan a knockout singer, she also writes her own material and plays guitar as well as piano. She has written with such heavyweights as, Craig Wiseman, Stephony Smith, Chris Tompkins, and Bart Allmand, to name a few. www.myspace.com/meghankabir

Angela Kaset

The song that brought Angela Kaset to the music community’s attention was the beautiful single, "Something In Red", recorded by Lorrie Morgan. Since then, Lorrie has recorded six more of Angela's songs including a cut on the Girls Night Out CD and a song titled "Whoop-de-do" on Lorrie Morgan’s Greatest Hits released in 2000 on RCA. Suzy Bogguss recorded her songs "Saying Goodbye To A Friend" and "Feelin’ ‘Bout You" and Angela has had cuts on Wynnona Judd, Aaron Tippin, Jessica Andrews and Amy Dalley. English Superstar, Elaine Paige, recently recorded two of Angela’s songs for her Greatest Hits album on Warner Bros. Records/UK. She has also had songs placed in television series such as Dawson’s Creek and Touch Heaven. Her Winter Harvest album, Sanctuary, was released in January, 1997 with an independent follow-up album, Inside Out, in 1999. Her most recent release is entitled Angela Kaset -Live At The Bluebird. In October 1997, Angela was presented with the award for SESAC Country Songwriter of the Year for her singles, “Daddy’s Little Girl” by Kippi Brannon and “The Hopechest Song” by Stephanie Bentley. Angela is currently working with record producer, Kyle Lehning, in preparation for a new original studio album. Release is scheduled for fall of 2007.

Kelly Keagy

Along with fellow members Brad Gillis and Jack Blades, Kelly formed the band Night Ranger in the early 80's. After cutting their teeth on local gigs in San Francisco, promoter Bill Graham booked Night Ranger as the opening act for such bands as Judas Priest, Santana, and the Doobie Brothers.   They became one of the most popular mainstream hard rock bands of the mid 1980's.   Night Rangers first album Dawn Patrol (1982), reached number 38 on the U.S. charts, yet it was 1983's Midnight Madness that established the band as a commercial force.   Featuring the hits (You Can Still) Rock in America and Sister Christian, the record peaked at number 15 and sold over 1 million copies. Sister Christian went to # 5 on the hot 100 charts. 1985's 7 Wishes was even more successful, reaching number 10 on the charts.   The band reformed in the mid-90's and have since released 4 more albums. To date, Kelly and his Night Ranger band mates have recently finished a new studio album "Hole In The Sun" On VH-1 Classic Records and a live album recorded in Japan.   And Kelly has just released his second solo work, I'm Alive, Written and Recorded with Jim Peterik.

Sage Keffer

Sage Keffer is one of the most charismatic recording artists coming out of Nashville today. He recently returned from headlining his sold out concerts in Switzerland and Spain. Raised on the Colorado-Wyoming border, Sage has performed at the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days and willbe returning to the CMA Music Festival for his 4th year. Bob Oermann wrote, “Some major label should give him a contract, take the eight sides on Rules of the Game as is and give him and his most worthy co-producer Matt Rovey a bunch of money to add four more tracks.” Sage is honored to be a performer at TPS for the 6th consecutive year.

Irene Kelley

Irene Kelley hails from Latrobe, Pa.  Home of Rolling Rock Beer, Arnie Palmer and the Pittsburgh Steelers summer home.  She moved to Nashville in 1988 to pursue a career as a recording artist and songwriter.  Irene had 2 singles out on MCA Records, publishing deals with several Nashville companies and her songs have been recorded by major artists.  After her exit from major label-land, she signed to indie Relentless Nashville, shot a country music video of her song, "I'm A. Little Bluer Than That" which appeared on CMT, GAC and CMT Australia at no. 1 for 2 weeks.  This also got Irene an invitation to perform on the Grand Ole Opry.  As luck would have it, Alan Jackson was listening to the  Opry in his truck and contacted Irene about recording her song and having her sing the harmony on his record.  "Bluer" appears on Jackson's "Drive" LP.  Several other artists have covered Kelley's songs to name a few: Loretta Lynn, Trisha Yearwood, Claire Lynch, Ricky Skaggs, Pat green and others.  Irene has 2 solo indie releases and continues to write and tour.

Casey Kelly

Casey Kelly: Toured with Tom Rush and has played with everyone from America to Frank Zappa.   Elektra Recording Artist.   Hit Songwriter with hundreds of cuts (America, Helen Reddy, Joe Diffie, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kenny Rogers, Tanya Tucker, Marcia Ball, George Strait, etc.)   Performs worldwide. Vice President: Songwriters Guild of America.  

www.caseykelly.net  

www.myspace.com/caseykellymusic

Gordon Kennedy

Gordon Kennedy is a Grammy Award winning songwriter (“Change the World” co-written with Wayne Kirkpatrick and Tommy Sims) and a Grammy winning producer (Peter Frampton’s Fingerprints). Kennedy’s writing credits include artists; Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Garth Brooks, Bruce Hornsby, Ricky Skaggs, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Alison Krauss, Nickel Creek, Peter Frampton, among others.Kennedy has also had songs placed in films, including; The Fox and the Hound II, Almost Famous, Phenomenon, The Banger Sisters, Tin Cup, For the Love of the Game and Where the Heart Is, among others. Kennedy has played with Jewel, Frampton, Garth, Faith, Loggins and more.

John Kennedy

Raised in Meridian, Mississippi, John Kennedy was signed to Universal Music in 2003. John's song "Probably Wouldn't Be This Way" was a top 5 hit recorded by LeAnn Rimes, and has had songs recorded by Josh Gracin, Julliane Hough, Chris Cagle and Faith Hill. John's song "Maybe She'll Get Lonely" is currently climbing the country singles charts as the latest single from Jack Ingram.

Will Kimbrough

An in-demand guitarist (Americana Music Association’s Instrumentalist of the Year), a producer, and creator of timeless songs in both pop motifs and dusty Americana, Will Kimbrough wears many hats.  He is a sought-after sideman, playing for Jimmy Buffett (who recorded Will’s “Piece of Work” on his License to Chill CD), Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider, Kim Richey, and Josh Rouse.  Kimbrough also produces, including a Grammy-nominated record by Adrienne Young, well-received records by Kate Campbell, and his co-production work on Todd Snider’s acclaimed East Nashville Skyline.  From ’84 to ’92, Will and the Bushmen ruled the southern club roost and had their brief, shining MTV moment. His next great band, the bis-quits,  made one critically acclaimed record for John Prine’s Oh Boy! Label.  His solo records, This, Home Away, Godsend and his upcoming, yet-to-be-titled release betray an immense command of songwriting craft – catchy hooks and haunting, introspective lyrics.

Kelly King

Kelly King's debut CD, “Live The Dream”, has just been released nationally, and her first single, “I Don't Want To Sing That Song” has reached # 24 on the Billboard AC charts. Billboard magazine says, "King's vocal is totally pro, beautifully layered and oh-so-ready for radio. AC is slovenly in embracing new artists; if Kelly Sweet was 2007's breakthrough, then the new year is the time to crown the next King." She signed to be the opening act for part of Michael Bolton's tour, and the Babyface tour. Her album features a diverse collection of upbeat, danceable pop songs, hot R&B tunes, and soulful ballads that showcase King's powerful vocal prowess and awe-inspiring five and a half-octave range.

www.myspace.com/kellykingsings

Wayne Kirkpatrick

Most people know Wayne Kirkpatrick from his 1996 Grammy Award winning song of the year, "Change The World" , recorded by Babyface and Eric Clapton. What you may not know is that Wayne has had over 150 cuts in the last ten years. He has enjoyed Pop, Country, Christian and R&B cuts such as "Every Heartbeat" and "Good For Me" by Amy Grant, "Place In This World" by Michael W. Smith, as well as cuts by Wynonna, Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Jo Dee Messina, George Strait, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride and Joe Cocker. Wayne solely wrote Garth Brook's single "Wrapped Up In You" and penned the song used in the Garth Brooks' Dr. Pepper commercial. He is also a co-writer on Bonnie Raitt's singles "I Can't Help You Now" and "I Will Not Be Broken" .   His latest project has been as writer and producer for country vocal band Little Big Town .

Jay Knowles

Jay Knowles was born in Texas, raised in Tennessee and educated in Connecticut.   He wrote his first song "The Gorilla Song" at the age of five and it was recorded nearly twenty years later by the children's entertainer Raffi.  Jay's songs have since been recorded by Montgomery Gentry, Blake Shelton, Billy Ray Cyrus, Luke Bryan, and Chris Ledoux.   "Love You" recorded by Jack Ingram made it into the Billboard top 10. His song "She'll Leave You With A Smile" was George Strait's 50th #1 single.

Fred Koller

Chicago-born Fred Koller has been a professional songwriter since 1973. A Nashville, resident, his songs include "Angel Eyes", a Top-5 Pop hit for Jeff Healy, and Country hits for Kathy Mattea ("She Came From Fort Worth"), Bobby Bare, Gene Watson, Lacy J. Dalton, Bob Gibson, Vern Gosdin, Nanci Griffith, Jerry Lee Lewis, Loretta Lynn, Michael Marin Murphy, Odetta, Pinkard & Bowden, Leon Russell, Shel Silverstein, The Sons of the Pioneers, Tex Williams, Keith Whitley, Lorrie Morgan, and many other artists. He is also the author of the book, How To Pitch and Promote Your Songs. He also teaches songwriting classes and gives seminars on publishing at many festivals and colleges.  Fred has released four critically acclaimed albums and has appeared on many compilations. "Let's Talk Dirty In Hawaiian", which Fred co-wrote with John Prine, has been recorded by dozens of performers. 

Celeste Krenz

From the first release Krenz stood out as an artist and musician.  Called the 'Gold Standard for Americana', Billboard Magazine describes her music as, "An infectious blend of sweet vocals, story based lyrics and acoustic sensibilities." With a voice that defies genre, Celeste's first CD garnered national attention and her second release, " Slow Burning Flame " produced by Tim O'Brien and Bob Tyler, reached #11 on music trade magazine GAVIN's Americana radio airplay chart bringing her music to the international market as well as the US.  Krenz has released ten albums to date.  Robert K. Oermann of Music Row Magazine writes "The purest folk voice I've heard in years, and that little catch in her throat gives it just a touch of hillbilly soul. I was so enchanted that I practically held my breath."

www.celestekrenz.com