The Bellamy Brothers: Looking Back….And Ahead

A lot of things have changed in the music business over the years, but one thing that has remained constant over the years is the unique wit and wisdom of the Bellamy Brothers. Howard and David have been keeping fans entertained since their breakthrough record “Let Your Love Flow” hit the chart back in 1976. Some thirty-four years later, the duo...

Andy Fraser: Using His Music For Good

One aspect of being an entertainer is the feeling that you need to give back to the world that has enriched you. Andy Fraser is no different. The founding member of the legendary 70s band Free, he was checking his e-mail one night, and found a cause that made him feel that he had to take a stand on. Fraser picks up the story, as he describes the contents...

Amber Hayes – Doing It Her Way

If she has her way about it, 2010 might very well be the year that Oklahoma native Amber Hayes has been waiting for. “I’ve been singing since I was little. It’s awesome to see all the hard work and all the miles that my grandparents and parents drove...

Van Preston - Taking The Country Abroad

Arkansas native Van Preston has been writing songs since she was nine years old. When asked if she still had some of those early efforts, she didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. Actually I have all of them,” she said, while admitting that her list of songs stretch well into the thousands...

Tracy Lawrence - Packing A Powerful Punch With "The Rock"

The career of Tracy Lawrence has seen many a twist and turn since his debut single, "Sticks and Stones," back in 1991. He's had his share of hits, and a few misses, and his personal life has been splashed across the front pages of newspapers nationwide. However, the rough and rowdy ways of the past has given way to an older and more mature...

T.G. Sheppard - With A Little Help From His Friends

Country Music has long prided itself on being one big family. Though some might wonder about the validity of that statement, one artist who firmly believes in it is longtime fan favorite T.G. Sheppard. The singer, who is celebrating the 35th anniversary of his first Country hit this year, is excited about the release of his CD / DVD package, Partners In Rhyme, a collection that celebrates...

Tanya Tucker Takes Her "Turn"

Many people have fond memories of going to the Grand Ole Opry for the first time, and Tanya Tucker is no different. "My dad had taken me to Nashville all the way from Wilcox, Arizona back in 1967," she recalls. "I was nine years old and he was going to get me...

Steve Wariner - Remembering Chet Atkins With New Album

June 20 is an important day in the Steve Wariner household, as it’s the birthday of his wife Caryn. Until a few years ago, the couple could count on receiving a phone call from someone very special---Chet Atkins. The legendary guitar player celebrated the same birthday as Caryn. “He used to call and tease her about it,” Steve recalls. “It was always fun...

Star De Azlan - Smiling All The Way To The Top

Spend any amount of time with Curb recording artist Star De Azlan, and you will notice that the Texas native is excited about the current state of her career. Whether it is talking about her recording deal with the Nashville label, or her upcoming debut on the Grand Ole Opry, there is something about career milestones that just make her…

A Minute With Ryder Lee

The title says it all. I literally had only a minute with Ryder Lee of The Lost Trailers at the recent aid4autism benefit they played in Atlanta. A late flight delayed Stokes Nielson’s arrival at the venue, so after waiting as late as possible, Ryder graciously agreed to go ahead and talk with me...

Ronnie Milsap - Showing Another Side With A New Set

It has been almost three decades since Ronnie Milsap topped the chart with “Smoky Mountain Rain.” Even so, it’s a performance that has not gotten old to anybody’s ears. Milsap remembers how the song came about. “I remember talking about it at the office with songwriters,” the legend begins. “I said...

Rodney Atkins - View From The Top

Some hits are so big you have to celebrate them twice. That’s true of “It’s America,” the fifth chart-topping hit for Curb recording artist Rodney Atkins, as he celebrated at Nashville’s ASCAP offices on Monday, June 1. He also took time to meet with the press. MNN was there, and below is a transcript of the press conference...

Rick Huckaby - They Call Him Huck

Sometimes in the music industry, there is a tendency to put an artist inside a box, and not allow an act to paint outside of those lines. We tend to think of our artists as "Traditional," "Contemporary," "Soulful," or any number of adjectives to describe one's musical style...

Richie Fields - What Comes Next

I never know what to expect when sitting down with an artist for an interview. Sure, they are always very pleasant, but then they know they have to be if they want good press, don't they? Talking with Richie Fields is like sitting on the front porch on a hot afternoon with a glass of sweet tea. He is tall, trim...

Rhonda Vincent - Modern Day Bluegrass Queen

The times in Bluegrass Music sure have changed over the years. Due to the changing technology, it’s a safe bet that Bill Monroe or Lester Flatt never took time out of their day to look at their MySpace page. Rhonda Vincent, on the other hand, is a fan of the internet and all it offers. “It’s very important,” she tells MNN. “First of all, I’m an internet...