Kathy Street

When we think of categories like Male or Female Vocalist of the Year, we usually think of an individual artist. Not this time. Kathy is part of the Byrd and Street Duo, sharing the stage with her long-time musical partner, Tommy Byrd. They are nominated for Duo of the Year again this year. Their first shot was back in 2009. This year, Kathy is also nominated as a soloist for her contribution to their current album, ‘Close Your Eyes’.

Kathy has been creating music since the age of nine. Though it would be a few more years before she would actually do something with her talent, Kathy has since been singing and participating in stage productions… all while raising a family. That’s quite a list of responsibilities. She also takes care of the business side of Byrd and Street. But through all of this, Kathy has subliminally showcased something very important. Don’t give up your dream.

Her vocal style lends itself nicely to the folksy/ Americana style she cut her vocal chords on. If you close your eyes and listen to ‘Close Your Eyes’, you can picture Kathy on a nightclub stage in the 1940s. The soft, sensual undertones will draw you in, making it crystal clear why, though part of a duet, Kathy Street deserves to be nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year.

Country Blessings!

Female Vocalist Nominee - Lou Ann Petty

Lou Ann Petty is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year for her performance on the title track of her debut album, I’m Falling. The bluesy tone with an edgy undercurrent showcases her crystal clear voice with a rich traditional country sound. Her hit single, 'Sugar Cane', is one of thirteen tracks on the album. Whether it’s the bluesy notes of ‘Southern Man’, the toe-tapping ‘I Don’t Know Why’ or ‘Jackasses Need Not Apply’, every song will draw you into her world.

Grammy Award-Winning guitarist and producer, Brad Davis, describes Lou Ann best.

“…‘Don Williams meets Alison Krauss meets Tanya Tucker.’”

Lou Ann teamed up with Brad, at the 2011 CMA festival. Aside from both being from Texas and extremely talented, they share the same management company out of Nashville. I would say Blanchard Management Group (BMG) knows talent.

If you go to Lou Ann’s website and click the MEDIA button, you’ll find links to five outstanding YouTube videos, including her performance with Brad at the CMA festival on the GAC stage.

Seldom does an artist make me want to click the BUY IT! button. If you aren’t buying Lou Ann’s album, I’d love to hear why.

Country Blessings, Lou Ann, on your nomination!

Female Vocalist nominee - Courtney Reed

How many of us have at one point or another grabbed a hair brush or created a microphone from something and pretended to be a popular singer? Come on, you know you have! If you have music flowing through your veins at all, you wanted to be the next big recording star at some point in your life. Dreams are an important part of our growth. Whether we actually achieve our childhood dreams or create new ones as we grow older doesn’t matter. What does matter is that we DID DREAM!

Some of us, like Courtney Reed, went on to turn those dreams into reality. Over the years, while she worked to make her hearts desire a career, Courtney has been influenced by a wide variety of artists. Early on she was drawn to the sounds of Bonnie Raitt, the Judds and Patsy Cline as well as male vocalists like Willie Nelson and and Stevie Ray. She admits that as her style and voice has matured so has the well of inspiration to include Susan Tedeschi and Patty Griffin. The key element she hears within their sounds is the ability to connect with their audience and make a difference in someone’s life. If she can do that, than she is fulfilling her dream.

Her debut album, Somewhere Down This Road showcases some of her influences. From the soulful edge of Bonnie Raitt on the title track to something with a bit more Judds style on Stand Up and Face Love. Not only will you notice the nuances of those who’ve come before her but you’ll also hear Courtney Reed in her own passionate style. And it’s her passion that has brought her as a nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year.

Good Luck Courtney!

Welcome the Female Vocalist Nominees

The first of the five women we’re going to showcase is Cori Lynn. Cori is no stranger to performing and I’d say this recognition is long overdue. Peforming in the Ft. Worth area where she was born since the age of 7.

Her debut CD, Make It Easy For Me showcases Cori Lynn for who she is and where she is going in this business. People are taking notice. Her sound is sensuous and breathy on tracks like You Make Me Who I Am and Walk Through Walls with a undercurrent of a rock edge similar to Pat Benatar on the title track or Thirteen.

If you check out her website you can watch the full video for Make It Easy On Me.

Cori Lynn is a perfect example of what I’ve been saying all along. Texas music isn’t necessarily cowboy or country music. The roots of those things are there, but don’t try to sell it to me as ‘country’. Texas music is all about the talent that grows deep in its heart… and all the varied sounds it fosters.

Cori Lynn has a sound that would do well on the current country charts. My hope is she’ll stick with her Texas roots and allow someone whose heart is in Texas music to keep her grounded. I think her grandfather, Barry Corbin can help with that. But that’s another profile.

Best of luck at the awards, Cori Lynn.

Country Blessings!

Like Father, Like Son

Last on the list of nominees for Male Vocalist of the Year, but certainly not least, is Ryan Murphey. Aside from being the son of cowboy’s living legend, Michael Martin Murphey, Ryan is a talent in his own right. For years, he has been honing his skills as a producer… a practice that garnered him the nomination and win for Producer of the Year at the TMAs in 2010. He was nominated again in 2011.

In 2011, Ryan released his debut CD, New Old Song. This is a CD you want playing in the background while you enjoy an intimate dinner with your partner. Or maybe you want to shine the buckles as you move across the dance floor of some place like the Tin Roof Tavern. Ryan’s crooning voice will lull you into a total state of pure relaxation.

Like his dad, Ryan brings his own style to a traditional sound. I believe with this CD, Ryan will no longer be known only for his producing skills. He’s joining the ranks of one of the most romantic voices in Texas music.

Welcome to the front of the stage, Ryan.

Country Blessings!

Meet Justin Haigh

It seems every time I click on the ‘Listen Here’ button over at My Texas Music I get a treat. It’s like a bottomless Easter basket. The contents are as inviting as a colored confectionary egg and usually as smooth as that solid milk chocolate bunny I can’t wait to bite the ears off of. Today was no different. In fact, that chocolate bunny was sweet enough to make me crave more. And if you click that link, you'll enjoy the same dreamy sensation.

I’m talking wanting more of Justin Haigh. If you click on his name, it will take you to his website where you are in for a definite treat. To the left of the page there’s a video of his current single, All My Friends Are Behind Bars. If this guy doesn’t open for people like Brad Paisley, someone isn’t paying attention. Not that I want him playing in the Nashville arena, mind you, but when you check out the video you’ll understand where I’m comin’ from with this.

Justin is up for Male Vocalist of the Year as well as Song of the Year for ‘Monahans’ from his debut album.

With a bit of Leroy VanDyke to his voice and the charismatic style of Brad Paisley, you can hear tradition in every note he sings. His debut album, ‘People Like Me’ (written by the talented Kevin Higgins), is exactly who he sings it for… people like him who appreciate traditional country music.

Unlike many who think the road to country music success leads to Nashville, Justin followed music roots and headed for Texas in 2006, from his home state of South Dakota. Soon after, he signed with the Apache Ranch label. If this album is any indication of what we will see more of from Justin, I’d say he’s in good hands… and vice versa.

Sending best wishes to Justin and…

Country Blessings!

Next in line.... Sammy Fox

One of the first things I noticed about Sammy Fox is he doesn’t sound a thing like you might expect when you first look at him. If he were on The Voice, I guarantee every one of those judges would hit their button to turn around. Then their face would show total disbelief at how the voice and the body just don’t match! But that’s what The Voice is all about, right? To not have any preconceived notions and take an artist strictly on their talent, not their appearance.

If you check out the video of his new single, Love Drunk, on his website, you’ll see lots of ladies in the audience attracted to both. The other thing you’ll see first-hand in the video is the polished talent garnered from years of plying his trade in different venues and music genres. At only twenty-six, Sammy is a self-taught musician. His list of instruments include bass guitar, piano and drums. He also writes his own material and endorses Custom Drums.

Sammy's music is classified as Alt- Country. To me, only one song on his 5-song CD leads me down that road. Everything else showcases Sammy coming into his own as a Texas country artist.

Aside from being nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year (MVY), he, along with his band ‘The Intervention” is up for Live Band of the Year, and Song of the Year (Love Drunk). When you’re checking out the video on his homepage, you will see a link to download ‘Love Drunk’ FREE on CD from CD Texas. Remember, you can pick up Sammy's CD, 'The Intervention EP' at MyTexasMusic.com/SammyFox

Country Blessings!