News

I have just received notification that "More Than a Name on a Wall," a song I co-wrote with Jimmy Fortune, has been nominated for Song of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. .The song was recorded last year by Dailey and Vincent (www.daileyvincent.com) and included on their self-titled debut album for Rounder Records. The song spent six weeks at #1 on the Bluegrass Charts; the album has been #1 for three consecutive months. On the strength of this strong debut effort, Dailey and Vincent are nominated for ten IBMA awards:

• Entertainer of the Year
• Vocal Group
• Male Vocalist (Jamie)
• Emerging Artist
• Bass Player (Darrin)
• Album of the Year
• Song of the Year (for "By the Mark")
• Song of the Year (for "More Than a Name on a Wall")
• Gospel Recorded Performance
• Recorded Event of the Year

"More Than a Name on a Wall" was originally recorded and released in 1989 by the Statler Brothers (www.statlerbrothers.com), 2008 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees. The song was named Country Music Song of the Year in 1990. Jimmy Fortune (www.jimmyfortune.com) also covered the song on his debut album, When One Door Closes.

I will be attending the IBMA awards ceremony in Nashville on October 2, 2008. It will be held at the historic Ryman Auditorium, orginal home of the Grand Ole Opry. Keep your fingers crossed for me for Song of the Year and for Album of the Year! Again, thanks to all my supporters- you make everything I do worthwhile. God Bless!

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10/5/08

I have just returned from Nashville, and I am pleased to report that "More Than a Name On a Wall" is included on the 2008 Bluegrass Album of the Year! The song also helped to propel Dailey and Vincent to numerous other IBMA awards, including Entertainers of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year. Lou Ann and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Music City, especially the awards show at the Grand Old Opry and the BMI reception for the nominees and the press. I met many luminaries in the bluegrass industry and rubbed shoulders with a lot of stars - Ricky Scaggs and Vince Gill to name a few. We spent some time on Music Row and really enjoyed the Nashville nightlife. I am returning energized and ready to write!

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10/17/08

Tonight I travelled to Richmond, VA to see Dailey and Vincent perform in concert. What a fantastic show! For over 90 mintues, the audience was treated to superb singing, tight harmonies, hot pickin', good humor, and excellent showmanship - the show was truly inspirational. It was quite a thrill to hear them sing "More Than a Name On a Wall" live for the first time and to see the crowd's reaction to their moving rendition. If they are in concert anywhere close to where you live, I encourage you to attend the performance. Without question, it will be worth the effort - they are awesome in concert!

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10/25/08

My solo CD is now available at www.cdbaby.com and will soon be available on iTunes. I will keep you posted. Thanks to all for your support and encouragement.

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11/10/08

If you live in the central Virginia area and have access to the Daily Progress, check out the feature story about "More Than a Name On a Wall" in tomorrow's edition . The story will focus on the song's revival by Dailey and Vincent, its currnet success, and the songwriters - Jimmy Fortune and me. Although I haven't read it yet, it was penned by David Maurer - one of my all-time favorite feature writers - so I know it will be good. Also, I am pleased to say that the story is being published on Veteran's Day - a fitting tribute to a tribute.