Modern folk infused with grassroots country and a splash of rock, Archie Hubbard has taken the best of each genre and used it to full effect in creating a record that stands solidly on its own. A singer/songwriter who writes simple songs about complex things, “The Ride” is a collection of stories, woven together, that meditate on themes of sacrifice, ambition, love, and loss. Written from a storytelling perspective, filled with emotional imagery, and full of engaging melodies, “The Ride” is an album of standout tracks.
Hailing from Tuscumbia, Alabama, Archie decided early on that he would write songs and sing them. At the age of 14, he received his first guitar, and began by learning the songs on all of his favorite albums. At the age of 18 Archie was hired to lead the music at a local church, and ended up in a band that toured the country playing camps, festivals, and opening for bigger acts. In 2004 Archie released his first solo record (“The Great Redemption”), and began to tour the area in support of it.
With the release of “The Ride,” Archie has fleshed out his band with the support of John Byrd (drums), Wade Wimberly (keys), Heath Bain (guitar), and Brad Hanback (bass). The combination of players and instruments has lent a full, warm sound that ensconces Archie’s guitar and vocal, and allows his songs to shine.
Archie Hubbard is a man who has found his sound, and is a sure artist to keep on watch. His combination of reflective lyrics and melodies will keep your hands far away from the “next” button on your music player.
http://www.myspace.com/archiehubbard
Monday, April 4, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Our Artists: Celeste Kellogg
Meet 17 year old Songwriter, Actress and Nashville Recording Artist Celeste Kellogg from Virginia. At just 16, Celeste had already filmed the lead in an independent movie, where she was also featured on the Soundtrack, filmed a TV Pilot where she composed the music, was featured in Pop Star Magazine, shared the stage with Raven, The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, The Cheetah Girls, Chuck Wicks, Le Ann Rimes, Daryl Worley, Joey & Rory, Jeffrey Steele and Cowboy Troy, filmed 2 original music videos (of which one has won two awards) and released her debut CD “This Is Where I Wanna Be” where her single “The Look” charted #20 in Germany. Needless to say this Teen has been quite busy.
She started performing at the age of 6 in her church choir. At age 12, Celeste found herself performing with the Radio Disney Tween Pop Group "RD7." While with Radio Disney, Celeste opened for the Jonas Brothers, Raven and performed hour long shows at The Kelly Clarkson Addicted to Love Tour, Cheetah Girls, and Miley Cyrus concerts.
In March of 2009 Celeste traveled to Nashville to film the independent film and record the soundtrack to “No Limit Kids: Much Ado About Middle School” with Elevating Entertainment. Filming a movie was a first for Celeste, but she quickly found out that she loved every minute of it. The film was directed by musician/producer Dave Moody. As if that was not enough, Celeste returned back to Nashville in the summer of 2009 to film a music video for her song “My Jeans” directed by Damon Wood. Since then “My Jeans” has received two awards on www.countrymusicbroadcasting.com
In November of 2009 Celeste was featured in Pop Star Magazine under Fresh Faces. Pop Star Magazine had only featured two Country Artists at the time, the first being Taylor Swift. Also in November of 2009 Celeste was asked to audition for the part of Lindsey in “Lindsey’s Way” by Director Greg Robbins of Uplifting Entertainment. Not only did Celeste play the part of Lindsey, but all of the show’s music is Kellogg’s original songs. Look for the show to air sometime in 2011.
In December of 2009 Celeste put the finishing touches on her debut CD produced by Andrew Lane. There is a duet on the CD with Disney Channel’s Blake Michael titled “Looking In Your Eyes”
During the Spring and Summer of 2010, Celeste kept a very hectic schedule performing cross country as well as filming her second music video “Looking In Your Eyes” TBR February 14, 2011. “Looking In Your Eyes” has been described as the music video that looks like a movie.
With the release of her CD in December of 2010, Celeste was very excited to hear her Single “The Look” charted #20 in Germany.
Celeste maintains a 4.0 GPA in all honors courses and insists she is just the girl next door who loves soccer, ice skating, bowling, anything athletic, movies, popcorn, playing her guitar, dancing and hanging out with friends and family.
As she looks forward to the future Celeste hopes to continue to grow as an artist in the Pop/Country genre. She hopes one day to win a CMA, and to sing a duet with Alan Jackson. With her talent and determination Celeste’s future looks bright. As Joey Lawrence (TV star of Blossom and Dancing with the Stars) once said after watching Celeste perform, “She’s infectious – she has it going on for days”
She started performing at the age of 6 in her church choir. At age 12, Celeste found herself performing with the Radio Disney Tween Pop Group "RD7." While with Radio Disney, Celeste opened for the Jonas Brothers, Raven and performed hour long shows at The Kelly Clarkson Addicted to Love Tour, Cheetah Girls, and Miley Cyrus concerts.
In March of 2009 Celeste traveled to Nashville to film the independent film and record the soundtrack to “No Limit Kids: Much Ado About Middle School” with Elevating Entertainment. Filming a movie was a first for Celeste, but she quickly found out that she loved every minute of it. The film was directed by musician/producer Dave Moody. As if that was not enough, Celeste returned back to Nashville in the summer of 2009 to film a music video for her song “My Jeans” directed by Damon Wood. Since then “My Jeans” has received two awards on www.countrymusicbroadcasting.com
In November of 2009 Celeste was featured in Pop Star Magazine under Fresh Faces. Pop Star Magazine had only featured two Country Artists at the time, the first being Taylor Swift. Also in November of 2009 Celeste was asked to audition for the part of Lindsey in “Lindsey’s Way” by Director Greg Robbins of Uplifting Entertainment. Not only did Celeste play the part of Lindsey, but all of the show’s music is Kellogg’s original songs. Look for the show to air sometime in 2011.
In December of 2009 Celeste put the finishing touches on her debut CD produced by Andrew Lane. There is a duet on the CD with Disney Channel’s Blake Michael titled “Looking In Your Eyes”
During the Spring and Summer of 2010, Celeste kept a very hectic schedule performing cross country as well as filming her second music video “Looking In Your Eyes” TBR February 14, 2011. “Looking In Your Eyes” has been described as the music video that looks like a movie.
With the release of her CD in December of 2010, Celeste was very excited to hear her Single “The Look” charted #20 in Germany.
Celeste maintains a 4.0 GPA in all honors courses and insists she is just the girl next door who loves soccer, ice skating, bowling, anything athletic, movies, popcorn, playing her guitar, dancing and hanging out with friends and family.
As she looks forward to the future Celeste hopes to continue to grow as an artist in the Pop/Country genre. She hopes one day to win a CMA, and to sing a duet with Alan Jackson. With her talent and determination Celeste’s future looks bright. As Joey Lawrence (TV star of Blossom and Dancing with the Stars) once said after watching Celeste perform, “She’s infectious – she has it going on for days”
Our Artists: Tessa Sunniva
Biography
Biography Tessa
Tessa despite being only 19 years old, already a lot of experience in the music business, as well as pop singer and musical artist.
Tessa's passion is music. This off course by singing it, playing the piano and dance but also by writing her own music. She also writes music in order, for example, movies and games.
Tessa is also one of the few singers who like many styles of rock, pop, classic musicals and even controlled. She is also a professionally trained dancer who also can act and present. As Tessa a varied approach can give it a perfect choice for a performance at a large or small event, a concert, wedding or corporate event.
Tessa also plays piano and follows years of dance training at the dance academy
Lucia Marthas in Amsterdam.
As a child he played Tessa leading roles in several professional musical productions
including in the musical "Sound of Music by Joop van den Ende.
Besides that Tessa has sung in many musicals, often as a soloist she has performed in talent shows. In 2002, she became the first in the provincial finals of the VARA Baby Contest and if they represent Ontario in Hengelo in the national finals. In this finale, which aired on television Ned.3, Tessa was the second of the Netherlands.
In 2004, 2005 and 2006 she won several talent often as the youngest participant.
February 2007 Tessa has a program for over half hour care for the farewell tour of the BZN Zantenhal New Vennep. Together with dancers from Lucia Marthas she gave a spectacular show. Due to great success, she was invited back, in May 2007 also shows for the famous singer Belle Perez care.
In the summer of 2007, the audition rounds of the SBS program "So You Wannabe a Popstar" over. Tessa decided to give this one away and sang herself into the live shows. In a thrilling finale, she received a very nice second place, for someone that age an incredibly good performance. Immediately after the final Tessa got a recording and management contract offer.
Her first single "I Put My Trust In You" was in stores in November 2007 and achieved a high concept ring in the top 100.
Tessa had a prominent role during the great Popstars December 8, 2007 concert that took place in the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam. In addition, along with fellow finalist Tessa Maaike Jansen a spectacular show during the Stout & Nieuw Gerard Joling concerts on December 28 and 27 took place in the Ahoy in Rotterdam and later aired on TV ..
In December 2008, two new Christmas songs brought out that Tessa with an internationally renowned producer in Spain included. These two songs, one ballad 'Christmas Eve' and up-tempo "Everybody's Happy" week 50 straight shots in the singles top 100 at number 30. For weeks this stood in the Top 100 songs and videos were often shown on TV like TMF. Tessa's video for the song "Christmas Eve" in 2009/2010 was the only Dutch artist in the Top 10 by MTV clips of all Christmas, among many other international clips.
In March 2009, Tessa's single LOVE and video released in 1922 with the highest position in the Top 100. The clip for months on MTV and several other TV channels to see. Kids stood in the Top 20 this week on a single number. LOVE also appeared on many compilations. LOVE the song was also used for a major national advertising campaign on TV and radio.
In October 2009 Tessa gave a big pop concert in Hungary, which is extremely successful. At the moment to drop a gig in 2011 worked.
In February 2010, Tessa's new single 'Lipstick released. These single reached the Top 100 immediately.
September 2010 the single "LOSING MY MIND" Tessa released. This single can be downloaded on all major download portals. "Losing My Mind 'is a splendid international sounding up-tempo song. It is therefore not surprising that single-game makers' Crystal Games' has been chosen as the theme song of the PlayStation game Snake Warriors Training, in addition to Europe has now been released in Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and even in the U.S. soon.
Meanwhile, Tessa in many TV programs have been shown:
Popstars, Jensen, Love Match, TMF, Kids Top 20, Broadcast & New Stout December 31 SBS 6, choose your star, Karaoke Kids, Telekids, BNN Live, TROS nice guy, and many others. Tessa is also frequent guest on various national and regional radio stations throughout the country.
Tessa performs many still live on, with or without dancers Lucia Marthas, and has in the past three years shows many large and smaller venues across the country behind us.
At the moment Tessa also busy writing her own songs, along with national and internationally renowned producers.
WEBSITE: http://www.tessa-sunniva.nl/
TWITTER: https: / / twitter.com / TessaSunniva
YOU TUBE: http://www.youtube.com/user/TessaSunniva
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1004989028&ref=name
Biography Tessa
Tessa despite being only 19 years old, already a lot of experience in the music business, as well as pop singer and musical artist.
Tessa's passion is music. This off course by singing it, playing the piano and dance but also by writing her own music. She also writes music in order, for example, movies and games.
Tessa is also one of the few singers who like many styles of rock, pop, classic musicals and even controlled. She is also a professionally trained dancer who also can act and present. As Tessa a varied approach can give it a perfect choice for a performance at a large or small event, a concert, wedding or corporate event.
Tessa also plays piano and follows years of dance training at the dance academy
Lucia Marthas in Amsterdam.
As a child he played Tessa leading roles in several professional musical productions
including in the musical "Sound of Music by Joop van den Ende.
Besides that Tessa has sung in many musicals, often as a soloist she has performed in talent shows. In 2002, she became the first in the provincial finals of the VARA Baby Contest and if they represent Ontario in Hengelo in the national finals. In this finale, which aired on television Ned.3, Tessa was the second of the Netherlands.
In 2004, 2005 and 2006 she won several talent often as the youngest participant.
February 2007 Tessa has a program for over half hour care for the farewell tour of the BZN Zantenhal New Vennep. Together with dancers from Lucia Marthas she gave a spectacular show. Due to great success, she was invited back, in May 2007 also shows for the famous singer Belle Perez care.
In the summer of 2007, the audition rounds of the SBS program "So You Wannabe a Popstar" over. Tessa decided to give this one away and sang herself into the live shows. In a thrilling finale, she received a very nice second place, for someone that age an incredibly good performance. Immediately after the final Tessa got a recording and management contract offer.
Her first single "I Put My Trust In You" was in stores in November 2007 and achieved a high concept ring in the top 100.
Tessa had a prominent role during the great Popstars December 8, 2007 concert that took place in the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam. In addition, along with fellow finalist Tessa Maaike Jansen a spectacular show during the Stout & Nieuw Gerard Joling concerts on December 28 and 27 took place in the Ahoy in Rotterdam and later aired on TV ..
In December 2008, two new Christmas songs brought out that Tessa with an internationally renowned producer in Spain included. These two songs, one ballad 'Christmas Eve' and up-tempo "Everybody's Happy" week 50 straight shots in the singles top 100 at number 30. For weeks this stood in the Top 100 songs and videos were often shown on TV like TMF. Tessa's video for the song "Christmas Eve" in 2009/2010 was the only Dutch artist in the Top 10 by MTV clips of all Christmas, among many other international clips.
In March 2009, Tessa's single LOVE and video released in 1922 with the highest position in the Top 100. The clip for months on MTV and several other TV channels to see. Kids stood in the Top 20 this week on a single number. LOVE also appeared on many compilations. LOVE the song was also used for a major national advertising campaign on TV and radio.
In October 2009 Tessa gave a big pop concert in Hungary, which is extremely successful. At the moment to drop a gig in 2011 worked.
In February 2010, Tessa's new single 'Lipstick released. These single reached the Top 100 immediately.
September 2010 the single "LOSING MY MIND" Tessa released. This single can be downloaded on all major download portals. "Losing My Mind 'is a splendid international sounding up-tempo song. It is therefore not surprising that single-game makers' Crystal Games' has been chosen as the theme song of the PlayStation game Snake Warriors Training, in addition to Europe has now been released in Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and even in the U.S. soon.
Meanwhile, Tessa in many TV programs have been shown:
Popstars, Jensen, Love Match, TMF, Kids Top 20, Broadcast & New Stout December 31 SBS 6, choose your star, Karaoke Kids, Telekids, BNN Live, TROS nice guy, and many others. Tessa is also frequent guest on various national and regional radio stations throughout the country.
Tessa performs many still live on, with or without dancers Lucia Marthas, and has in the past three years shows many large and smaller venues across the country behind us.
At the moment Tessa also busy writing her own songs, along with national and internationally renowned producers.
WEBSITE: http://www.tessa-sunniva.nl/
TWITTER: https: / / twitter.com / TessaSunniva
YOU TUBE: http://www.youtube.com/user/TessaSunniva
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1004989028&ref=name
Our Artists: Tayler Lynch
Tayler Lynch, 17 year old, singer-songwriter, native of Louisville, Ky. has hit the music scene in a big way... You can catch Tayler’s performances in many of Nashville’s hot spots, while he is in town writing with some of Nashville’s best songwriters, or recording songs for his upcoming debut album. find him performing at venues in Tennessee, Indiana, and all across Kentucky.
Tayler’s love for entertaining started at an early age, where you may have seen him on shows, such as My Name is Earl, Grey’s Anatomy, Everybody Hates Chris, to name a few. But, his love of music has become him main focus and his voice and stage presence have created quite a buzz!
Along with the radio promotions, Tayler just returned from Alabama where he finished filming his third music video.His first video “Jumpin In”, which was written for him by hit song writers Cris Moore, Randy Bruce and Matthew Thompson (Muscle Schoals Radio)is steadily moving up the charts.
Tayler is puting the finishing touches on his first album which is due to be released after the first of the year.Having written several songs on this album,Tayler says,"It kind of feels like my baby,and I'm so proud of how it turned out.I'm having the time of my life following my dreams,and I thank my family for believing in me and supporting me every step of the way!" Steve Wariner influenced Tayler’s life in a big way. After meeting Steve and talking with him, he told Tayler, that he was obviously a talented young man,and to just keep working hard and he would get there. Tayler has taken those words to heart and has devoted countless hours to perfecting his craft. Tayler is a natural born entertainer and is anxious to see what the future holds for him...Life is all about the music!
Tayler’s love for entertaining started at an early age, where you may have seen him on shows, such as My Name is Earl, Grey’s Anatomy, Everybody Hates Chris, to name a few. But, his love of music has become him main focus and his voice and stage presence have created quite a buzz!
Along with the radio promotions, Tayler just returned from Alabama where he finished filming his third music video.His first video “Jumpin In”, which was written for him by hit song writers Cris Moore, Randy Bruce and Matthew Thompson (Muscle Schoals Radio)is steadily moving up the charts.
Tayler is puting the finishing touches on his first album which is due to be released after the first of the year.Having written several songs on this album,Tayler says,"It kind of feels like my baby,and I'm so proud of how it turned out.I'm having the time of my life following my dreams,and I thank my family for believing in me and supporting me every step of the way!" Steve Wariner influenced Tayler’s life in a big way. After meeting Steve and talking with him, he told Tayler, that he was obviously a talented young man,and to just keep working hard and he would get there. Tayler has taken those words to heart and has devoted countless hours to perfecting his craft. Tayler is a natural born entertainer and is anxious to see what the future holds for him...Life is all about the music!
Our Artists: Shelby Reese
Shelby Reese is a unique Trans-Atlantic music prodigy who is skyrocketing to the top as a Country Pop singer and songwriter. Music industry professionals along with Miss Reese’s growing fan base have grown to appreciate this dynamic vocalist and the way in which incorporates the best aspects of both Pop and Country genres to create a distinctive Southern California Country sound.
This 17 year old dynamo currently resides in San Diego, California while pursuing her music career. Reese was born in England to a British mother and an American father.
This destined star began to hone her talent at the early age of four and has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry, performing around the world. Now in high demand, she has collaborated with a bevy of high profile songwriters, musicians, vocal coaches and recording studios in San Diego, Los Angeles and Nashville.
The Berklee College of Music in Boston has recognized her talent by offering her an opportunity to study in the prestigious Berklee vocal performance and songwriting program. Recently awarded a coveted music scholarship for being an excellent Vocalist. In addition to singing she also plays the piano and the guitar, acts, dances and speaks Mandarin Chinese; all of these skills enhance her performance in an incredible way. She has spent time studying music abroad in China at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
Her musical inspirations are Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, the Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, LeeAnn Rimes, Shania Twain, Reba McIntire and Melissa Etheridge.
This talented and dynamic California country pop singer is leading the way for the next generation of music.
This 17 year old dynamo currently resides in San Diego, California while pursuing her music career. Reese was born in England to a British mother and an American father.
This destined star began to hone her talent at the early age of four and has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry, performing around the world. Now in high demand, she has collaborated with a bevy of high profile songwriters, musicians, vocal coaches and recording studios in San Diego, Los Angeles and Nashville.
The Berklee College of Music in Boston has recognized her talent by offering her an opportunity to study in the prestigious Berklee vocal performance and songwriting program. Recently awarded a coveted music scholarship for being an excellent Vocalist. In addition to singing she also plays the piano and the guitar, acts, dances and speaks Mandarin Chinese; all of these skills enhance her performance in an incredible way. She has spent time studying music abroad in China at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
Her musical inspirations are Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, the Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, LeeAnn Rimes, Shania Twain, Reba McIntire and Melissa Etheridge.
This talented and dynamic California country pop singer is leading the way for the next generation of music.
Our Artists: Celeste Kellogg
Celeste will go to Grammys and will be on the Red Carpet February 13th. The day before the Grammys she will be at the "Hollywood Show" for a meet and greet. "Hollywood Show" will include 57 Past and Present Hollywood Stars.
http://www.hollywoodshow.com/
Beginning February 25 Gibson Guitar is sponsoring a nine City Tour with tour bus.
1. Seattle - February 25th
2. Beverly Hills - March 1st
3. Los Vegas - March 4
4. San Diego
5. San Antonio TX -
6. Orlando
7. Miami
8. Nashville
9. NY - March 25
Video "Looking In Your Eyes" to be released Valentines Day. Duet with Disney Channel's Blake Michael.
Filming of "Lindsey's Way" begins in Pittsburg Penn. April 2011.
New CD "This Is Where I Want To Be" available on CD Baby, I Tunes, Amazon.com
http://celestekellogg.com/id7.html
http://www.hollywoodshow.com/
http://www.hollywoodshow.com/
Beginning February 25 Gibson Guitar is sponsoring a nine City Tour with tour bus.
1. Seattle - February 25th
2. Beverly Hills - March 1st
3. Los Vegas - March 4
4. San Diego
5. San Antonio TX -
6. Orlando
7. Miami
8. Nashville
9. NY - March 25
Video "Looking In Your Eyes" to be released Valentines Day. Duet with Disney Channel's Blake Michael.
Filming of "Lindsey's Way" begins in Pittsburg Penn. April 2011.
New CD "This Is Where I Want To Be" available on CD Baby, I Tunes, Amazon.com
http://celestekellogg.com/id7.html
http://www.hollywoodshow.com/
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
We're on Youtube
Here is a Promo for our new Charter Cable TV Show called "Alabama Music Connections" (Spotlight on the Music of Muscle Shoals Alabama). The Show is coming soon to Charter Cable Channel 80 or 82.12 Digital in Alabama and Georgia. We will have up to 4 million viewers. Check it out!
Monday, February 7, 2011
A bit about us--Randy Bruce
As a musician, recording engineer, and graphic arts teacher at Florence, Alabama High School, Randy Bruce is empowering a future generation with his wisdom, knowledge and passion for what he teaches, spawned by the glory days of The Shoals.
His classroom is unique in that it contains a recording studio where students have the opportunity to learn their craft, hands on. Every now and then he calls on long time musician buddies like Larry Byrom from Steppenwolf to pay the class a visit. Coupled with graphic design skills, students leave Randy’s class armed with a complete package of practical tools to pave the way for their future.
Randy’s father was a guitarist who once played a gig with Elvis in Sheffield, AL. His stepfather was a country musician, so it was no surprise that Randy was a drummer and songwriter by time he was eleven. Early influences include George Jones, the Gatlin Brothers, and Waylon Jennings. By age 17, the young artist had taken up guitar and singing, and he was completely blown away when he got to open one night for Waylon.
As a teenager, Randy and a buddy would often drive up to The Vapors, a fancy club in Memphis, where Louie Roberts, his friend’s uncle, performed. At show’s end, the two boys were introduced as his nephews and would get to sing. One weekend they arrived to find that Louie wasn’t playing because Elvis had booked the room for a private party the night before. Somebody at the party had burned a hole in the piano. Louie was hot, he called Graceland to complain, and he was told to come over. Talk about the right time and right place! Randy and his friend got to tag along. The piano situation was resolved, the pressure was off, and Elvis asked Louie to play a gospel tune on piano. Elvis remembered the elder Bruce, and once again Randy was in disbelief when he got to sing harmony with the king.
Over the years, Randy worked on demo sessions and had the opportunity to play with a number of greats including George Jones, Percy Sledge, and Tracy Lawrence. He also opened for acts like Johnny Rodriguez, John Anderson, Mel McDaniel, The Temptations, Tom T. Hall, Dr. Hook, Sawyer Brown, and John Berry.
After he was married and had a family, Randy occasionally played a session, but his greatest priority was spending time with his boys. Music took a back seat until his kids were pretty well grown.
He credits Nashville songwriter Billy Lawson for introducing him to Pro Tools, a computerized recording software that helped him get excited about recording again. Utilizing his gift, this engineer/teacher passed on the Pro Tools knowledge to legendary Muscle Shoals engineer, Gregg Hamm. Currently Randy is working as assistant engineer to Gregg on a project with a soulful new artist, Christian Turner, who has the Muscle Shoals Music Scene all abuzz.
Sherry Maves, 2006
His classroom is unique in that it contains a recording studio where students have the opportunity to learn their craft, hands on. Every now and then he calls on long time musician buddies like Larry Byrom from Steppenwolf to pay the class a visit. Coupled with graphic design skills, students leave Randy’s class armed with a complete package of practical tools to pave the way for their future.
Randy’s father was a guitarist who once played a gig with Elvis in Sheffield, AL. His stepfather was a country musician, so it was no surprise that Randy was a drummer and songwriter by time he was eleven. Early influences include George Jones, the Gatlin Brothers, and Waylon Jennings. By age 17, the young artist had taken up guitar and singing, and he was completely blown away when he got to open one night for Waylon.
As a teenager, Randy and a buddy would often drive up to The Vapors, a fancy club in Memphis, where Louie Roberts, his friend’s uncle, performed. At show’s end, the two boys were introduced as his nephews and would get to sing. One weekend they arrived to find that Louie wasn’t playing because Elvis had booked the room for a private party the night before. Somebody at the party had burned a hole in the piano. Louie was hot, he called Graceland to complain, and he was told to come over. Talk about the right time and right place! Randy and his friend got to tag along. The piano situation was resolved, the pressure was off, and Elvis asked Louie to play a gospel tune on piano. Elvis remembered the elder Bruce, and once again Randy was in disbelief when he got to sing harmony with the king.
Over the years, Randy worked on demo sessions and had the opportunity to play with a number of greats including George Jones, Percy Sledge, and Tracy Lawrence. He also opened for acts like Johnny Rodriguez, John Anderson, Mel McDaniel, The Temptations, Tom T. Hall, Dr. Hook, Sawyer Brown, and John Berry.
After he was married and had a family, Randy occasionally played a session, but his greatest priority was spending time with his boys. Music took a back seat until his kids were pretty well grown.
He credits Nashville songwriter Billy Lawson for introducing him to Pro Tools, a computerized recording software that helped him get excited about recording again. Utilizing his gift, this engineer/teacher passed on the Pro Tools knowledge to legendary Muscle Shoals engineer, Gregg Hamm. Currently Randy is working as assistant engineer to Gregg on a project with a soulful new artist, Christian Turner, who has the Muscle Shoals Music Scene all abuzz.
Sherry Maves, 2006
A bit about us--Randy Higgins
Randy Higgins owner of RJK Video Productions has been involved in video production for over twenty years. He began his video career as a freelance cameraman in 1989. Since that time he has directed, produced, and edited all types of productions including television commercials, music videos, local cable television shows along with numerous stage productions. In April of 2008 he worked as the directors assistant on the set of the Bill Bellamy “Who’s Got Jokes?” show, a national cable television show featured on TV One Network. He is also credited as the co-producer for the pilot show “Chasin’ the Dream”, a new reality show to begin airing on a major cable network later this year. Randy is also the co-producer of the new Alabama Cable Network show “Alabama Music Connections”. In addition to his video production experience, Randy has also played roles in a number of stage productions including two roles in the play “Tom Jones” at the Birmingham Festival Theatre. He also appeared in the documentary film “Under this Skin” , directed by award winning film director June Mack. Randy lives in Sumiton Alabama with his wife Jolei, his daughter Kayla lives in Birmingham and is a student at Birmingham Southern.
A bit about us--Don Earley still keeps cable TV 'down home'
Birmingham Business Journal - by Gilbert Nicholson
Cable TV pioneer Don Earley is still blazing trails despite a disappointing setback.
In fact, he's come full circle. At a bank liquidation sale, Earley reclaimed assets he sold four years ago to now-defunct College Sports Southeast (CSSE) cable network.
Local mom-and-pop programming from his four low-power cable TV stations currently is distributed to some 450,000 cable households in Birmingham, Decatur, Montgomery and Anniston. In the Birmingham area alone, Earley's WOTM Channel 19 is available to 200,000 Charter Cable subscribers in 42 communities, reaching Jefferson, Walker, St. Clair and Shelby counties.
The cable companies like homespun shows such as youth football and People's Law School.
"It's unique programming you don't get on our competitors, such as satellite dish providers," says Bill Ferry, director of governmental relations for Charter Communications' Gulf Coast region. "What Don Earley does certainly adds to our channel lineup and makes a much more robust product for us."
Ever the innovator even as he contemplates retirement later this year the 60-year-old Earley has his sights set on a first for the state of Alabama: live broadcasts of regular season high school football.
High school, college sports
Starting in 1981 with the broadcast to 600 cable subscribers of Dora High School football, Earley and his family built a local production company into the Alabama Cable Network. At its apex in the late 1990s, ACN was beaming tape-delayed broadcasts of Alabama and Auburn football, basketball and other sports statewide via satellite.
Earley sold a controlling interest in ARN in 1998 to sports media executive Kirk Wood, who used it to launch Birmingham-based CSSE, the nation's first exclusive college sports cable network.
In summer 2001, after a financial partnership with HealthSouth fell through, CSSE went off the air.
Earley says he had no managerial responsibilities after he sold ARN to Wood. He insists he's not bitter and holds no animosity toward Wood or other CSSE executives for the demise of the networkWood did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Even in CSSE's early days, when the network's executives had plans for national expansion, he was all the while producing local cable programming aimed at the Gardendales and Hueytowns of the world.
In 1999, he and son Donnie set up a new studio in Hoover for a low-powered Montevallo station Earley owned, which he moved and renamed Channel 19 WOTM (for "Over the Mountain.") Earley also owned low-powered stations WJXS in Anniston and WYAM in Decatur; he later bought WMPV TV3 in Montgomery.
The strategy was to be local in the true sense of the word down to coverage of pee-wee football and distribute to local communities through big cable operators.
Earley's stations feature community beauty pageants, local law school classes, vacuum cleaner salesmen, church services, talk shows such as Bob Mosca's "Time of Your Life," and Snapper Lancaster's Central Alabama High School Sports.
And, of course, there are the infomercials. Revenue, which Earley declines to disclose, comes from commercials and selling air time to various individuals and businesses selling products.
He credits his expansive coverage of high school football last fall to Charter Cable's decision to double WOTM's presence in new communities within the last six months.
Every Friday night, using part-time contract employees, Earley dispatched three-man broadcasting crews to 17 high school football games. Cable companies such as Charter can send specific games to select communities. Alabama loves football, and Pelham, Tarrant, Fultondale and Midfield want to see their teams on TV, Earley says.
Meanwhile, after the demise of CSSE, Earley and partner John Connor Sr. bought the assets of the network at a bank liquidation sale last October. WOTM recently moved into the old CSSE studios on Lorna Lane near the intersection of Rocky Ridge Road and Lorna Road.
CSSE equipment, such as a digital servers and digital cameras, have put WOTM two years ahead of where it otherwise would have been, Earley estimates.
Keeping it down home
As he ponders his future, sitting in his office in the former CSSE headquarters, the only visible reminder of the network is a remote truck parked outside bearing the CSSE logo.
Although details haven't been finalized, Earley says he hopes to broadcast regular season high school football live this fall on his four stations.
"I'm not interested in doing college sports like Alabama and Auburn any more," he says. "It's just too competitive. I'm going to keep this low key and close to the vest. I want to do a lot of high schools and the small stuff."
He hearkens to the early days of what was then called Your Community Channel, when Earley at the time a sales agent for Burlington Northern railway reached 600 subscribers in Dora and Sumiton.
"We left that arena and went to something a lot bigger," he says. "Now we're back in that arena. I'll stay with what I know, and stay local."
Cable TV pioneer Don Earley is still blazing trails despite a disappointing setback.
In fact, he's come full circle. At a bank liquidation sale, Earley reclaimed assets he sold four years ago to now-defunct College Sports Southeast (CSSE) cable network.
Local mom-and-pop programming from his four low-power cable TV stations currently is distributed to some 450,000 cable households in Birmingham, Decatur, Montgomery and Anniston. In the Birmingham area alone, Earley's WOTM Channel 19 is available to 200,000 Charter Cable subscribers in 42 communities, reaching Jefferson, Walker, St. Clair and Shelby counties.
The cable companies like homespun shows such as youth football and People's Law School.
"It's unique programming you don't get on our competitors, such as satellite dish providers," says Bill Ferry, director of governmental relations for Charter Communications' Gulf Coast region. "What Don Earley does certainly adds to our channel lineup and makes a much more robust product for us."
Ever the innovator even as he contemplates retirement later this year the 60-year-old Earley has his sights set on a first for the state of Alabama: live broadcasts of regular season high school football.
High school, college sports
Starting in 1981 with the broadcast to 600 cable subscribers of Dora High School football, Earley and his family built a local production company into the Alabama Cable Network. At its apex in the late 1990s, ACN was beaming tape-delayed broadcasts of Alabama and Auburn football, basketball and other sports statewide via satellite.
Earley sold a controlling interest in ARN in 1998 to sports media executive Kirk Wood, who used it to launch Birmingham-based CSSE, the nation's first exclusive college sports cable network.
In summer 2001, after a financial partnership with HealthSouth fell through, CSSE went off the air.
Earley says he had no managerial responsibilities after he sold ARN to Wood. He insists he's not bitter and holds no animosity toward Wood or other CSSE executives for the demise of the networkWood did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Even in CSSE's early days, when the network's executives had plans for national expansion, he was all the while producing local cable programming aimed at the Gardendales and Hueytowns of the world.
In 1999, he and son Donnie set up a new studio in Hoover for a low-powered Montevallo station Earley owned, which he moved and renamed Channel 19 WOTM (for "Over the Mountain.") Earley also owned low-powered stations WJXS in Anniston and WYAM in Decatur; he later bought WMPV TV3 in Montgomery.
The strategy was to be local in the true sense of the word down to coverage of pee-wee football and distribute to local communities through big cable operators.
Earley's stations feature community beauty pageants, local law school classes, vacuum cleaner salesmen, church services, talk shows such as Bob Mosca's "Time of Your Life," and Snapper Lancaster's Central Alabama High School Sports.
And, of course, there are the infomercials. Revenue, which Earley declines to disclose, comes from commercials and selling air time to various individuals and businesses selling products.
He credits his expansive coverage of high school football last fall to Charter Cable's decision to double WOTM's presence in new communities within the last six months.
Every Friday night, using part-time contract employees, Earley dispatched three-man broadcasting crews to 17 high school football games. Cable companies such as Charter can send specific games to select communities. Alabama loves football, and Pelham, Tarrant, Fultondale and Midfield want to see their teams on TV, Earley says.
Meanwhile, after the demise of CSSE, Earley and partner John Connor Sr. bought the assets of the network at a bank liquidation sale last October. WOTM recently moved into the old CSSE studios on Lorna Lane near the intersection of Rocky Ridge Road and Lorna Road.
CSSE equipment, such as a digital servers and digital cameras, have put WOTM two years ahead of where it otherwise would have been, Earley estimates.
Keeping it down home
As he ponders his future, sitting in his office in the former CSSE headquarters, the only visible reminder of the network is a remote truck parked outside bearing the CSSE logo.
Although details haven't been finalized, Earley says he hopes to broadcast regular season high school football live this fall on his four stations.
"I'm not interested in doing college sports like Alabama and Auburn any more," he says. "It's just too competitive. I'm going to keep this low key and close to the vest. I want to do a lot of high schools and the small stuff."
He hearkens to the early days of what was then called Your Community Channel, when Earley at the time a sales agent for Burlington Northern railway reached 600 subscribers in Dora and Sumiton.
"We left that arena and went to something a lot bigger," he says. "Now we're back in that arena. I'll stay with what I know, and stay local."
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A bit about us--Gary Walker
Walker Publishing Company L.L.C., was formed in the year 2000 to publish and plug the well known country song writers in our catalog such as Charlie Craig (Wanted - Alan Jackson), Steve Wilkinson (26 Cents - The Wilkinsons), Jerry Cupit (Cupit Records), Ken Mellons (Juke Box Junkie), Aaron Tippin and others.
We also represent London song writer Marwenna Diame. She is one of the UKs most talented, progressive and versatile writers. Her writing bridges R&B, pop, rock and country almost effortlessly. Marwenna's music attorney Ms. Deborah Wagnon shares her esteem and heartfelt thoughts. In 2006 by Neatherlands Pop sensation Dana Winner, her song Beautiful Life served as the record title and Ms. Winnners World Tour theme.
Selected Client List 1995 - 2001...... Bering Strait (Russia) Lorrie Morgan (Nashville) Tony Brown (Nashville) Olivia Newton John (Australia) Dena Carter (Nashville) Jon Secada (Miami) Estefan Enterprises, Inc. (Miami) Shakira (Miami) Toby Keith (Nashville) Paramount Studios (California) Reba McEntire (Nashville) Lee Ann Womack (Nashville).
Walker Publishing Company is owned by Gary Walker who was raised in Flint, Michigan with close ties to his father's southern roots. He grew up listening to country greats like Buck Owens, Hank Williams, and Patsy Cline. But by the early 60's it was Motown and the Beatles and by the late 60's and early 70's it was the Flint, Detroit and later the LA Rock & Roll scene. At Detroit's Grande Ballroom it was bands like Led Zeppelin, Steppenwolf, Joe Cocker, Jethro Tull, MC5, and Savoy Brown. Flint and surrounding cities produced great artists/bands such as Bob Seger, Terry Knight and the Pack / Grand Funk Railroad, Question Mark & The Mysterians and Frost with Ted Nugent and the Amboy Dukes playing a local music festival from time to time. After graduating from High School and attending College in Pasadena California it was the LA music scene with legendary performances like Janis Joplin and The Doors on stage together in 1970 and Elton John in concert on his first US tour. After majoring in music in college and doing some singing and writing with different bands over the years. It was finally time to learn how the real music business worked and how the machine makes it's billions.
Now armed with a corporate background, two good lawyers, a financial backer and some "honest" hard working friends in the country music industry it was time to set out on a long journey. Most Independent Publishers are like mice that just patiently wait to grab a few crumbs that fall off the Music Giants table. It's hard work and as most of us know it's often with little to show for it. But once you have music in your blood it seems like you have to stay involved in one way or another. The music business will continue to change and evolve in the years to come and hopefully get better; sometimes putting yourself in the right place at the right time pays off.
We also represent London song writer Marwenna Diame. She is one of the UKs most talented, progressive and versatile writers. Her writing bridges R&B, pop, rock and country almost effortlessly. Marwenna's music attorney Ms. Deborah Wagnon shares her esteem and heartfelt thoughts. In 2006 by Neatherlands Pop sensation Dana Winner, her song Beautiful Life served as the record title and Ms. Winnners World Tour theme.
Selected Client List 1995 - 2001...... Bering Strait (Russia) Lorrie Morgan (Nashville) Tony Brown (Nashville) Olivia Newton John (Australia) Dena Carter (Nashville) Jon Secada (Miami) Estefan Enterprises, Inc. (Miami) Shakira (Miami) Toby Keith (Nashville) Paramount Studios (California) Reba McEntire (Nashville) Lee Ann Womack (Nashville).
Walker Publishing Company is owned by Gary Walker who was raised in Flint, Michigan with close ties to his father's southern roots. He grew up listening to country greats like Buck Owens, Hank Williams, and Patsy Cline. But by the early 60's it was Motown and the Beatles and by the late 60's and early 70's it was the Flint, Detroit and later the LA Rock & Roll scene. At Detroit's Grande Ballroom it was bands like Led Zeppelin, Steppenwolf, Joe Cocker, Jethro Tull, MC5, and Savoy Brown. Flint and surrounding cities produced great artists/bands such as Bob Seger, Terry Knight and the Pack / Grand Funk Railroad, Question Mark & The Mysterians and Frost with Ted Nugent and the Amboy Dukes playing a local music festival from time to time. After graduating from High School and attending College in Pasadena California it was the LA music scene with legendary performances like Janis Joplin and The Doors on stage together in 1970 and Elton John in concert on his first US tour. After majoring in music in college and doing some singing and writing with different bands over the years. It was finally time to learn how the real music business worked and how the machine makes it's billions.
Now armed with a corporate background, two good lawyers, a financial backer and some "honest" hard working friends in the country music industry it was time to set out on a long journey. Most Independent Publishers are like mice that just patiently wait to grab a few crumbs that fall off the Music Giants table. It's hard work and as most of us know it's often with little to show for it. But once you have music in your blood it seems like you have to stay involved in one way or another. The music business will continue to change and evolve in the years to come and hopefully get better; sometimes putting yourself in the right place at the right time pays off.
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