Tracy Lawrence is one of the premiere voices of his generation. A mature, sensitive and intelligent singer who strives to push the limits to be the best that he can be, as an artist and as a person, Tracy's dedication to honesty and respect for country music and its heritage have enabled him to build one of the most esteemed careers in recent country music history. An integral player in country music tradition, Tracy is among the most successful and relevant country singers in the business. His voice is his instrument; his message and accomplishments are distinctively clear.
Tracy stepped onto the stage and into the spotlight in 1991. Over the course of his career, he’s scored 17 No. 1 country singles including his signature song, “Sticks and Stones,” the all-time fan favorites “Time Marches On,” “IfThe Good Die Young” and “Alibis,” and his most recent, “Find Out Who Your Friends Are.” Throughout the 1990s, Tracy Lawrence was among the most-played artists in all genres. His introductory CD, STICKS AND STONES (1991), launched him to the forefront as the decade's most formidable young talent. Boasting four Top 10 country hits, the album was certified platinum. His sophomore album, ALIBIS (1993), went double-platinum, spawning four No. 1 smashes--the title cut, "Can't Break It To My Heart," "My Second Home" and "If The Good Die Young." He followed with the platinum-selling CD, I SEE IT NOW (released in 1994), which featured his trademarked songs "If The World Had A Front Porch" and "Texas Tornado." Tracy secured his stature as an award-winning country music hitmaker with "Time Marches On," which led the 1996 album, by the same name, to double-platinum status. The summit of the ten-year run was Lawrence’s LESSONS LEARNED and the title cut went to No. 3 on the charts. In the new millennium, with a front porch perspective, “Paint Me a Birmingham” (STRONG/2003), was a Top 10, and with a little help from his friends Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney, he hit a home run No. 1 with “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” (FOR THE LOVE/2006).
…And today, Tracy Lawrence is set to speak his voice with his latest collection of musical stories entitled THE ROCK. A powerful, emotional overview of spiritual consciousness, THE ROCK takes stock in life’s blessings and the need to be more grateful, recognizes that life is hard, and not always good, but through it all, the strength of faith and hope reign triumphant. His motivation and objective to record this inspirational compilation is pure and simple; he’s a man of his word.
“My mom and dad have been coaxing me for years to record an inspirational country CD. I promised them I would, but kept pushing it off because it just didn’t ‘feel’ like the right time. I had to grow, personally and artistically to get here.”
Now at 41, with two young daughters, Tracy is in the right place and in the right time, in his heart and in his life, todeliver what is a passionate, powerful and moving musical offering. “In a time when our social and political climate is in disbelief and the overall mood of the country in despair, the music is hopeful and bright. In life, timing is everything. This project came along at the perfect time in my life; it was the right time for me to record it and it’s the right time for the music to be heard.”
Filled with pulsing energy and dynamic sensibility, THE ROCK is vintage Tracy Lawrence warmed with a more passionate and thoughtful take on life. It’s about relationships (personal and spiritual), learning to give up control and believing in something.“Throughout life, relationships are the tapestry of our make-up. From high school to work-related relationships, casual relationships or the relationships you have with loved ones, they all shape and mold who we are. In the meantime,‘belief,’ ‘encouragement’ and ‘desire’ carry us and give us the strength to get to where we’re meant to be.” The music itself is meant to be and isn’t any different than “Tracy Lawrence” as we’ve come to know him. Themessage, however, is more lifelike in emotion and spirit. “It hits close to home and some of the songs may cut to the bone.” Admittedly not focused on the commercialism of the song or the music industry, Tracy’s set his own path and it ishis journey that has led him here. “You learn about life by living it, and my music, today, is more mature and intellectual. I’ve learned you have to be true to yourself and true to your craft. One day, I just woke up, took a deep breath and let it out.”
The result is...THE ROCK. Highlighting the new single “Up To Him,” (written by David Kent & Kim Johnson), the song titles contained onthe CD tell-all at-a-glance including “I’m Done,” Somebody Who Would Die For You,” and “The Book You Never Read.” The up-tempo “Carry Me” and “Jesus Come Talk To Your Children” talk to the listener and carry them to astate of celebration to ask for a helping hand from a higher power.Co-produced with the help of Julian King, the CD features, for the first time, Tracy’s road band.“This is the first time I’ve recorded with my band in the studio. The more you play together, the more you know how to approach the song. We recorded the entire CD in two days. It’s the most ‘comfortable’ project I’ve ever recorded. …and working with Julian, we were able to put our finger on the pulse of each and every song from the structure, to the arrangement, to the dynamics.”
For the inquiring minds who might ask if this is a new direction in his musical career, Tracy’s answer is unequivocal, “This is a new element that is part of my life, part of me. It does not take the place of the foundation thathas been laid before me; it tempers it. I believe people are meant to try to make a difference and I feel blessed to be in theunique position to move people. That’s what this project is all about.”
Tracy Lawrence’s mission has been, and always will be, to move people with his music. An eclectic country recording artist who has evolved with confidence in his faith, family and conviction, his legacy will inspire listeners to live life one day at a time, one song at a time, with THE ROCK.
Tracy Lawrence—a man of his word, with words to live by.
At first glance, there’s something nostalgic, yet mysterious, classic, yet edgy about country music newcomer Allen Duhon. He’s the “boy next door,” with a bad boy appeal under his dark black hat, who’s aura makes the gals swoon and the guys offer to buy him a beer! A boy from Beaumont, twenty-two year-old Allen Duhon was born and bred in Texas—in the same neck of the woods as Tracy Byrd and Mark Chesnutt. “I tell people I was ‘born’ into country music. Texas doesn’t get any more country and western and that’s exactly what I am.”
A self-taught guitarist who also plays drums and keyboards, Allen’s musical motivation was supported by his parents, first and foremost.“I’m so blessed to say ‘my parents are my best friends.’ They’ve shown me deep love, offered me sound guidance in all things, and their own love for country music was passed down to me as if they were handing me their torch to carry.”
The first country music artist that sealed the deal for Allen to become a full-blown country fan was none other than Garth Brooks. “I was only three years old and I saw Garth in concert at Hersh Coliseum in Shreveport, LA. From that day on I sang ‘Friends in Low Places’ like a broken record that played over and over. I sang it over and over a cappella for my preschool teachers and my sister’s drill squad who asked me time and time again to do it. I loved the attention!”
As a teenager, Allen gravitated toward the traditional sounds of George Strait, Dwight Yoakum, Ronnie Milsap, Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings, the songwriting of Steve Wariner and Keith Whitley, and Garth’s showmanship. “George Strait is just the total package—he’s remained true to himself and has never strayed. Dwight has a signature style that makes him a trademark artist; he has certain ‘senseability’ that connects him with his audience, and Steve Wariner…he does it all as a songwriter and musician.”
Allen’s dad is also a musician. He was a drummer who played in bands all through Allen’s childhood. At 11, Allen’s father bought him his first set of drums. Young Allen used to tag along with his dad to attend his shows and would bring his drum sticks—practicing the rat-tattat-tat beat of the drum on the dashboard while they traveled to-and-fro. Allen made his performing debut sitting in with his dad’s band when he was 14. That impromptu performance resulted in a permanent seat behind the band playing five nights a week--all the while still in high school.
That experience transitioned into a full-time endeavor. By the age of 18, Allen was playing venues in Texas and Louisiana and everywhere in between which enabled him invaluable road and performing experience far beyond his years having opened for artists Billy Currington, Craig Morgan, Kevin Fowler, John Anderson and many more. Two years into college, Allen secured a gig with his dad’s old band; he played five nights a week with the band Ridin’ High for more than a year and that’s when Allen answered the calling to head to Music City, Tennessee. Just like the movies or the autobiographies of country music legends, Allen packed his bags and headed to Nashville when he was 21. Similar to the paths of some of American music’s greatest talents, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Roger Miller, Allen became a regular at the World Famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge where he played six nights a week. “In Nashville, every night’s a Saturday night!” As he rubbed elbows with artists who frequented the joint establishing a kinship with the likes of Tracy Byrd, Darrell Worley, Chris Young, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock, and even Pop diva, Cher, his music resounded through the walls and echoed in the alleys of downtown Nashville—making him an “artist in demand” nearly overnight. Allen has since played most of the Broadway honky tonks including Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge,Legends, Second Fiddle, The Stage, and the Music Row hot spot, Loser’s. After seeing one of his performances, Laney Lawrence, of The Artists Group management, signed Allen to their roster (joining country music superstar Tracy Lawrence).
Allen’s music resonates from the Texas juke joints and the underlying fiber that made traditional country music great; he rounds it out with his witty and refreshing energy and when it’s all summed and tolled it reveals Allen Duhon’s star power.
Wide-eyed, passionate and driven, Allen Duhon is an artist who knows exactly who he is and where he wants to be. “I will always be me,musically, no matter what else is going on in the format. I know what I’m capable of and when any listener hears my music or sees me play, they’ll say, ‘now that’s country’!”
Like any good movie or famed autobiography, “Allen Duhon” will no doubt play his role in country music history—starting today on stages everywhere!
Hailing from Yorktown, VA, 22 year old singer/songwriter Sam Hayes is breaking into the Nashville music scene. Blurring the lines between country and southern rock, Sam is one of the few truly original and stylistically different artists in Nashville. Sam’s earliest music experiences were in his church. It was through these performances he developed a soulful style that has built the foundation that he carries in his music today.
Sam continued his musical pursuance while performing and traveling for competitions in a high school vocal jazz ensemble, even though his true love was anchored in country and southern rock. Sam was named Talent of the Year from the Donks Theater competition. Hayes began playing guitar at the young age of 15, and within a year he was playing in bars such as; Goody’s, Good Fella’s, and Hat Trix in the Lynchburg and Hampton Roads areas. Soon Sam was a popular act in the local markets and was given his first venue gig at The NorVa in Norfolk, VA opening for David Allen Coe. This performance fueled his fire and passion for music even more.
At the age of 21 Sam had opened for acts such as; Craig Morgan, Jake Owen, Lee Brice, and Tim McGraw. Days after his appearance with Tim McGraw while working his job in a lumbar yard, Sam received a call from music veteran Rusty Harmon (former manager of Hootie and The Blowfish,) encouraging him to come to Nashville. While standing on top of an 18-wheeler Sam took a look around and realized there was no question; music would be his future.
Once in Nashville, Sam was given the opportunity to meet and write with other songwriters. While working around town Hayes met country superstar Tracy Lawrence who saw something special in him. Almost immediately Lawrence brought Sam to The Artists Group Management’s office for a meeting and before he knew it he was signed to a management deal.
More recently Sam has played venues throughout Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, Louisiana, and Nashville, Tennessee. You currently can find Sam performing all over Nashville. Influenced by country legends like Johnny Cash, Randy Travis, and Tim McGraw, Sam's music is soulful mix of country and southern rock; a completely unique sound that will catch any listeners’ attention!
While George Jones was the first to put Beaumont on the country music map, Zona is the latest in a long line of sterling singers who have graduated from regional stardom to national prominence. Walking in George’s footsteps, Zona has performed in exactly the same clubs that also launched the careers of his good friends, Mark Chesnutt, Tracy Byrd and Clay Walker.
Raised on a ranch and the son of a rodeo cowboy/rancher, Zona comes by his name and the music he makes honestly. “My dad was a rodeo cowboy. He competed in college and professionally for a number of years.” Zona’s name is a show of his father’s devotion to the rodeo circuit, “My dad missed the rodeo in Phoenix/Scottsdale the year I was born. Because my dad missed the rodeo there, he and my mom decided to name me ‘Zona’, short for “Arizona.”
Growing up, there were several influences that guided Zona. Living on a working cattle ranch, his grandmother’s love of music, and his parents’ value of education. The combination of these led Zona to the place that sparked his musical career. After working as kid after school and during the summers on the ranch for his dad, Zona decided education was the ticket to getting a job somewhere there was air-conditioning. Zona received his undergraduate degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He went on to earn a law degree which, in turn, landed him a job at a prestigious firm in Beaumont, Texas. It was there, much to his surprise, Zona found a booming musical community.
Zona soon began to make friends and form close relationships with other artists/musicians from the area including the likes of Byrd and Chesnutt. “Watching Mark and Tracy both develop as artists and country music stars, I decided to follow my childhood dream of wanting to sing.” After forming the band SwingWest, Zona began hitting the Texas club and dance hall circuit. While touring and growing his regional popularity, Zona recorded the album, Harley’s & Horses. The CD spawned three top-five singles on the Texas Music Chart along with the album’s most popular single and radio hit, “Two Hearts”. This was Zona’s first real national exposure.
Along with radio success, “Two Hearts” garnered Zona a unique performance opportunity as he made a guest appearance, and performed the hit single on an episode of “The Simple Life 2 – Interns” with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.
Over the years, Zona has developed loyal fans and friends who have supported him throughout his career. Zona’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Most recently Zona signed with Tracy Lawrence's Rocky Comfort Records. Zona is ready to expand his already developed fan base and spread his brand of music across the country.
"Tracy and I have been friends for several years, and I have been a huge fan of his music since the Sticks & Stones days” stated Zona. “Working with him to create the best music "we" can is going to be so cool.” “I am so pleased to join Rocky Comfort Records.”
Zona has just completed his new album and his first single will be heating up radio later this summer. With his growing fan base and proven track record, Zona can rest easy knowing Rocky Comfort Records and his own Texas Legacy will propel him to new heights.
If you had to describe Michael Scott in one word it would have to be “driven.” This country music fan turned artist has been chasing his dreams for some time. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing; in fact it has been quite a rocky road.
Michael was first introduced to country music by his father, a Nashville native and singer himself. His parents moved from Nashville, Tennessee to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Michael was born. However, due to many separations and reunions between Michael’s parents, the family relocated back and forth between the two states, allowing Michael to spend much time between the ages of 2-16 years to grow up in Music City. Michael jokes,“We went back and forth so many times I just started telling people I was raised on I-65.” The long and weary rides may have seemed to be nothing more than a nuisance to a child, but it was actually the beginning stages of Michael’s country music career. “My father would listen to his favorite country music artists and those 8-10 hour rides slowly became my music classes,” Michael stated. “I had such teachers as, Stonewall Jackson, Mel Tillis, Merle Haggard, Mel Street, Johnny Bush and the one that left the strongest impression, George Jones.”
It was during the mid 80’s when Michael began to sing along to Keith Whitley and George Strait that his father noticed his talent and arranged Michael’s first live performance. Although it would seem Michael was being groomed for his career as a country music singer, his father’s influence and assistance became scarce when his mother and father finally parted ways. Although Michael’s parents shared custody and remained friends, the constant presence of country music that came with Michael’s father was no longer around. Michael’s mother slowly became both mom and dad and the country music classes were replaced with math, history, and science. Michael’s mom pushed very hard for him to do well in school since neither of his parents graduated from high school.
Spending more time at school meant more time with schoolmates and less time for country music. In fact, Michael’s musical interests were about to change. Throughout his school years, Michael was introduced to R&B, rock, and hip-hop. During his teen years Michael became the DJ for his school and was eventually picked up by one of Milwaukee’s largest DJ companies. After a few years, Michael decided to branch out and start his own DJ company. While working at countless weddings and nightclubs, Michael occasionally had the opportunity to perform. It was at a club named Bronco Billy’s that the club owners, Bob Hammond and Dick Bowers, took an interest in his talent and helped finance his first country recording, a song titled, “Hey Baby.” It got local airplay and launched a line dance called, “Hey Baby Boogie.” Interest and sales of “Hey Baby” sparked Michael’s creativeness so he decided to record his first full album, titled, “Rough to Ride.” With no success in attracting a major label, Michael made an attempt at a second album, “Loud and Rowdy, Obnoxious If Necessary.” However, the album was never completed due to too many financial burdens.
Disappointed and frustrated, Michael took off from chasing his musical dreams and turned to martial arts, a sport his mother introduced him to at an early age. With lots of dedication and determination, Michael achieved much success and eventually became a 3-time world champion martial artist.
It was after attaining his martial arts/kickboxing goals that Michael decided to continue to chase his musical dreams. He put a band together, booked himself and toured the regional circuit of nightclubs, casinos and festivals. Michael finally landed a management contract and showcased for a record label, however, once again Michael was rejected by Nashville. Finally assistance came from John Ozier/Curb Records and Brad Kinard/Carnival Music. The two supplied Michael with enough material for a 12 song project that never panned out because the management company financing the CD went bankrupt. Michael tried to move forward but ran into financial road blocks everywhere he turned. He finally sold off his DJ company and a limo company that he owned to help with recording costs. There was still not enough money to complete the project so Michael hired a booking agent and continued to tour.
After a number of trials and tribulations, Michael Scott finally got a break when he had the opportunity to be the opening act for one of country music’s greatest sensations, Tracy Lawrence. Tracy happened to be in the audience as Michael took the stage that fateful evening and by doing what he does best, entertaining, Michael caught Tracy’s attention!! Michael continually asked the crowd if they had his back...repeatedly they agreed that they did. Eventually, Michael fell backward off the stage, into a river of people who handed him around the room. As Michael was delivered to the front of the crowd he was surprised to find that Tracy Lawrence had joined him onstage to finish his song. Later the two had a chance to talk and it was then that Tracy shared with Michael his dream of starting a record label. A year later, Michael found out who his friends were when he was signed to a recording contract with Tracy’s record label, Rocky Comfort Records.
Hesitant, but understanding, Tracy allowed Michael to complete the project he started a while back. Michael enlisted his good friend Ricky Cobble to co-produce and engineer the project that is now mastered and ready for it’s first single, “Ray Ray’s Juke Joint” to be released July ’08. Michael Scott is currently touring and about to embark on his first national radio tour.
