Brian was a member of the Permian High School Show Choir “Black Magic”, and that was really when he decided he wanted a musical career. He saw his friends who used to play a patio gig and realized that music was his calling!! He knew right then that was what he wanted to do. “My music gives me a chance to express myself because I am a shy guy,” Milson said. “For me, it is easier to play and sing for people then speak in front of them.” Brian was raised on old traditional country and old rock and roll, his influences range from Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams (Sr. and Jr.), Willie Nelson, George Strait, Temptations, Four Tops, The Rat Pack, and on into today’s Texas Music with Kevin Fowler and Pat Green. Milson has covered songs from Bruce Springsteen, Guy Clark, Mark David Manders, Jack Ingram, Steve Earle and Willie Nelson. After graduation from high school, Brian attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas where he received a Bachelor’s degree in business management.

In the summer of 2002, Brian Milson would often be seen playing around Lubbock doing solo acoustic shows around town. In December of the next year Milson started his own band playing around Lubbock along with his acoustic shows.

Brian started writing his own songs his freshman year in college after a breakup with a girlfriend and discovered that through some life experiences the writing came easy. Their debut CD, “Walkin’ a Thin Line,” produced by a powerful musician Jondan McBride, that contains 9 of the 10 songs written or co-written by Brian, shows the versatility of his writing skills and showcases the band by mixing an array of sounds from a simple two step country song to a classic rock sound on to a powerful ballad. Every song on the album plays as a possible single for today’s radio.

Brian had a great 2010 with 2 consecutive singles, “Saltwater Cowboy and “Texas in Me,” both hitting the top 40 on the Texas Charts. Brian is currently working on a new project for 2011 and wants to expand his travel to all other 44 states to get his music heard and be in front of a variety of crowds.

Brian and the band like to have fun on stage and give a high-energy performance every time out. Look for Brian to do great things in 2011 and years to come.

“We have been playing music our entire lives,” explains lead vocalist Brad Mates.  “None of us can imagine doing anything else.  We belong together on that stage each night.  It’s exciting for us to see what we have accomplished so far and to be planning for the next decade.  This tour is still just the beginning!”

Emerson Drive has been a part of the country music scene since they signed their first record deal with DreamWorks Records Nashville in 2001.  The band’s first two singles, “I Should Be Sleeping” and “Fall Into Me,” peaked in the Top 5 on the Billboard charts and quickly became fan favorites but it was the career-changing song “Moments” that gave the band their first #1 single in the USA.  Emerson Drive has been honored with awards and/or nominations from the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, Canadian Country Music Association, CMT, Dove Awards, Grammy Awards, Inspirational Country Music Association, Juno Awards, Music Row Magazine and Campus Activities Magazine.  The band has toured with Toby Keith, Shania Twain and Big & Rich among other artists.

The Decade & Driving Tour celebrates the ten years of great music that began with Emerson Drive’s debut single, “I Should Be Sleeping,” and continues today with their most recent single release, “Let our Love Speak,” from their DECADE OF DRIVE: THE HITS album.

“This tour is a celebration,” comments lead vocalist Brad Mates. “We have spent 10 years out on the road sharing our music with country fans across North America.  We can’t wait to take the party back out on the road.”

Inspired by a buddy who could name every country tune as soon as it came on the radio, the competitive Cassidy started listening. “I totally fell in love with country music and learned every song I could,” he recalls. “Before long, I was the one who was calling out all the songs.”

His musical journey began in a small church in New Caney, Texas at age 13. He belted out his first solo performance to the Dawson McCallister tune “Jesus Is Here To Stay” to a full sanctuary with the youth group backing him like a chanting choir. But it was many years later that someone heard him delivering a George Strait tune in a karaoke bar that Cassidy’s musical dreams began to take flight. Impressed by his rich, expressive tone and range, a band that had just lost its lead singer approached him about taking the gig. A few weeks later, he was fronting a popular Houston-area country cover act.

And now, he’s fronting his own band and has released his debut album, MY REDEMPTION, on Houston-based A-Blake Records. His single, ““Honky Tonk Heaven,” took the #1 spot on the charts, thanks in part to catchy lyrics, Cassidy’s vocal delivery, and his hard work and determination.

Of course, even a storybook beginning…like being discovered in a karaoke bar…doesn’t always translate into a fairytale career. Cassidy admits he “wanted to write” but had to grow through a partying phase before the “fire was lit in 2009 and I was really ready to take charge of my future as an artist.”

In October of that year, he met Brandi, who inspired him to begin composing and helped him rediscover his spiritual side. “She invited me to church and it was just the right time to make my return,” said the dusty Christian. Cassidy wrote the title song “My Redemption” on the way home from a fellowship session that November.

“I called my cousin and songwriting partner, Justin Jones, and sang him what I had so far. He said ‘I’m on my way,’” Cassidy recalls. “We moved some things around and made the best sense of the message I was trying to get across. From that moment on I felt like I was reborn.” That was the genesis of many songs and his debut album, which features co-writes with several friends and colleagues.

He may be a newcomer when it comes to fluent songwriting, but Cassidy is making up for lost time. Boasting a sound that Billboard’s Tom Roland described as a “clear dedication to tradition,” Cassidy could go lyric-for-lyric with any Nashville word-slinger. And his voice, which scales from a resonant baritone to a melodic high tenor, outdoes plenty of Music Row’s biggest award collectors.

Right now, Cassidy isn’t waiting for much. He’s been visiting radio across the country and playing shows like crazy, burning it up on stage with a band that is as good as it gets. On fiddle is Scott “Skittle” Johnson (who toured with Charlie Daniels when he was all of 17!); on guitar is John Towslee; on drums is Spencer Booth; and Daniel Lindsey on the bass.

Jason is looking forward to rebuilding his vintage car collection – he began rebuilding hot-rods with his dad when he was 13. “While all my friends were going out and getting drunk, I was working around the clock to build my next ride, I would follow my dad to the car shows every weekend while my buddies were tearing down the night clubs and crashing house parties.” One of the latest hot-rods Jason built was a orange and white 1961 bubble top Impala, which has been in many magazines and made the Good Guys monthly issue about six times. Although, he hasn’t built a car in many years, he has a new way to fill that void; he now enjoys spending time with his family, partaking in anything outdoors, and scheduling as many hunting trips as he can squeeze into his busy schedule!

Even though he no longer has the time for his old partying ways, he’ll still “pop a cold one” now and then, if only to celebrate how he’s turned his life around; he’s got God, a beautiful family, an amazing team around him, and a career that’s right on track. He’s says he is “completely satisfied with that and everything else is just a huge bonus!”

It already sounds like a happy ending but, if all goes well, there will be many more chapters to come. With lyrics and melodies too…preferably onstage at one of those awards shows.

After graduating high school in 1993, Mark decided to put his dream of a music career on hold and he joined the U.S. Navy. His dedication to the Navy made him a much stronger person mentally and spiritually and throughout all of the changes happening in his life, Mark felt that it was time to finally be true to himself and focus on his music. While sailing around the world, Mark worked diligently to enhance his vocal and writing skills. In 1997, Mark completed his duty with the U.S. Navy and officially began working on his music career.

Mark would soon meet his future brother-in-law Joe Rodriquez and start the Cooke County Line band. In little time, Mark Cooke and the 7-piece Cooke County Line Band began playing all over Central Texas and the Southern states gaining notoriety and success. During this period, Mark had the opportunity to open for or play with many veteran acts including John Rich, George Jones, Miranda Lambert, Tracy Lawrence, Chris Cagle, Little Jimmy Dickens, Whispering Bill Anderson, David Lee Murphy, David Allan Coe, Robert Earl Keen, Ray Wiley Hubbard, Charlie Robison, Ty Herndon, Linda Davis and more. Having always wanted to make a living as a country singer, Mark had no idea that his dream would soon lead him to Nashville, TN, the home of country music.

In 2010, Mark signed to CVR (management and label) run by Music Row veteran Producers J. Gary Smith and John Smith. Together they just released his CVR debut EP entitled Living For The Weekend with plans for a full album to come out in 2012.

When asked, J Gary Smith’s comments on Mark were, “It is great to find an artist with such a natural country voice as Mark has. The likability factor on this guy is through the roof, and we feel blessed to be the guys that get to start his career.”

Mark’s debut single, “Can’t Cheat in a Small Town,” written by Brad Wolf, Abby Boykin and Don Goodman, was released in the summer of 2010 to rave reviews. The single made it all the way to number 42 on the Music Row chart and number 56 on Billboard’s Indicator chart. Mark followed with “I Love It,” written by veteran songwriters Philip Douglas, Ron Harbin and Jimmy Yeary, which reached number 41 on the Music Row chart. Mark’s third single, “Any Way The Wind Blows,” goes for adds in November 2011.

With his dream coming true, Mark’s family and friends continue to support him in every way possible. Through all the good times and bad, he still is the same boy from East Texas who had a dream. And, with the grace of God, Mark continues to pursue the dream he has such passion for. …and that’s the rest of the story.

A Kansas City, KS native, Matt was an atypical boy next door. While spending summers at the Lake of the Ozarks, Matt daydreamed about becoming a country music star.

As a teenager, Matt was drawn to vivid lyrics within heartfelt, realistic songs. “Just about every song Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and Keith Urban record is just my style. Their songs are diverse and always sincere, which gives them the ability to connect with listeners of all ages. They definitely know what to look for during the song selection process and that’s exactly what I aim to do.”

After graduating from high school, Matt’s goal was to head to Music City to pursue his career in music, but, his parents had a different game plan. “My mom called me her ‘little dreamer,’ because I was always in my own little world, but she understood. My parents have always been supportive of me and my desire to pursue my music career. We made a deal; if I went to college to secure a Plan B, they’d support me in the pursuit of my dream, my Plan A.”

Today, a graduate from the University of Tampa, with not one, but two degrees (a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and a B.A. in Digital Art with Concentration in 3-D Animation), Matt is a full-time resident of Nashville—a recording artist set to illuminate the country music scene. Plan A!

With a solid education behind him, Matt’s career options in the technical design field were endless. Yet rather than take the golden road to become a prospectively successful graphic designer, his personal dreams, love and passion for the country genre, drove him to Music City. “You have to be happy and enjoy what you’re doing; music and performing is what I enjoy. I just feel like this is what I’m supposed to do. I’ve never wanted something so badly in my entire life! It consumes me. It’s the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning and the last thing on my mind when I go to bed. It’s intense, like a haunting lover. How can I deny it?”

Matt established a working relationship and friendship with Grammy award-nominated producer Kent Wells (Dolly Parton/Neal McCoy/Michael Peterson); he worked with Wells recording demos, honing his vocals and vocal style. Twelve months later, Matt recorded songs for his own project and made his country music debut with his single, aptly titled, “The Days You Live For” (produced by Frank Myers and co-written by Wade Kirby and Myers) in April of 2009.

“This song is the perfect introduction to who I am as a person and as a recording artist. It’s everything I believe in. It’s about remembering what’s really important in life and the experiences and people that made you the person you are today. It’s about enjoying and living everyday to the fullest and not taking life for granted. It’s my nod to Tim McGraw’s ‘Live Like You Were Dyin’—the song is an anthem to ‘live’ by.”

Matt has since captured the attention of music critics and country music lovers alike. In the months that followed his 2009 single release, he was showcased in Country Weekly, CMA Close-Up and the Nashville Lifestyles’ feature, “Single in the City.” Matt was also an active participant in a number of music industry functions including Country Radio Seminar and the CMA Music Festival.

Matt formed his own independent label, 17 Music Entertainment, and working along side Frank Myers, recorded his first full-length album. Set for release in Spring 2010, his self-titled project is a 10-track summation of Gary’s talents and priorities; the album offers hook-heavy, up-tempo songs about taking chances on love, appreciating the simple things and loving every minute of it!

In addition to music, Gary is also fueled by his commitment to giving back and serving others. Working with nonprofit charity organizations like Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, Christmas4Kids and The Angelus, Matt Gary relishes every opportunity to raise awareness and money for causes that he feels passionate about.

An extraordinarily gifted right-brain/left-brain individual, Matt has an insightful perspective on his music career. “I enjoy being part of every element–both the creative and the business side. My ‘wiring’ and my education have enabled me to think beyond just writing and recording the music that I love. In today’s day-and-age, there is so much more to it than just releasing a great song. It’s about making good music and making good decisions to develop a career plan and modern-day strategy that will enable us to stand out, to stand the test of time.”

With the support of his family, a solid foundation of team members, and a magical yin and yang insight on the grand scheme of things, Matt Gary is poised to become the greater whole of the sum in country music.

“I am so very excited about having a physical product ready for the public. I feel like my dream, music, and work will be realized and I look forward to being around and doing what I truly enjoy for years to come. I just love it when a dream and plan come together! Plan A!”

But nearly 30 years later, that little girl opened for Lynn, winning over audiences with her gritty vocal delivery and bold, disarmingly honest songwriting. Between her childhood concerts and her rising career today as a Southern troubadour were many hard days, battle scars and dues paid. Sonia Leigh has earned every bit of soulful, lived-in authenticity her songs and performances portray. At the same time, an amazing chain of events—and a long list of friends and supporters—has put her on the cusp of even bigger success.

“I’m nothing without all the people who have been there for me,” Leigh notes. “I’ve got keys to just about everybody’s apartment in Atlanta because I’ve slept on everybody’s couch. But I’ve kept at it, because I really do truly feel that this was the calling on my life. I always knew this was what I wanted to do.”

That sense of destiny has always been important for Leigh. She left home at age 17 to pursue her dream. “When I left home I had fifty bucks, a garbage bag full of clothes and my guitar,” she recalls. “And that’s it.”

Determined to make it on her own, the teenager took three jobs—despite not owning a car. And determined to make it musically, she joined a band, which fortunately practiced right across the street from where she worked. Nothing has been handed to Sonia Leigh. Shortly after that memorable Loretta Lynn concert, her parents divorced, and she spent her childhood being passed back and forth between her father and mother. Later Leigh moved frequently with her dad as he took various jobs across the south and Midwest. Leaving home was just another uphill battle in a young life full of them.

“My life wasn’t the easiest, but it made me who I am today and a stronger person,” Leigh observes. “If I hadn’t left home and endured the things I did once I left home, I wouldn’t have written the songs I’ve written.”

Oh yes, about those songs. The songs on 1978 December, Leigh’s Southern Ground debut, range from the boozy barroom sing-along of “Bar”—a throwback redolent of the less well-behaved Nashville of yesteryear—to the soulful Muscle Shoals shuffle of “I Just Might,” the acoustic groove of “Virginia” (featuring Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls) and the keenly observed country-rockin’ “My Name Is Money.” Categorization is futile. Is it country, blues, soul or rock? The answer is yes. Is it southern? Add an exclamation point to the prior answer.

In this Leigh has a lot in common with one of her mentors, Zac Brown, who recently signed her to his Southern Ground Artists label. While he’s now a country chart-topper, at one point many thought Brown was going in too many directions to be successful. But Leigh believed. And she was taking notes every step of the way.

“I was watching what Zac was doing and I loved his music,” she says. “So if he was playing and he wanted me to play, I was there. And even if I wasn’t playing, I would go. Usually he would get me up on stage anyway. That’s just him.”

Leigh has been a part of Brown’s musical family for seven years now, having met the singer/songwriter in Atlanta musical circles. Brown’s right-hand man John Hopkins served as producer for Leigh’s independent outing Run or Surrender. Like everything else she’s done 1978 December is the sound of Leigh expressing her soul. It’s not calculated, focus-grouped or target-marketed. In fact, Leigh wouldn’t have the slightest clue how to do that. “It’s hard for me to just sit down and write and try to write a hit,” she says. “That’s just not me as a writer. I write about what’s happening and what I see.”

That’s something Leigh has been doing from childhood. Blessed with a musical family she picked up her dad’s guitar almost as soon as she could hold it without help.

“When I was 10 I really started being serious and asking him to show me chords, so I’d come home every day and practice after school and use his guitar,” she recalls. “Finally he saw I was getting good and he was actually tired of me using his guitar… because I’d be playing and he’d be wanting to play. So that’s when I got my own guitar. Then I started writing—I was writing songs as soon as I could make chords—lyrics and everything.”

At age 14, a song she’d written for a friend led to a chance encounter with a major-label producer—which, at age 17, turned into a management deal. And though that was now half a lifetime ago for the indefatigable performer, Leigh has taken encouragement from each connection and from each hard-fought rung up the ladder.

For her, it all comes together on “Ain’t Dead Yet,” 1978 December’s lead track, which delves into the influence her musical peer, blues artist Sean Costello, had and continues to have on her, even after his unexpected passing. The entire Atlanta musical community mourned the loss of such a promising young artist, but few more than Leigh, who still visits his grave regularly to hold one-sided conversations. “When he died I pretty much made a vow that I was gonna keep this going for both of us,” she says. “That’s basically that. I’m not dead yet, so let’s go out there and do it.”

TRENT WILLMON DAVID BALL

TY HERNDON LUCY ANGEL

MARK MCGUINN LORRIE MORGAN

ZONA JONES                                       OAK RIDGE BOYS

STEPHEN COCHRAN         KATIE ARMIGER

KID ROCK