Tracy Lawrence terms first CMA award "amazing experience"
Thursday, November 8, 2007 – After 16 years and 17 number 1 records, Tracy Lawrence termed his first CMA Award last night in the Musical Event Of The Year category for "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" an "amazing experience."
"Find Out Who Your Friends Are" is still testing high on the airwaves nearly 15 months after its release.
Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney contributed to the song, which made history because Lawrence became the first country artist who owns his own record label, RCR (Rocky Comfort Records), to take home a CMA Award for a song, a bonus track, from the label's debut CD release.
"Last night was an amazing experience to top off a phenomenal year," said Lawrence. "Once again, I have to thank radio for such overwhelming support and I have to thank all of the fans who let radio know that they wanted to hear it by continuing to call and request it. Both have kept this song active for nearly 15 months. Winning this award on this song means so much to me."
"My brother and I started out a little over a year ago with a dream and a vision. We put together a first class team of independent professionals, from promotion and marketing to public relations and distribution. We all shared the vision and the motivation, commitment, persistence and tenacity. We all got behind the ball and pushed with everything we had to give it. We had something to prove to ourselves and to the industry. It's a very cool thing to bring this award home. I am thrilled to accept this honor for me, my brother and business partner Laney, Rocky Comfort Records, my team, country radio and my fans. We did it. It's a win for all of us. But, there's no time to rest on our laurels. This is just the beginning. The kickoff, so to speak."
The "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" video featured appearances by George Jones, Roy Oswalt of the Houston Astros, Cornelius Griffin of the Washington Redskins and fellow country singer Daryl Worley.
The CD started and finished with "Find Out Who Your Friends Are." One is Lawrence's single, and the other was the bonus track that featured two of Lawrence's longtime friends Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw.
More news for Tracy Lawrence
CD reviews for Tracy Lawrence
The Rock
On the heels of his successful Tim McGraw-Kenny Chesney collaboration, Find Out Who Your Friends Are, Tracy Lawrence's latest is an uplifting set filled with Christian songs in the vein of Randy Travis' "Rise and Shine." The songs here don't quite have the same lyrical punch as some of Travis' work, but it is a solid album nonetheless. Lawrence's warm baritone and effortless, emotional delivery make each track sound genuine and heartfelt.
I'm Done is a »»» |
All Wrapped Up In Christmas
Although there's no lack of country Christmas CDs, it's hard to find many strictly country Christmas songs. That makes "Cold Beer" on Tracy Lawrence's first ever Christmas CD something a little special. It says, in part: "I'll sit at this bar with my good friends/And we'll all toast Christmas cheer...with cold beer." It is doubtful many country folk roast chestnuts December 25, let alone do so on an open fire, but they no doubt pop tops like a Budweiser »»» |
For the Love
Like many of his fellow hitmakers of the 1990's, Tracy Lawrence decided to start an independent label. He named it Rocky Comfort Records, and the music on the 11-track debut matches the label's traditional-sounding name.
The highlight is Lawrence's collaboration with Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw on "You Find Out Who Your Friends Are." They pick up for each vocally where the other has left off. The story tells the age old lesson that true friends come through in tough times. »»» |
Editorial: American Idol's Carrie Underwood can sing –
If anyone saw the Super Bowl – what a great great game that was – they would have heard American Idol winner and country superstar Carrie Underwood sing the National Anthem. Underwood did with her voice what Kelly Clarkson did last week with her written words – give it to Scott Borchetta, the head of Big Machine Records,, who tried defending Taylor Swift by knocking American Idol performers. »»»
Concert Review: McBride, Adkins shine sometimes –
As Martina McBride pointed out, the pairing of the country singer with Trace Adkins on their current jaunt was surprising. After all, she's of diva-quality voice, petite, non-controversial unless you call singing songs that empower women controversial. Adkins, on the other hand, has not been afraid to speak his mind with a kick butt attitude.... »»»
Concert Review: Eilen Jewell wears her musical hats well –
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