Friday, December 2, 2011 – For nearly two decades, Blair Garner has helped launch and further the careers of countless country music stars through his nightly syndicated radio show, "After MidNite."
Now he's releasing a first-ever type of musical compilation, "Beyond the Hits," taking fans beyond the hits they already know. The disc assembles 20 artists, featuring tracks from previously released albums; songs that might very well have been hits had they been released as singles. "Beyond the Hits Volume 1" will be available on iTunes as a $9.99 digital album beginning Jan. 10, 2012.
'It's no understatement to say I am a fan of country music," Garner said. "Not just a fan of the artists, but a fan of everyone involved: the songwriters, musicians, producers, all of it. Obviously not all the songs get the spotlight of being a single; it just doesn't work that way. Because of that, I think some songs may not get their fair share of attention. 'Beyond The Hits' looks to change that. We want fans to realize the sheer depth and brilliance of these artists. Every cut on 'Beyond' could have been, in my opinion, a number one. I'm just lucky to be the guy to bring them to light."
Songs on the disc are:
Alan Jackson "If Jesus Walked the World Today"
Martina McBride "Sunny Side Up"
Luke Bryan "First Love Song"
Tim McGraw "Can't Tell Me Nothin'"
Brad Paisley "Better Than This"
Jason Aldean "I Believe In Ghosts"
Sara Evans "You Don't"
Trace Adkins "Southern Hallelujah"
Lady Antebellum "Slow Down Sister"
Darius Rucker "Be Wary of a Woman"
Miranda Lambert "Guilty In Here"
Kenny Chesney "In a Small Town"
Carrie Underwood "You Won't Find This"
Keith Urban "My Heart Is Open"
Josh Turner "Gravity"
Rascal Flatts "Cool Thing"
Toby Keith "Hurt a Lot Worse When You Go"
Sugarland "One Blue Sky"
Billy Currington "Heal Me"
LeAnn Rimes "You Take Me Home"
A percentage of the profits from the sales will benefit charity. "The idea of having a charitable arm for the project is important for all of us," Garner said. "You look at any artist on this record and you'll find that each and every one of them is a terrific role-model for the idea of giving back. We hope to follow their leads and make equally significant donations."