The Blake Shelton Cruise of 2012 was one of the most popular musical events in 2012… and rightly so. Headlining of course is Blake Shelton himself but with him the crowds would also enjoy baritone virtuoso Trace Adkins, the accomplished Neal McCoy and the inviting sounds of Easton Corbin.
Along with these talented gentlemen of country music were several new up and coming artists that deserve a big mention almost three years later. Let’s begin with Clayton Anderson.
Clayton Anderson is living high on country as he moves up the charts with his newest single “Country High“ and playing to sold out shows with over 100,000 people. His latest single is due to hit iTunes any day. Firmly grounded in family and his home state of Indiana, Clayton is right where he belongs in the country music industry. He’s on the charts, making hits, and quickly becoming a rising star.
Clayton is not only climbing the charts with his own music he is also giving younger artists the chance to break out in the industry as well. Female country artist Baylor Wilson. Baylor opened Clayton Anderson’s show at 3rd and Linsley in Nashville during his Summer Bash tour. Her style and flare is just what country music needs right now. A beautiful young woman with a dynamite voice and a talent to match. Her vision for her music is to do things her way and never look back. She believes in being true to herself, her fans, her music and keeping it real. She was born in Colorado but makes her home in the great state of Texas. After reviewing a few of her songs I found my favorite..“What Her Heart Wants” is a smooth, rhythmic performance of blue grass/country. It tells a story of love and the heart and how one wants to believe in both….very nice.
Blake and his team have gone all out on this first annual Blake Shelton and Friends Cruise and have given the fans something to look forward to in the future. They have shared with all the fans around the world some of country musics best new artists to be watched for 2016.
From Battle Creek Michigan we have the amazing Frankie Ballard. Ballard says, “ I see people relating to the words of these songs, using the lyrics to reflect on their own lives.” His album “Sunshine and Whiskey” covers every thing from the party nights to the serious living of daily life. The single from this album “Helluva Life” is phenomenal.
There’s something for everyone. He has appeared at the Grand Ole Opry and has appeared at packed stadiums with Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift. Keep watching as he makes his way up the charts. With a mixture of country, blues, and some contemporary rock Frankie Ballard is a hit maker. Ballard will also be appearing with Randy Houser on the “We Went Tour” in November.
“My bread and butter is playing live” ~ Frankie Ballard~
Lee Brice is the man. He’s hot, rocking, and ready to deliver a sky rocketing country show from beginning to end. Commanding the charts with explosive albums like “Love Like Crazy” in 2009 and in 2012 topping that one with “Hard 2 Love” Lee has mastered his music. “Hard 2 Love” gave us three hit singles charting at #1. One of which was “I Drive Your Truck” that won Song of the Year at both CMA and ACM awards. Also recent partnership with Jägermeister has lead to a major concert tour that will run from September to October. This multi-city tour will feature another great entourage of new artists for the fans to enjoy.
Along with Lee Brice hit maker Jarrod Neiman is on a high note and getting even higher. He’s songs have hit the charts since 2010 when he gave us “Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury. This album included his #1 hit and RIAA certified Platinum single, “Lover, Lover” followed by “What Do You Want.” His songs have been recorded by legendary artists Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton, and our before mentioned Lee Brice. Jerrod returned in 2012 with a new release “Free The Music” and while touring playing over 200 shows a year on the road, made a special appearance on the Blake Shelton and Friends Cruise.
Blake Shelton knows his business. This was a cruise of stars performing the best country music on the charts.
Brett Eldredge is an Illinois native who thinks that making his move to the Magic City and picking up a guitar was the best move he could have made. His opportunity to write with some of Nashville’s most famous like “Whispering” Bill Anderson gave him inspiration to never stop writing. His hit singles “Raymond” and “Don’t Ya” are proof that this young man is here to stay in country music.
Tyler Farr grew into his music at the famous Tootsie’s in downtown Nashville. He would play four and five sets a night, wait tables, and bus the bar. He evokes the legends like Hank Jr, and John Anderson in music and rightly so as he was raised on the traditional country of Conway Twitty and Vince Gill. His album “Suffer In Peace” is tough, gritty and down right truth on real life, real problems and struggles and overcoming. Tyler Farr is country through and through. His lead single “A Guy Walks Into A Bar” is making moves up the charts while his fan base continues to grow.
“I’ve been through a lot… but so have most people. And I want to be honest. I’d be lying if I made a record that’s all girls and love and perfect ‘cause that’s not real. ~ Tyler Farr~
This group of extremely talented artists know what the fans want and how to make it happen. Songs with true life lyrics that express our daily lives with a grain of salt and dash hope. That’s country music.
For more information on all the artists mentioned here you can visit the following sites:
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