Blogs

"Bucket List," Daniel's first original recording is his follow up to "That Don't Pass for Christian on the Farm."

His music and his story will continue to bless your heart and those of your listeners.

Daniel Wheeler's family has played music his whole life.  The Wheeler family jam sessions were a common event anywhere they were all together.  Daniel says everyone wanted to be included, so they all learned how to play country style and joined right in at family gatherings and church.  They played their favorite country songs and their favorite Gospel songs.  Daniel learned to play piano, harmonica, bass, lead and acoustic guitars, because his desire to be a part of those family jam sessions was so strong.  

Daniel found out about God's grace and mercy, he says, at age 30, and really got serious about his relationship with Jesus. He wrote his first song in 2016 just after that.  People at church liked his songs, so Daniel thought someone might like them on Facebook and started posting them about a year ago.  His followers have now grown to 25K and continuing to grow!  He plays and sings his originals and other songs he grew up playing.  People are loving his raw, heartfelt music, evident in his rapidly growing following!

Daniel's pastor was preaching recently when Daniel felt led to go to the altar to pray for some direction in his life.  His pastor said, "Daniel, God is going to open a door for you that you never thought would be possible."  Daniel says three weeks later, without any prior contact, Nashville Christian Country producer, Rick Schweinsberg called him after seeing some of his videos on social media.  

Charlottesville, VA (September 26, 2025)—Rebel Records is thrilled to announce bluegrass legend Larry Sparks’ second single, “Since I Met You Baby,” from his forthcoming album and 20th release for Rebel Records, Way Back When. Following the success of the first single and album's title track, which reached #1 on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart, this new release is available today on all major streaming platforms and digital retailers.

Bluegrass Hall of Famer Larry Sparks shares a happy marriage with his wife Pam, and the single’s cover art features a photo from their wedding day. The lyrics of “Since I Met You Baby” resonate deeply with him and when selecting songs for his new album, this song was an obvious choice. Written and first recorded by Ivory Joe Hunter in 1956, the song became an R&B and pop hit. Sparks gives the classic a fresh spin, infusing it with a lively tempo and warm, expressive picking.

“I first heard 'Since I Met You Baby' when I was a kid and it came to mind when I started looking for new material for this album,” Sparks shares. "Having enjoyed a good marriage to a good woman for many years, the words ring true to me personally."

"Since I Met You Baby" features the talents of longtime band member Evan Wilson on mandolin and harmony vocals as well as Sparks’ son, Larry D. ‘Dee’ Sparks, anchoring the sound on bass. Acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and fellow Hoosier Ron Stewart guests on banjo and fiddle. 

Way Back When, the full album, is set for release on October 24 and is now available for pre-order and pre-save. Folks who pre-order the album will receive an "instant grat" track of Sparks' take on the Flatt & Scruggs classic "Come Back Darling."

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ABOUT LARRY SPARKS

Larry Sparks is a bluegrass icon and one of the most soulful and respected singers in the genre’s history. A former guitarist and vocalist for the legendary Stanley Brothers, Sparks launched his own group, The Lonesome Ramblers, in 1969 and has since become a pillar of traditional bluegrass. Known for his emotive vocals and distinctive guitar style, he has released dozens of influential albums over five decades, earning multiple IBMA and SPBGMA awards along the way. In recognition of his lasting impact on the genre, Sparks was inducted into the IBMA Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2015. From classics like "John Deere Tractor" to "A Face in the Crowd," his music continues to inspire new generations with its heartfelt authenticity and timeless sound.

ABOUT REBEL RECORDS

Rebel Records is the leading independent record label dedicated to promoting and preserving Traditional Bluegrass Music. Rebel’s current roster includes Larry Sparks, Peter Rowan, Big Country Bluegrass, High Fidelity, The Kody Norris Show, Starlett & Big John, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run and Rrinaco. Known for innovation and excellence since 1960, Rebel has introduced many of the most important artists of the genre, from the Country Gentlemen and Seldom Scene to Blue Highway, Lonesome River Band and IIIrd Tyme Out. In addition to its cutting edge presence in contemporary Bluegrass, the label has also been a home for legendary traditional artists like Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury, Rhonda Vincent and Dave Evans. 

Linda Boles has released her new single, “Lord I Want To Be A Blessing To You,” to Christian radio. This song is now impacting Inspirational, Christian Soft AC, and Praise & Worship formats. “Lord I Want To Be A Blessing To You,” stands as Linda’s heartfelt offering of worship carrying the same message that has defined her lifelong journey: that in every season, the greatest calling is to bring joy to the Lord by living in obedience and love. This song is also available on all streaming platforms.

Nashville Christian Country and Grammy nominated artist, Marty DeRoche, releases brand new song "Blood Bought Cowboy"

Written by Denise Bain, one of the writers of Marty's signature song, "A Bullet and a Bible," this new single "Blood Bought Cowboy" is sure to be an upbeat, classic country favorite of everyone.  Marty/s voice is original and identifiable on each song. 

Christian Country or Cowboy music fits Marty's voice perfectly.  On slower songs, you might hear a bit of Kenny Rogers grit and vibrato.  On upbeat songs, Marty puts in his special "yodel" in moving from phrase to phrase.  His voice is always smooth and appealing, but his personality as a kind and extremely encouraging person has audiences and congregations having Marty back again and again.  His bookings have grown this year all over the U.S. as more and more people hear him and hear about him.  He is very likable and endears himself to all who meet him. 

*Marty is available for interviews or to do station liners.  His phone number is:  (618) 698-7276.

NASHVILLE, TN (September 12, 2025) – Billy Blue Records is proud to announce the release of the latest radio single from award-winning bluegrass artist Kristy Cox, titled “Broke Down in Georgia.” The new track showcases Kristy’s unmistakable voice and ability to fuse traditional roots with a modern emotional edge, continuing the momentum of her celebrated Let It Burn album.

Written by Mickey Cates and Tony Ramey, “Broke Down in Georgia” tells the story of a road trip gone wrong—and a heart unraveling right along with it. With vivid imagery of passing headlights, breakdown lanes, and emotional detours, the song captures the weight of lost love and the quiet ache of not being as far down the road as you thought you’d be.

“With 'Broke Down in Georgia,' I got to do what I love most—take the bones of a country lyric and breathe bluegrass into it,” Kristy shares. “What excites me about this track is the double meaning tucked in the lyrics. On the surface it’s about breaking down on the road, but underneath it’s about life and love wearing you down. That mix of grit and heart is why this song feels so personal to me.”

Billy Blue Records A&R/Creative Director Jerry Salley agrees, noting, “Kristy’s new single, 'Broke Down in Georgia,' is a wonderful example of the right song for the right artist at the right time. Her delivery of this lyric and melody is one of her very best performances.”

“Broke Down in Georgia” follows the release of “Front Porch of Paradise,” "The Wrong Girl," and the fiery title track “Let It Burn,” all of which have resonated strongly with radio programmers and listeners alike. With each single, Kristy Cox continues to deliver the honest, emotionally driven bluegrass she’s known for—and this latest offering may be her most powerful yet.

Broke Down in Georgia
Mickey Cates and Tony Ramey. © Anthem Willdown Music/ASCAP/Reservoir 416/O TexMusic/BMI. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Producer - Jerry Salley
Acoustic Guitar and Fiddle - Jason Roller
Mandolin and Resophonic Guitar - Justin Moses
Banjo - Aaron McDaris
Upright Bass - Jeff Partin
Harmony Vocals - Magnolia Williams and Jerry Salley
Engineers - Jason Roller and Chris Latham
Mixed and Mastered - Chris Latham

We are thrilled to share with you the brand-new single from Nashville, TN based Grasstime, “Cotton, Corn & Hay”—a heartfelt tribute to the roots of rural life and the enduring spirit of family farming. This track is the first release from Grasstime's upcoming album, produced by the award winning Kristy Cox, and marks an exciting new chapter for the band since signing for distribution with New Day Distribution's Artist Resource Services division in December 2024.

Grasstime was co-founded in 2015 by lead vocalist and guitarist Robbie Morris, who's origins trace back to the fertile musical soil of rural America, from tobacco fields and farmhouses to the rolling hills in coal country. Grasstime was formed by a shared love for bluegrass and storytelling. Since then, the band has performed over 700 shows, delighting audiences across the U.S. and beyond. Kristy Cox & Grasstime 's recent European tour was a resounding success, further growing a loyal and steadily expanding fanbase.

This song is especially personal to Robbie:
“I grew up in small farming towns. From the first time I heard ‘Cotton, Corn and Hay,’ this song took me right back to growing up in my small-town farming communities in SW Virginia, and SE Missouri. I have many incredible memories, family and friends that come from multi-generational family farmers. Farming is not an easy job, so I could only imagine being a parent and wondering if my own children would want to continue down that path. We also have a music video for this song that captured these feelings perfectly that debuts Sept 5th!”
— Robbie Morris

Place of Perfect Love

I just want to praise you now

For all you've given to me

I just want to thank you now

For your life that you gave up so free

You died so I could live

You gave so I could give

You loved so I could share

Your grace and mercy now forgives

Every wrong I've done

Every time I've shunned

The truth and what is right

Now you are the  light

That guides me to that place of perfect love

So I praise you now

For all you've given to me

So I thank you now

For the life that you gave up for me...

Charles Anthony Brady (c)2025 Rawfire /ASCAP

ISRC QZZ7W2505183 / UPC: 199737182070

About Gary Russ

The youngest of 11 children born in Central City, Kentucky near the area where Chet Atkins and Merle Travis perfected the famous guitar sound of country music, Gary Russ and his family could not help but learn to play music.  They sang and played multiple instruments in church and in a rental property of their father's they affectionately called "The Pickin' House."  They loved clean country music, but did not want to play in honky tonks or bars.  "The Pickin' House" was a place where they could play both Gospel and positive country music with friends.  It was a place where they could have fun, but not the kind of "fun" in honky tonks.

The choice of this song, written by Marshall McKellar, was not a difficult choice for Gary.  When he heard the song, his daughter had just given birth to her son after a miscarriage, the only boy to be born to the family. The entire family was in the depths of grief.  Gary says, "When I heard just the first six words of the song, there was no doubt the song was written for me."

Then, the second verse comes in and brings the understanding of why "God Don't Waste a Hurt."   It is a song that will comfort anyone going through the loss of a loved one.  
Gary's rich, smooth country voice was the perfect fit for the song's presentation, but having the emotion and personal experience behind it took it to a whole new level.  

You will appreciate Gary Russ' first release on Nashville Christian Country.  

You may reach Gary Russ for interviews or liners   
at:  270-543-3734

The song is written by Dolly Parton and Jamie Johnso

Debut Single from Upcoming Billy Blue Records Album Arrives August 29th

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 29, 2025) — Award-winning bluegrass group The Grascals announce their stirring new single with Dolly Parton, “Broken Angels,” arriving August 29 via Billy Blue Records. The track is the debut single from the band’s highly anticipated upcoming album and reunites them with one of their most cherished friends and musical inspirations. 

Co-written by Grascals founding member Jamie Johnson and Dolly Parton, “Broken Angels” was born from a deeply personal place.

“I’ve had the idea to write a song about recovery for a long time—one that speaks to my best friend who shares many of the same struggles with addiction and depression that I do,” says Jamie Johnson. “I tried to piece it together myself, but it just wasn’t coming together. There was only one person I had in mind to help me finish it—Dolly. I recorded the little bit I had and sent it to her. Within a day or two, she called me to say she loved the idea. She also loves this same friend as much as I do, and that was the beginning of ‘Broken Angels’. Dolly—along with The Osborne Brothers—has been the biggest influence on The Grascals’ career. I truly love her like family, and I know this song wouldn’t exist without her passion, heart, and unmatched gift for crafting such a beautiful piece of music. I’m honored to be part of it, and I hope my best friend will ‘fly again’ the way he deserves to. I also hope this song finds its way to someone who needs to hear it. Whoever you are… you are worth it.” 

The Grascals’ connection with Parton runs deep—they toured extensively with her early in their career, performing to sold-out crowds across the globe. “Broken Angels” is a poignant reunion, blending The Grascals’ signature harmonies and instrumental precision with Parton’s unmistakable voice and heartfelt delivery.

Dolly Parton says, "I love the Grascals, as they are like brothers to me. I love singing with Jamie Johnson. I think our voices blend so well together. When Jamie and I wrote this song, ‘Broken Angels,’ we had a mutual friend in mind, but I had other friends and family in mind as well, and I hope that this song will give inspiration and hope to anyone who suffers from addiction of any kind."

“It’s really exciting for The Grascals to record with Dolly again, and it’s an honor to be doing this special song with her,” adds Grascals founding member Danny Roberts. “Dolly and Jamie wrote this song about a subject that touches nearly all of us in some way, and I feel like it really hits the mark. The vocal blend with Dolly, Jamie, and John creates some of the most beautiful harmonies you’ll ever hear — this one truly pulls at the heartstrings. Original Grascal Jimmy Mattingly joined us in the studio to add strings, along with Kent Wells, who we had the pleasure of working with in Dolly’s band. We are absolutely thrilled to have Broken Angels as our first single with our new label, Billy Blue Records.”

The single arrives August 29 on all streaming platforms and through Billy Blue Records, offering fans the first glimpse of the band’s upcoming project.

"Broken Angels"
Dolly Parton and Jamie Johnson
Song-A-Billy Music (BMI) and Little Johnson Music (SESAC)

Produced by Kent Wells
Dolly Parton - lead and harmony vocals
Jamie Johnson - lead and harmony vocals
John Bryan - harmony vocal
Danny Roberts - mandolin
Kristin Scott Benson - guitar
Jamie Harper - fiddle
Kyle Perkins - bass
Jimmy Mattingly - fiddle/strings
Kent Wells - guitar

ABOUT THE GRASCALS:
The Grascals are one of the most celebrated bands in bluegrass music, earning multiple IBMA Awards including two IBMA Entertainer of the Year honors, Dove and SPBGMA wins, and three GRAMMY® nominations. Known for their seamless harmonies, world-class musicianship, and genre-spanning collaborations, the band continues to break new ground while honoring their deep musical roots.

ABOUT BILLY BLUE RECORDS

Billy Blue Records is a boutique bluegrass label, home to an award-winning roster of artists including Adam McIntosh, Alan Bibey and Grasstowne, Appalachian Road Show, Bob Minner, Caroline Owens, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Dave Adkins, Grascals, Jason Barie, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Kristy Cox, Marty Raybon, the multi-artist projects Blue Collar Gospel, Country Faith Bluegrass, and the Grammy-nominated recording Gonna Sing Gonna Shout. Founded in 2018 by Jerry Salley, Ed Leonard, and Dottie Leonard Miller, Billy Blue is distributed to retail by the Orchard (Sony) and New Day Distribution.

NASHVILLE, TN – Acclaimed bluegrass and country vocalist Caroline Owens releases her new single, “Telluride,” to radio today. The exciting, fresh track delivers a heartfelt dose of finding freedom and the joyful celebration of renewal.

Written by Bill Whyte and Andrea Pearson, “Telluride” captures the feeling of breaking free from heartache, set against a backdrop of high energy instrumentation and vivid lyrical imagery. Owens’s performance brings the story to life with her signature vocal power and emotional depth.

“Buckle up! We’re goin’ on a wild ride to ‘Telluride’. Set to the soundtrack of blazing banjos and fiery fiddling, this tune is the sound of a weary heart finally letting go. Many thanks to writers, Bill Whyte and Andrea Pearson, for painting this picture-perfect mountain scene. Turn up the radio dial, and roll down the windows— We’re ‘hitchin’ a ride to Telluride’, y’all!” shares Caroline.

Owens continues to build momentum as one of bluegrass and country’s rising voices. She’s a three-time IBMA Momentum Vocalist of the Year nominee and a two-time SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year nominee. Her debut single, “Heartbreak Train,” reached #1 on the Bluegrass Charts and her latest release, “You’ve Still Got It” spent 10 straight weeks at #1. With each release, Owens further solidifies her place as a powerful new voice in the Bluegrass music scene.

Fans can stay up to date with Caroline's latest news and tour dates by following her on social media or visiting https://carolineowensofficial.com.

"Telluride"
Bill Whyte and Andrea Pearson
Copyright ©  2024 Andrea Pearson Music (SOCAN). BillyBlue Publishing, a div. of Daywind Music/Radiowriter Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved.

Produced by: Jerry Salley and Darin Aldridge

Guitar: Cody Kilby
Bass & Dobro: Jeff Partin
Mandolin: Darin Aldridge
Fiddle: Tammy King
Banjo: Matt Menefee
Harmony Vocals: Jerry Salley

ABOUT CAROLINE OWENS

Caroline Owens, a 3X IBMA Momentum & SPBGMA-nominated Bluegrass Female Vocalist of the Year, is a recording artist and songwriter for Billy Blue Records and Billy Blue Music Publishing in Nashville, TN. She has performed alongside many of the music industry's most accomplished artists such as Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Suzanne Cox, The Isaacs, Larry Gatlin, Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, The Malpass Brothers, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, and many others. 

In addition to her undeniable vocal talent, Caroline made her mark in the songwriting industry, when her debut single, “Heartbreak Train,” claimed the #1 Bluegrass song of 2023, on the Bluegrass Borderline Charts. 

To add to this radio success, her song, “No More Blue Moons in Kentucky” (Featuring Darin & Brooke Aldridge), earned a coveted spot on Billboard Magazine’s list of “Eight Must-Hear New Country Songs”.

She is loved by fans all around the world, and is recognized easily in a crowd of singers, but not only for her talent. Her humility and down-home, southern charm ensures that Caroline Owens possesses all of the necessary qualities and skills to become a household name in the fast-moving bluegrass genre.