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Jessica Carter is a singer-songwriter from Columbia, MO. Jessica began her love for music at age three, while repeatedly beating and singing on coffee cans. Her influences range from many genres of music including: Johnny Cash, George Strait, Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Joan Jett, Queen, Eagles and many more.
After years of being involved in music through school, she began trying her hand at songwriting. She would then pursue a degree to further her knowledge and skills in music. Jessica graduated from Central Methodist University in 2014 with a bachelors in Music Education. From there she would go on to teach elementary music in Mid-MO for the next 5 years. Through teaching she learned how to be a better musician, by helping her students to be confident in their work.
As she continued to push her students to follow their dreams, at whatever talent they exceeded in, Jessica decided to take her own advice. In the fall of 2019, she is trading her midwest roots and teaching degree, for the music scene. She will finally pursue her dreams of being a singer-songwriter!
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The Vinyl Show will be broadcast from the Family Music School in Manchester this month and streamed live from 11am to 7pm on Alabama Jams Online Radio and WFMC Jams. This month's theme will be music from the 50's era! Shows are also rebroadcast every Wednesday on Heat FM Radio
https://heatfmradio.com
https://www.alabamajams.com
https://www.wfmcjams.com
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The Vinyl Show is a live monthly show syndicated on WFMC Jams and Heat FM Radio featuring music spanning many decades and genres played from Vinyl Records. Each show brings a unique theme and variety of artists and songs that you will not find on mainstream radio today along with interesting history trivia, and sometimes even a blooper or a thousand! |
Melissa Ellis is an award winning singer-songwriter and a 2020 quarterfinalist of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN where she shared the stage with over 100 rising solo/duo blues acts from all over the world.
Beginning her professional career as a singer/actress/dancer in theater at the age of 16, she performed in regional tours before moving on to study classical and jazz music at Tennessee Technological University as a vocalist while pursuing a singing career in Nashville.
In 2009, Melissa released her debut album Melissa Benjamin, lending her seasoned talent to the world of bluegrass & gospel. Her original single, “Crossville,” was adopted by her hometown as the official city song. While touring, she found new inspiration and started writing more original songs. With new songs came a new sound that evolved into a more soulful genre.
Melissa’s sophomore album, Just Me, was released in 2011 and as a multi-instrumentalist, the album showcased her musicianship on guitar and piano, as well as more of her original material.
Melissa’s latest musical journey brings out the raw emotional sounds of blues & her training in jazz. Her repertoire includes her original songs mixed with re-imaginings of familiar classics that are presented in fresh new ways. Melissa has landed opportunities that have placed her on world renowned stages, on radio, on television, and at high profile festivals, including Nashville’s acclaimed CMAfest where her soulful style was showcased among the sea of rising country twang.
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Kirstie Kraus is a feisty powerhouse that lays it all out each time she takes the stage. Her sound is a blend of modern country-pop with a mix of blues, a little funk and 80's rock tones. Some of Kirstie’s biggest influences are LeAnn Rimes, Elton John, Phil Collins, Amy Grant, Gloria Estefan, Shania Twain, and Faith Hill.
Kirstie moved to Nashville in October 2017 and jumped right into the creation of her first record after touring the Midwest with her previous rockin’ country band Thirsty Jones. Kirstie has teamed up with EMC2 Records (Nashville, TN) and Sound Kitchen (Franklin, TN) for a full length record release in 2020.
The anticipated 'Yes You Can' album which was partly funded by Kickstarter backers from her native state of Wisconsin is eleven tracks in length and enriched with some of Nashville's finest players including Rich Redmond (Drums, Jason Aldean), Ford Thurston (Guitar, Randy Houser), and Lee Turner (Organ, Darius Rucker). The record was mastered by Pete Lyman (Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban).
Kirstie’s two singles "Delusional" and "Gotta Do" have been featured on the Top Ten Tuesday playlist for Next Women of Country, selected to air on Times Up Radio, climbed to #1 on She Wolf Radio and was picked up on country radio in the US and UK.
When in Nashville one can find Kirstie showcasing at the local hot spots, in a writing room, demoing songs, or booking her next tour. When on the road you can spot Kraus driving a 2000 Dutchman RV.
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The Midnight Madness Show can be heard live on WFMC Jams every Tuesday from 7-9pm central
While studying classical guitar and recording at Texas A&M, he started touring the state with several Texas country artists. Whether playing clubs or leading worship at his church, he knew his calling would always be with music.
Throughout his career, Shaver has already opened for Blake Shelton, Lee Brice, Joe Diffie, Charlie Daniels, Gretchen Wilson, and many more.
He plays overseas for the troops regularly through Armed Forces Entertainment and Navy Entertainment. So far he has played Afghanistan, Bahrain, Djibouti, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Cuba, Portugal, and Spain.
Andrew was the Great American Song Contest Winner in 2015 and won Best Country Song “Easier Katia Zuccarell.” He was also the Hard Rock Rising Competition winner with Rachel Lipsky in 2017, and the Pepsi Southern Gulf Coat original winner with Rachel Lipsky in 2014.
He continues to tour and record with several artists in the Nashville area and beyond. His self-produced debut single “Love Don’t Come Easy” was released on August 14th, 2020.
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The Midnight Madness Show can be heard live on WFMC Jams every Tuesday from 7-9pm central
Born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, this singer/songwriter grew up listening to Merle Haggard, George Jones, Hank Williams and Marty Robbins. In the early eighties, Spiker formed a country group called L-Passo. The band toured throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Virginia. During this time, Spiker also performed at various jamborees, including Jamboree USA. While there he worked with Loretta Lynn, Bill Anderson and Marty Robbins. In the early nineties, Spiker decided to pursue songwriting full-time and relocated to a suburb of Nashville. He hooked up with fellow songwriters, including Keith Norris and Karen Pendley. He also has songs recorded by Barry Lee White among others. In 2001, Spiker entered the studio to record his debut album. The album, My Future Ain't What It Used To Be, was released in July 2002.
Jimmy’s succeeded in a business where great singers are a dime a dozen and your good looks won’t buy you a cup of coffee. “I was always focused on baseball and football, but I fell in love with the ‘3-chord and the truth’ songs my dad played,” the Ocean City native recalls. “I learned from him and the memories of us just sitting around together playing are some of my favorites.” After graduating from Towson University, Jimmy began playing at clubs across Maryland. “I woke up one day and realized that the days of shoulder pads and helmets were over, and I made the decision to pursue my music seriously. I never looked back,” Charles reflects. “I moved to Nashville after getting my degree, tried out for Nashville Star along with 40,000 other people and made it to the Top 50,” he says. “Even though I didn’t win, getting that far made me believe I could do this.”
A Season 9 American Idol contestant who earned his ticket to “Hollywood” via unanimous vote, Jimmy proved again and again that he had the ability – and the drive – to make it as a member of a very exclusive club; successful entertainers with the power to change lives. And that’s exactly what Jimmy is banking on as he gives his all to his music every day. Unlike most who strive for stardom, it isn’t money, glamour or ego that motivate him; Jimmy is propelled forward by the desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives. A national spokesman for ZERO Cancer since 2014, Charles is melding music and mission to spread the message of cancer prevention/early detection, using his talent to amplify his reach. “They’re focused on prostate cancer and are a huge voice for men,” Jimmy notes of ZERO. “They want to conquer the disease through research, advocacy and education. It is an amazing organization with a fantastic mission and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
While the singer/songwriter found early success in 2014 with his first single, “Whatever It Takes,” the power of “Superman” earned him a solid national presence. Written specifically for ZERO to promote prostate cancer awareness with friend and bandmate Goose Gossett (who also produced) and cancer survivor/mentor Phil Shulka, the song’s companion video premiered on CMT, trending in the #1 spot for over a week. The clip also aired on GAC, ZUUS (now known as The Country Network) and Heartland, putting the newcomer front and center before hundreds of thousands of fans.
“We got over 5,000 shares the first day on CMT,” Charles recalls. “That’s not views, it’s shares. When I started getting emails and Facebook messages from folks who’d lost a loved one, or who were struggling with cancer themselves, and it hit me how much difference a song could make. When you know you can have that kind of impact, it seems incredibly selfish not to give it your all.” Giving it his all is the norm for Jimmy. He is still heavily involved with ZERO, performing at runs/walks across the country and helping to raise millions for the organization. He was named Outstanding Young Tennessean (2017) for his work against the disease and is nominated for Ten Outstanding Young Americans award this year. In addition to his work for ZERO, Charles recently formed his own non-profit, #IAMNOTALONE, which focuses on the strength and well-being of cancer survivors. “It’s not limited to one type of cancer patient,” Jimmy notes. “There’s an old saying that ‘to be inspired is great, to inspire others is amazing’ and that’s so true,” he admits. “We’ve all been touched by this disease – I’ve lost my grandmother and two uncles and have one uncle who’s a survivor. We should all be willing to do whatever is in our power to do to change that.”
“Superman” put Jimmy in the spotlight and his next single, “Bout Summertime,” showcased his more adventurous and carefree side, and landed him on the MusicRow Chart. “It’s just a fun song about the beach,” Jimmy admits with a laugh. “I wrote it based on my own memories of growing up around the ocean.” The bouncy, feel-good number’s companion video was filmed while Charles was in the U.S. Virgin Islands to perform during the renowned Texas Society of the Virgin Islands festival in Brewers Bay Beach. The clip continues to enjoy play in Margaritaville locations, casinos, and other Country-oriented outlets.
Jimmy’s current single is the passionate “I Am Not Alone” a song he co-wrote with C.J. Garton and Rich Fehle. Produced by Grammy Award-winner Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell (Rod Stewart, Al Green, John Mayer), the song’s compelling message of hope and strength offers Jimmy’s best vocal performance to date. “The single is already getting enormous early response from my fans, and it will be on my upcoming EP, TEN,” says the humble singer/songwriter. The project is due out in November and Charles believes its truly defines him as an artist. “I’m a guy who writes and sings and loves music,” Jimmy states. “I wanna share that love. I’ve learned so much from these survivors and I want to continue to help them anyway that I can,” he says. “Their stories break my heart, but our journey together makes me whole.”
LINKS:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cowboy-soul/id563317270
www.reverbnation.com/jimmycharles
www.facebook.com/jimmycharlesfans
www.twitter.com/jimmycharles92
The Midnight Madness Show can be heard live on WFMC Jams every Tuesday from 7-9pm central
