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Jeff Batson



Last Updated: 12/18/2009

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Status: Single
City: NASHVILLE
State: Tennessee
Country: US
Signup Date: 10/30/2006

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Monday, December 07, 2009 

TRACY LAWRENCE HONORED WITH FIRST-TIME GRAMMY NOMINATION FOR FIRST-EVER INSPIRATIONAL RECORDING—THE ROCK




NASHVILLE
 
Tracy's first inspirational recording (and the third album from Lawrence's own independent label, Rocky Comfort Records), THE ROCK has made a bright and powerful impression on country music radio, critics and fans across the U.S.

“Possibly his strongest album to date.”—Maverick Magazine

 “The album’s messages will appeal strongly to the faithful, but the welcoming tone also makes this interesting to non-Christians. Best of all, Lawrence is still producing music that sounds as good
as anything he released in the ’90s.” –Amazon.com

“This record is so strong that is can be listened to over and over or simply at times when things are rough.”
—About.com
 
“It’s a collection of solid, traditionally-styled, storytelling country songs that just happen to have a warmer heart, thanks to the thread of down home church and family values that run through them
like letters in a stick of rock.”—Country Music People Magazine

 “Lawrence's warm baritone and effortless, emotional delivery make each track sound genuine and heartfelt.”
—Country Standard Time

“Heartfelt, emotional, direct, caring and truthful, Tracy puts his whole heart and soul literally on the line with THE ROCK. Whether you’re Christian, Protestant, Buddhist or what ever, it does not matter,
this album is phenomenal and unprecedented.” —CountryFanNetwork.com


The moving 10-song musical composition, featuring cuts entitled “The Book You Never Read,” “Dear Lord,” “Say A Prayer,” “Jesus Come Talk To Your Children” and his radio single “Up To Him,” THE ROCK is an honest, emotional and realistic collection of embracing musical stories that carry the listener on a spiritual journey through the ups and downs of a meaningful life. Motivating listeners of all ages, in all stages of life, the project features songs crafted by Dave Berg, Craig Morgan, Brett James, Sam Tate and Annie Tate, to name a few.  Released in June 2009, the CD debuted in the Top 20 country albums and Top 5 Christian albums (6/14/09 Nielsen U.S. SoundScan Chart).

Co-produced with Julian King, THE ROCK is a three-fold paramount event for Lawrence, both personally and professionally, serving as his introduction into the inspirational country genre, a commitment-kept, and now, the Grammy nomination. A man of his word, Lawrence made the promise to his parents that he would one day record an inspirational album.

“My mom and dad had been coaxing me for years to record an inspirational country CD,” Tracy Lawrence introduced.  “I promised them I would, but kept pushing it off because it just didn’t ‘feel’ like the right time.
I had to grow, personally and artistically to get here. THE ROCK has been full of personal surprises for me. I’ve received an overwhelming response from fans old and new.  I’m so happy this album seems to have touched so many, and now, with the Grammy nomination, this is affirmation that the timing was right for me.”

Tracy is an 18-year industry veteran with 17 No. 1 singles (including “Paint Me A Birmingham,” “Alibis” and “Find Out Who Your Friends Are”) and more than 30 charted singles to his name. He’s recorded 10 studio albums, five specialty records and with more than eight million albums sold, he enjoys multi platinum status.  This is Tracy’s first Grammy nomination.
, Tenn. (December 3, 2009)—Multi-platinum, chart- topping, country recording artist Tracy Lawrence received the news late last night of his 2010 Grammy nomination for “Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album” (Category 54) for his inspirational country CD, THE ROCK.
2:16 PM 
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Wednesday, February 18, 2009 
My friend and guitar player Nick Watkins and I will be heading to Woburn, MA on February 28, 2009 and teaming up with some other incredible musicians from the MA / NH area to do a show that will benefit a fallen firefighter-related charity.  In addition to our firefighter tribute song "Don't Call Me a Hero," my set will also include "The Rock," which is the title track on country star Tracy Lawrence's upcoming gospel project and "Hometown Heroes," which you may have seen and/or heard this past year in television and radio commercials for the Air National Guard featuring Laura Bryna.


I'll include a few details about the show below; for additional information, please contact Gary Leavitt at gary.leavitt@comcast.net or 617-947-0351.

Date:  February 28, 2009

Time: 8:30 p.m. 

Location:  Woburn Elks Hall, 295 Washington Street, Woburn, MA  01801

Food:  Catered by Gloria's of Winchester

Beverages:  Elkonomy Friendly Drinks served by the Woburn Elks

Host:  Voice impressionist/funny man Gary Leavitt

Opening Act:  Six finalists from Woburn Country Idol talent competition

Ticket Price:  $20

I hope some of you can make it...I look forward to visiting with you! 

Nick, Marc Smith and I will also be doing a couple spots on the Council of Social Concern's first telethon, which will be held at the Woburn Memorial High School on the following Sunday (3/1); this event will be broadcast live on Woburn and Winchester's local cable channel.  I believe our appearances are at 6:18 p.m. and 7:48 p.m.  Come out or tune in!

9:18 PM 
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Friday, February 13, 2009 
As many of you know, country artist Tracy Lawrence recently recorded my song "The Rock" (co-written with Aaron Scherz and Thom Shepherd), and it is the title track on his upcoming gospel release.  You can now hear his version of the song, as well as two other tracks from the project by clicking the music tab at www.tracylawrence.com . 
8:43 PM 
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Wednesday, December 31, 2008 
Greetings from Music City!  First of all, I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas or whatever other holiday you may have celebrated this month.  As 2008 comes to a close, I just wanted to take a few minutes to fill you in as to what's been going on musically over the past few months, but more importantly to thank you for your continued friendship, support and encouragement; it never goes unnoticed.  I appreciate all of you very much.
 
Looking back, 2008 has been very rewarding for me musically.  Many thanks to Laura Bryna (www.laurabryna.com) for recording and releasing two of my songs on her Equity Records project.  While neither had the success at radio we had all hoped, the video for "Make a Wish" (co-written with Laura, Roger Sarchet and Steve Williams) continues to play occasionally on GAC, and the song is likely to be included in an upcoming movie about the young girl who initially inspired it.  The Air Guard's television and radio commercials featuring "Hometown Heroes" (co-written with Terry Vonderheide and Laura) were all over the airwaves this fall.  Since Laura is their spokesperson, it's very possible you'll see and hear more of this song and video in the coming months.  The videos for both "Hometown Heroes" and "Make a Wish" are up on CMT's website at www.cmt.com ; just do an artist search for Laura Bryna and go from there.
 
As many of you know, Tracy Lawrence (www.tracylawrence.com) recently recorded my song "The Rock" (co-written with Aaron Scherz and Thom Shepherd), and it is the title track on his upcoming gospel project, which is scheduled for a March release.  Since his early days on Atlantic Records, Tracy has been one of my favorite artists, so to have him record one of my songs is a true honor.  I helped out at his annual turkey fry for the homeless this Thanksgiving and got to hear the cut...WOW!  I can't begin to tell you how excited I am about both the song and project.  While there's no official word as to whether or not it will be a single, we're all hopeful.  I can't wait for everyone to hear it!
 
Looks like I will also have a couple songs ("Stuck Here," co-written with Rick Tiger and "Set Me Free," co-written with Eric Haines) in an upcoming JOMAR Motion Pictures film called "You Have the Right to Remain Violent," which was produced by my friend Joel Greenberg.  The movie is based on disturbing real-life incidents surrounding a young boy caught up in a human fight club run by corrupt town officials; you can learn more about the project at www.righttoremainviolent.com.  Special thanks to Nick Watkins and AJ Bryant for adding their magic to these two tracks, both of which are very different for me.
 
I continue to be amazed at how our firefighters tribute song "Don't Call Me a Hero" (co-written with Gary Leavitt and Joey Stann) seems to touch people.  It's been posted on my MySpace page for quite some time now, and not a week goes by that I don't receive a new e-mail or message about it.  Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to let me know that you were moved by our music.  I was especially touched by all the messages from friends and family of Ryan Hummert, a young St. Louis area firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty earlier this year.  We're still exploring new ways to promote the song, and there's a chance that we may get to perform it at Ground Zero next 9-11.
 
I'd also like to thank all the independent artists who have considered and/or recorded my songs this year; please know that every cut means a lot to me and is appreciated.  There are a number of folks here in Nashville that have been instrumental in my forward progress this year: Chuck Thompson, Derek Crownover, Joel Tisinger, Markham Brown, Marghie Evans and Bob Sullivan to name just a few; your professional guidance and friendship are invaluable.  I also appreciate Nicole Tatum's continued help with my MySpace pages, as well as all of the club owners and friends who hired me and gave me a stage on which to showcase and share my talent this year...thank you so much!
 
In general, I can honestly say that life is very good for me both personally and professionally.  My circle of friends and fans has continued to expand this year, and as I type this I realize how truly blessed I am in every way.  Please stay in touch and keep me posted as to what's going on in your world.  Here's to a great and safe 2009 for everyone!
 
Jeff
6:35 AM 
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Thursday, August 21, 2008 

Laura Bryna's version of our song "Hometown Heroes" (co-written with Terry Vonderheide and Laura) is now posted on her page at www.myspace.com/laurabryna.  As previously announced, Laura is the new spokesperson for the Air Guard, and the song will be used in a national promotional campaign for this organization starting sometime in September.  Look for television and radio commercials as well as a music video; the song is also being released to radio as a single and is available on i-tunes.  Be sure to drop by Laura's page and give it a listen!

 

3:21 AM 
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Thursday, July 31, 2008 
Hope everyone's having a great summer so far!  It's been quite a while since I posted an update blog, so I figured I'd ramble a bit and try to get everyone caught up on some recent happenings.
 
First of all, I'm very excited that the Air Guard has chosen Laura Bryna (www.myspace.com/laurabryna or www.laurabryna.com) as their new spokesperson and that they will be using my song "Hometown Heroes" (co-written with Terry Vonderheide and Laura) in their national promotional campaign.  They recently shot a music video, and there will also be television and radio commercials, as well as print and internet ads.  It's my understanding that the song could possibly be released to radio as a single depending on the response.  Laura has a number of shows scheduled in conjunction with various Air Guard units around the country, so be sure to check out her pages for more info and her schedule.  It is a privilege to serve our great country through my music.
 
I was saddened by the recent tragic loss of a brave young St. Louis area firefighter named Ryan Hummert, and I am honored that my firefighter tribute song, "Don't Call Me a Hero" (co-written with Gary Leavitt and Joey Stann), has been added to the Ryan Hummert MySpace tribute page at www.myspace.com/rip_ryanhummert.  Thank you to Danny Montana and Cornbread at WIL 92.3 in St. Louis for giving the song a chance to touch lives by playing it on the air and posting it on the station's website (www.wil92.com).   
 
Finally, a huge thank you to Tracy Lawrence who recently recorded my song "The Rock" (co-written with Thom Shepherd and Aaron Scherz) for inclusion on an upcoming gospel project.  I have always been a fan of Tracy's music, and to have him record one of my songs is truly an honor....I can't wait to hear the cut.  Stay tuned for details on the project.  You can learn more about TL at www.myspace.com/tracylawrence or www.tracylawrence.com.
 
I cannot begin to thank all of you enough for your continued love, support and encouragement; it does not go unnoticed and is very much appreciated.  In the words of Porky Pig, "That's all folks!"
10:41 PM 
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Monday, July 21, 2008 
1:21 AM 
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Sunday, July 20, 2008 

Current mood:Thankful!

 

A big thanks to The Great Outdoors Band from Fargo, ND, who recently cut Jeff's song "A Day On" (co-written with Jason Keith) and have released it as a single.  Drop by their page at www.myspace.com/thegreatoutdoorsband and give it a listen!
3:10 AM 
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Saturday, March 15, 2008 

Current mood:  ecstatic

Laura Bryna, who co-wrote and recorded Jeff's song "Make a Wish," was featured in the March 15, 2008 issue of Billboard Magazine.

5:26 AM 
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Thursday, March 06, 2008 

While Laura Bryna's current single "Make a Wish" (co-written by Jeff, Laura, Roger Sarchet and Steve Williams) has been slow to catch on at radio, the song remains one of the big surprise hits on Billboard's AOL Music's Audio Streams Chart.  As of this week, it has been in the Top 10 for five consecutive weeks with over 65,000 reported plays.  Laura is one of the only three country artists on this particular chart, right alongside heavyweights Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts.

9:23 PM 
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