Fans can expect to hear some new names on the Country chart in 2011.
The new Country duo Thompson Square is climbing high on the chart with its first big hit, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not.” Oklahoman Keifer Thompson met his Alabama-born wife Shawna at a singing competition in Nashville. They spent the first few years of their 11-year marriage performing as solo artists. Finally discovered in 2009, Thompson Square’s self-titled debut album has just been released and is receiving many positive reviews.
Josh Kelley has come full circle in his career. At 21, he left Georgia for Nashville, but was turned down by several record companies. Josh later headed to Los Angeles, where he recorded the pop hits “Amazing” and “Only You.” He met his wife, actress Katherine Heigl, when she appeared in the video for “Only You.” Josh is the brother of Charles Kelley, a member of the popular Country trio Lady Antebellum. The siblings wrote Josh’s new Country single, “Georgia Clay," the title track from Josh Kelley’s debut Country album, which MCA Nashville will release in late March.
The Doobie Brothers have never appeared on the Country chart, but that could change with the release of their first new album in more than 10 years. The legendary band serviced Country radio with the set’s title track, “World Gone Crazy.”
Guests on the Doobie Brothers’ new album, “World Gone Crazy,” include Country legend Willie Nelson and former group member Michael McDonald.
Ronnie Dunn spent the past 20 years performing with Kix Brooks in the Grammy-winning duo Brooks & Dunn. They went their separate ways after a 2010 farewell tour and Ronnie immediately signed a solo recording deal with Sony Music. His debut album as a solo artist will be out later this year. Ronnie says, “This is the record I’ve waited all my life to do.” As we await its arrival, his fans and Country radio have been given a glimpse at what to expect in his musical future with his new single, “Bleed Red.”