Host Stephanie Langston got the chance to sit down with some of country music's up-and-comers at this year's CRS. Not only are these folks super talented, but all of them make a point to be supportive humanitarians. By giving back to various charities and supporting US troops overseas, these country singers are proving that they not only have the country voice to succeed, but the heart to go with it!
Stephanie Quayle claims that her style of music "pays respect to country elders while pushing the envelope of Americana music." Raised on a farm in Montana, the country gal shares that she was exposed only to AM country music, so she grew up listening to classics like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker, Willie Nelson and George Strait. Also influenced by Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks, she claims that she blends some Americana roots into her tunes.
Talented and confident, Stephanie independently released her album "Ain't No Housewife," determined to create her own image to empower others. And she's done just that!
Passionate about many charitable causes, Stephanie has been the Keynote for the 2010 Girls For A Change Conference and written a song for the "Man Up Campaign," focused on ending violence against women and girls.
She also met the family of a fallen Marine, whose words were so inspiring that she wrote the poignant song, "I Remember," which is available on iTunes now.
To hear more from this outstanding country sweetheart, check out this interview with Stephanie Quayle!
Another country do-gooder, Wayne Mills (Wayne Mills Band) reveals how he once almost joined the military and strives to do whatever he can to support the troops overseas.
"I just have such a huge respect for people that go off and serve in the military," Wayne says about sending over 5000 of his CDs to the troops. "Anything I can do to help out with the military I'm absolutely all about it, because they are the real heroes."
To hear more from Wayne Mills about his tour with Jamey Johnson, his most recent music video and bring back the outlaw sounds, watch this interview from CRS 2011!
Yallwire also got the chance to sit down and chat with brother-sister duo The Roys at CRS 2011 to discuss what they've been up to the past year.
Another country act dedicated to reaching out to charity, Lee and Elaine tell us about a performance event they were involved in to raise money and awareness for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
"We always felt that if we could make this thing happen for us that our big thing is to give back," Elaine shares. "And even at our level, if we can even help one person, we feel that God has given us this talent and were just so blessed to share it. So if we can lend our name to something and help someone out, we're all for it."
Aside from their inspiring charity work, this sibling twosome have been super busy with their booming music career. The Roys were recently voted Roughstock's 'Number One To Watch' and have been voted ICM's 'Duo Of The Year' for the past two years. Confident that the reason their hard work is finally paying off now is because they have stayed true to themselves, Lee and Elaine are excited to share their amazing gift and see where things go from here in 2011!
To hear more about their work, success and some background info on their video for "Coal Minin' Man," watch this interview with The Roys from this year's CRS!