Music and Sound NEWS

(Knoxville, TN) On February 10, 2010, The North American Country Music Association International released a statement announcing its 13th annual Hall Of Fame inductees and ceremony. The ceremony will be held on March 13, 2010 at the "Country Tonite" Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN. Inductees include Deborah Allen, Lulu Roman, Larry Ferguson, Ronnie McDowell, and Jim Vest.

Lulu Roman, famed Country Gospel performing artist is best known as the singing/songwriting comedienne from the hit syndicated country music television series Hee Haw. Roman recently released a new album, Seven Times and has received much media attention after losing over 200 plus lbs. Lulu continues touring and is often seen on the highly successful "Bill Gaither Homecoming Hour".

Deborah Allen has garnered Grammy nominations and chart success both as a singer and songwriter. Allen's "Baby I Lied", which she co-wrote became her signature song. Her compositions have been recorded by artists as diverse as Diana Ross, Loretta Lynn, Isaac Hayes, Tanya Tucker, Fleetwood Mac, and Mac Davis. Her voice even caught the eye outside of Country Music by Hollywood (Honey Suckle Rose, Coyote Ugly) and musical legend Prince.

Larry Ferguson is a producer, artist manager, and writer. Ferguson has worked with such entertainment greats as Barbara Mandrell, Larry Gatlin, Dolly Parton, Carol Channing, Lily Tomlin, Mamie Van Doren and Mel Tillis. His greatest pairing was with Dottie Rambo who he managed for many years and spear headed her musical comeback. Ferguson was a survivor of the tour bus crash that claimed Rambo's life on Mother's Day 2008. In 2006 he released a book "Driving Ms. Dottie" with a forward from Rambo.

Steel Guitar great, Jim Vest has had a successful career as not only a musician but as singer/songwriter, actor, and as the leader of the "Nashville Cats". Songwriting cuts by Tammy Wynette, Dottie West, and Willie Nelson have became chart toppers and award winners. As one of the leading musicians in country music he has played on albums for Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Lorrie Morgan, and Ray Price.

Ronnie McDowell made his musical debut in 1977 with his song "The King Is Gone" a tribute to Elvis Presley which sold over 5 million copies. While recording solo hits under labels Epic and Curb, McDowell would also record collaborations with Conway Twitty and Jerry Lee Lewis. Elvis would play a huge inspiration in Ronnie's career and had him filling in the voice of the King for movies such as Dick Clark's "Elvis" television movie starring Kurt Russell, Priscilla Presley's biopic "Elvis and Me", as well as ABC's series "Elvis" based on the early years of Presley's career.

All the inductees will appear and/or perform during their induction ceremonies. Tickets and more information for the live event can be purchased in advance by the "Country Tonite" box office 800-792-4308.

Resources:

Ferguson Music: www.ferguson-music.com