Country Dreams - Where The Stars of Tomorrow and the Legends of Yesterday Are Played Today

This week we'll hear great music from featured artists Johnny Jolin and Lori Crandall, along with music from James Lann, Maryanne, Chuck Allen Floyd, Pat Kelley, Tom Sayer, Clinton Gregory, Richie Allbright, The Twang Bangers, Kelly Kenning, Perley Curtis, Billy O'Rourke, and Ronnie Lee Hurst!

A BIG thank you to our affiliates, Heart of Country, Country Rocks Broadcasting Network, KXBG Birth of Radio, Knight Rider Radio, Sound Machine Country Radio, Nashville Broadcasting Radio Network, and WBTN 1370 AM!!

Keep this number handy...1-888-897-9937...it's our new Country Dreams Hotline! Have a new favorite song you want to hear again? Or maybe you just have a crush on Ronnie? Playing a big gig? Call and leave us a message!

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Coming Soon!
Country Dreams News with Rick Fletcher

Johnny Jolin

While in the United States Army, Johnny Jolin and the band he was a part of at the time, won the U.S. Army Europe Star Search Competition. Throughout his career he has opened for dozens of Nashville Recording Artists including Confederate Railroad, Hank Williams III, David Lee Murphy, Ricochet, Jeff Carson, Chely Wright and most recently Randy Travis. He was featured on TNN's Charlie Daniels' Talent Round Up and even invited by the US China Foundation to do a 2 week tour in China in 2004.

His music gets regular radio air play in Central Pennsylvania along with syndicated radio airplay nationwide and in Canada. His band continues to be the most in-demand act of any genre in his region.

Visit Johnny Jolin's Website

Lori Crandall

Lori Crandall was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. She knew she had music in her soul as early as 2 years old. Singing in church choirs was part of her upbringing. Then came Jr. High and High School. She was a member of an elite choir at her Boise, Idaho High School called Capital Singers. They would tour and perform all over the North West.

At first Lori was searching for that signature style which identified her. Being adopted as a young child had an influence with the direction she took in regards to her style of music. States Lori, 'I became aware of some issues that had injured me from the past and it is those injuries that worked themselves out of me in the form of my music.'

To further her musical career, Lori moved to New Zealand 8 years ago. There she wrote and produced her music. The geographic landscape played a huge part in her song stylings. It nourished her gift of writing and meditation. There Lori met Producer, Mike McCarthy from Manuka Studios and together they produced wonderful songs with inspirational lyrics.

Lori's newest single, 'Hittin' It Out of the Park' is off of her new CD with the same title. This singles message is about the realization that half of her life has already gone by and how she wants the second half of her life to be. Being an American and her love for baseball played nicely into the theme of this song. Just as you are kicking and screaming your way into life, going out should be the same, symbolizing empowering yourself at whatever age you are. The entire CD is a journey for Lori. It became a tool in the mending process.

Lori Crandall truly knows how to tell her story. The lyrics of her songs and the ability to be so versatile in her stylings - from the beat, the rhythm and that power house voice, created that signature style which Lori can only possess. 'Hittin' It Out of the Park' is a great example of an upbeat country tune with dynamic vocals, catchy lyrics and an all around fun song. Songs like 'The Warrior in Me' (from a previous CD) highlights her vocal versatility by performing it as a ballad.

This CD has been released both digitally and physically.

Lori won a $500 itunes prize a couple of years ago from the US Army for 'The Warrior in Me' song. She has also been featured on the Mayor of Auckland website, http://www.waitakere.govt.nz/Mayor/index.asp

Visit Lori Crandall's Website

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Ronnie Lee Hurst
Co-Producer & Co-Host

Growing up in a log house in rural Oregon, Ronnie's love for country music began at a young age. Some of his earliest musical influences included Hank Williams, Sr., Tom T. Hall, George Jones, and Earl Scruggs. It was when he first heard Merle Haggard, that Ronnie's interest in song writing began. Ronnie even payed tribute to his favorite singer/songwriter by writing and recording, "Merle's The Man".

Ronnie has co-written with several writers throughout the years,starting with his time in the US Air Force. Ronnie's songs range from Country, to Bluegrass, to Gospel. His song, "I Underestimated Loving You" reached the top 10 of the European Country Music Charts in 2008. His most satisfying experience came with the completion of his song, "That's Just Me". It was a project that included a total of 25 people from around the world. He was humbled and honored that so many people would contribute without expecting anything in return.

Being a singer/songwriter himself, Ronnie has experienced the frustration of trying to get his songs heard, and has deep appreciation for the DJ's from around the world who have, and are playing his music. That's why Ronnie is very excited to join Al Shephard in this new venture called "Country Dreams".

Ronnie looks at it as a chance to give back what he can, and give his fellow unsigned peers an opportunity to be heard.

If you're an artist looking for material, check out Ronnie's stuff HERE.

Email Ronnie

Al Shephard
Co-Producer & Co-Host

Al started this journey as a mobile DJ and webmaster of WBTN. In 2007, he volunteered his equipment to the local teen club, Knapps Underground, handling both lighting and sound engineer duties.

In 2008, he created Bennington Rocks, a music show featuring unsigned pop/rock artists, on 1370 AM WBTN.

During 2009 many exciting things happened. He launched You Space Radio, a 24/7 internet station to promote unsigned artists. He also expanded Bennington Rocks to two hours, adding karaoke singers and unsigned country artists. This led to some aspiring artists asking for his help, so he started learning the music business and discovered his ability to write Country lyrics. He also became friends with many talented songwriters, including Ronnie Lee Hurst. 2009 ended with Al becoming a full-time employee at WBTN, pulling multiple duties as Station Technician, Music Programmer, Production Editor, Board Op, and Host. This full schedule meant something had to give, so both "Bennington Rocks" and "You Space Radio" went on indefinite hiatus.

In 2010, Al threw out the idea that although they were 3,000 miles apart, Ronnie and Al should host a new show devoted to independent country artists and singer/songwriters. He also resurrected You Space Radio as an in-game radio station for the online virtual world "Entropia Universe", now running under the name "Club Calypto" at www.clubcalypto.com.

Can't get enough of Al? Of course not! Join him Sunday evenings at 7PM Eastern as he discusses all things paranormal on Haunted America Radio.

Al is always looking for musicians to co-write with. Check out his lyrics HERE.

Email Al