[ Post a Response | Duncan Ferguson Singer Songwriter ]
Posted by North Star Records & Promotion
on July 16, 2009, 6:21 am
195.93.21.42
North Star Records & Promotions
"Independent Gospel Greats"
Stellar Christian music from Grammy nominees and Academy of Country Music and Dove Award Winners.
Have You Heard? July, 2009
Greetings DJs, Artists and Music Lovers!
Wow! It's been an extremely busy month here at North Star Records & Promotions. But I love it like this because when it's hectic, that means great things are goin' on!
For starters, our June digital compilation, "Faith In God, Volume 8," is SOARING above the competition on the Airplay Direct charts! Ever since the site implemented its new charting system on June 15, we have repeatedly hit the No. 1 spot for most plays and downloads.
What's really AMAZING about this success is that our gospel artists are ranking higher than artists in all the other genres combined. What a testament to the power of Inspirational music!
Along with this AWESOME accomplishment, we are receiving tremendous feedback about our compilations from DJs around the world. And as word spreads about what we're accomplishing, more and more great Indie artists are wanting to join our team. See why my phone has been ringing off the hook?
Much more exciting stuff is happening, including North Star Records becoming an official label. In the coming weeks, we will be making a public announcement introducing the artists we've signed.
Currently, we have openings for two more artists, so those who are interested should contact me as soon as possible for more information. We are looking for extremely serious artists who are committed to building long and successful careers.
Beyond that, "Independent Gospel Greats" CD has been released to radio through Airplay Direct (see below). The project, which features 12 wonderful artists, will also be hand-sent to all the large market gospel and Christian radio stations in the U.S.
Guess that's about it for now, but I'll be sending you lots more INCREDIBLE news soon. Enjoy the newsletter and feel free to contact me anytime with your feedback or questions.
Tunefully Yours,
Randolph Michaud
Congratulations are in order for these fine Northstar Records and Promotions artists!
John Schmid, who landed on Airplay Direct's No. 1 spot in early July for downloads for his tune "Three Men On A Mountain."
Mark Trethewey, who made the cover of the new country and gospel online magazine "Digital Refrain." This is quite an honor for Mark, as he shares top billing with country superstar Collin Raye!
Judy Welden for being featured last month on the popular Web site, "The Modern Vocalist."
Luanne Hunt, who launched the online gospel and country music magazine "Digital Refrain." Luanne is Executive Editor of the publication, which reaches over 10,000 artists, fans, promoters, DJs and record labels.
Check out these artists, along with our other great singers, songwriters and musicians at: www.northstarrecords.bandvista.com
PRETTY MISS NORMA JEAN
COUNTING HER BLESSINGS FOR THE COWBOY CHURCH
Pretty Miss Norma Jean burst onto the music scene in the early 1960s, performing on local radio programs and singing with Western swing bands in and around Oklahoma City. By the age of 12, she had her own radio show on station KLPR. At 16, Norma Jean toured with Merle Lindsay's Oklahoma Night Riders.
Several years later, she landed a spot as a regular on the "Porter Wagoner Show. " Her popularity on the TV program paved the way for her to sign a recording contract with RCA Victor. While signed to the label, Norma Jean released a string of chart-toppers, including the Grammy nominated "Let's Go All The Way."
Along with her chart success, the Grand Ole Opry member has performed at countless venues, such as Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden.
In recent years, Norma Jean co-founded the Cowboy Church in Branson, MO with her husband Al Martin. Church services are held every Sunday morning at the God & Country Theater. They include a weekly sermon and live gospel music performances by Norma Jean, Jean Shepherd and Wanda Jackson, to name a few.
Norma Jean said the atmopshere at the Cowboy Church is very welcoming and informal. Attendance ranges between 200-400 people, made up of local residents and out-of-town visitors.
"I'm so grateful for all the wonderful things I've been able to do in my life," said Norma Jean. "So at this stage, it is very important for me to give something back. The experience has made my faith even stronger and it's been a great joy to see God working in the lives of so many people who have been a part of this."
Visit Pretty Miss Norma Jean at:
www.prettymissnormajean.com
John Schmid Walks In The Footsteps Of A Legend
Inspired by legendary entertainer Johnny Cash, country/gospel singer John Schmid uses his message-driven music as a powerful tool for those in need of healing and restoration. Since 1990, Schmid has focused his efforts on performing in prisons in the Ohio Corrections System.
Although John also plays at churches, fairs and crusades, he said sharing his music with prisoners is by far his most rewarding gig.
"I love to sing, but more than that, I love to use my gifts to help change lives" said Schmid, who performs under the banner of his organization, Common Ground Ministries. "My group and I are a pretty small bunch, but I know we've made a big impact on quite a few people. It's such a good feeling."
Schmid began his career as a country/gospel artist in 1972. Throughout the years, He has performed in thirty different countries. He also travels annually to Central America to assist Christians in the region with their ministry efforts.
Schmid lives in Berlin, Ohio with his wife Lydia and three children. Visit him at: www.johnschmid.com
Farewell Ernie Ashworth
We Will All Miss This Great Man & Artist!
North Star Records & Promotions artist Ernest Bert "Ernie" Ashworth of Hartsville, Tenn., passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 2, in Hartsville. He was 80.
For nearly five decades, Ashworth thrilled fans around the globe with his special brand of country music. During his illustrious career, he earned numerous awards, including "Most Promising Male Artist," "Pioneer Award, " "Living Legend Award," and "Country Music Outreach Award." He also earned honors from BMI, Cashbox and Record World. In Eurpope, Ashworth was named "Most Played Independent Artist 1999. "
Along with his awards, Ashworth was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, the Texas Hall of Fame and the Alabama Country Music Hall of Fame.
Calling All DJ's!!
We are looking for DJs to spotlight in our upcoming newsletters. If you're interested in promoting your station to thousands of fans and artists, send an email to: rmichaud42@roadrunner.com
Attention Artists & DJ's!
Airplay Direct, the premier site for downloading music and sending digital press kits, has recently undergone MAJOR changes. If you haven't signed up yet for your FREE account, log on to www.airplaydirect.com
Also want to let the DJs know that the monthly digital compilation can now only be downloaded through Airplay Direct, www.airplaydirect.com. We are no longer sending out hard copies of the CDs, as it is much more convenient and cost-effective to distribute them digitally.
It's Here!
"INDEPENDENT GOSPEL GREATS" CD!
Indie Gospel Artists Build Upon Their Legacy With New CD "Independent Gospel Greats."
"Dottie Rambo? She wasn't half bad."
Now those are words one isn't likely to hear about one of the greatest gospel music singer/songwriters that ever lived. Rambo, who died 2008, wrote more than 2500 songs, including the standards "He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need" and "I Go To The Rock."
While Dottie's creative gifts paved the way for respect and recognition as major recording artist, there are plenty of Independents who also are undeniably worthy of worldwide esteem. This month, North Star Records is proud to present twelve of these incredible talents on its new compilation CD "Independent Gospel Greats."
The groundbreaking project features an uplifting and inspiring mix of stellar gospel tunes by renowned Indie artists David Nall, Luanne Hunt, Rhonda Lee, Ray Owens, Michael Stosic, Judy Welden, Ricky Russ, Sharon Joyner, Jim Russ, The McNally's, Ernie Ashworth and Barry Winslow.
Songs on the CD include: "What Must I Do To Get To Heaven," "Pine
& The Dogwood," "Don't Cast Your Pearls," "When We Sang The Glory Down, " "Remember The Cross," "You Are There For Me," "Fishing With A Friend Of Mine," "Shout Joyfully," "Wishes," "I Can't Complain," "The Angels Are Singing" and "Nothing Without You."
"Every one of these artists have made a great impact on the gospel community and beyond," said Randolph Michaud, president and founder of North Star Records. "Now, people will have access to all of them on one CD, which is very exciting. I don't know of any other gospel compilation that features a lineup of so many phenomenal Indie artists."
"Independent Gospel Greats" is available for DJs and radio stations to download at www.airplaydirect.com.
Contact Us!
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Mapleton, Maine 04757
rmichaud42@roadrunner.com
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North Star Artists
North Star Records & Promotions is honored to promote the following artists:
Michael Stosic, Ricky Russ, Rhonda Lee, Pretty Miss Norma Jean, John Schmid, Jim Russ, Luanne Hunt, David Nall, Mary Ashworth, Scott Embry, Judy Welden, Sharon Joyner, Travis Pinkham, The McNally's, Gigi & Randy Burgess, Vickie Cross, Randy Southard, Clay Jacobs, Laverne Hill, Mark Trethewey, Barry Winslow, Tina Sadler, BJ Roberts, Pete Rose and Ray Owens.
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Responses:
...An Indie Artists Paradise...
...Joyce Ramgatie... 