Category Archives: Spotlight Artists

Spotlight Artist: Stephen Cochran

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Cochran was born in Pikeville, Kentucky and raised in the heart of Nashville’s songwriting and recording community. Cochran’s Dad, known as Steve Cochran, was a struggling songwriter and artist back in the ’70s. Country legends such as Bobby Bare and the late Del Reeves are just a few of the fellow artists that drifted in and out of the Cochran home.

“That was my school, coming home and watching Dad practice and play and write,” he says. “With Dad doing his music hustle, I was raised in the business and I learned the ins and outs. I love music, and that’s what he instilled in me.”

In addition to his ongoing tour, Cochran continues his ongoing work on behalf of his fellow veterans (Cochran is a decorated Marine veteran of campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan). One example is his work with the Coalition to Salute Heroes, an organization that provides tools and therapy to returning veterans. Cochran has played countless benefit shows that have help raise funds for severely wounded veterans. Through his efforts, Cochran has helped transform lives and raise funds through his music.

“The way I was raised was to be thankful to this country for being able to do our dream, and my dream is music,” Cochran says. “These soldiers and their families have sacrificed so much for this great country, and it’s an honor and a privelege to do whatever I can whenever I can to salute them and to help them.”

While on tour, Cochran performs with high energy and a dedication to his audience and fans. Cochran believes that we all have a calling on this earth and his is music. He is true to his roots and his country soul.

Check out Stephen’s music at www.stephencochran.com.

CD Review: Collin Raye “Never Going Back” (New Release)

 

nevergoingbackIt’s been four years since Collin Raye released a full CD with all new music.   Raye emerged on the country music scene in 1991 with his unforgettable hit Love, Me.   Since that time he has had five certified platinum albums, 24 top ten hits, and 15 #1 hits. 

After an 18 year career, he is still going strong.  His new CD Never Going Back is one of his best to date.  It is a testament to his versatility and his staying power as an artist.   

Raye returned to his roots in the making of this CD.   Never Going Back is a mixture of southern rock, a little jazz, a little blues, and a little contemporary Christian. 

The first single released from the CD is Mid-Life Chrysler.  It’s an upbeat rockin tune about a man comfortable with his life and still in love with his wife after twenty five years of marriage.  The sound is reminiscent of the southern rock of legendary ZZ Top. 

Click Below to Listen to Mid-Life Chrysler

Raye continues rockin with Stuck In the Middle With You.  He gets a little bluesy with the title song Never Going Back.  In the following interview Raye talks about the significance of the title song.

 

 

With past hits such as I Can Still Feel You, What the Heart Wants, The Gift and Love Me, Raye has built a reputation for bringing love songs to life.   He shows that no one can do it better with Take Care of You and Don’t Tell Me You’re Not In LoveRaye reunites with Susan Ashton (The Gift) for a powerful duet to reprise Without You.

Never Going Back is perhaps one of the most personal CDs that Collin Raye has recorded.  Raye wrote or co-wrote three out of the fourteen songs on the CD including the title song Never Going Back.  The most personal track She’s With Me was written by Raye as a loving tribute to his granddaughter Haley, who has a neurological condition and is physically challenged.  

Never Going Back is solid from beginning to end.  Collin Raye has done himself proud with this one.  It is a must have for your music collection!