LOCAL ARTIST TO BE RECOGNIZED INTERNATIONALLY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Alan Shephard
Tel: 802-442-6321
Email: al@icmanet.com

Lynchburg artist to be featured on syndicated Country music program

Ross Key, an independent Country music artist from Lynchburg, VA, will be the "ICMA Hometown Sounds Talent of the Week" on an upcoming episode of the "Country Dreams" radio program.

"We chose Ross because of both his talent, as well as his love for his hometown and the people in it," says Alan Shephard, co-host of Country Dreams. He went on to say, "Our goal is to highlight the uniqueness of each hometown, and the talents each village holds."

Ross is a 6th generation grandson of Francis Scott Key, the author of our nation's national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. According to Ross, he was exposed to many legends of country music as he grew up, as his uncle played in Mel Tillis' band. At 13, he taught himself to play the guitar by listening to Chet Atkins and Willie Nelson. He began teaching guitar professionally at age 15. Key eventually taught himself to play fiddle, banjo, dobro, mandolin, upright bass, keyboard/piano, and drums.

At 16, he traveled through Europe as a Boy Scouts music ambassador, earning a private audience with King Gustaf of Sweden, and entertaining other European dignitaries as well.

Upon his return home, Key was offered a regular musician's spot in a well-respected country band - Roy Campbell & the Nashville Sound - and opened for many country music legends, including Mel Tillis, Alabama, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr., and many more. Willie even invited him to sit-in with his band on stage after hearing Key perform "Under the Double Eagle" on his bus using Willie's guitar. You can find Ross Key on the web at http://www.rosskeycom.

The "Country Dreams" radio show is currently heard on various AM/FM and internet stations around the world. It can be found on the web at www.countrydreamsradio.com. The Independent Country Music Association (ICMA) exists to promote indie Country singers and songwriters from across the globe. It is located at http://www.icmanet.com.

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If you'd like more information on Ross Key, please email rosskeycountry@gmail.com. For more info on Country Dreams or the ICMA, contact Al Shephard at 802-442-6321 (days), or by email at al@icmanet.com.

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