PRESS RELEASE

- For Immediate Release 1-23-06

Payline Productions / MyTexasMusic.com
P.O. Box 148
Linden, Texas 75563
Lucky Boyd – Jinelle Boyd 903-756-8944 - 1-866-49-TEXAS

Texas Music Awards names 2006 host

LINDEN, TX – Legendary songwriter and performer Michael Martin Murphey will host the 2006 Texas Music Awards in Linden on March 25^th.

Murphey has had a stellar career with some great hits on the country music charts. Some of them were penned by other writers such as Rafe VanHoy’s "What’s Forever For?", Jesse Winchester’s "I’m Gonna Miss You, Girl" and the Overstreet/Schuyler composition "A Long Line Of Love."  Most of his own work involves nature and his respect for all things living. His early album covers were the physical manifestations of his musical mood and philosophies. His self-penned hits include "Cherokee Fiddle" and the unforgettable "Wildfire."

Linden city councilman, and director of Music City Texas Theater, Richard Bowden is a long-time friend of Murphey.  In their respective careers as nationally known performers, the two have crossed paths many times.  When contacted about hosting the Texas Music Awards, Murphey was quick to accept, according to Bowden.

Not only will Murphey serve as host for the expansive show, but he will also perform.  “This is excellent news for the TMAs and for the city of Linden,” stated Jinelle Boyd, one of the producers of the show.

“The Academy of Texas Music brought the TMAs to Linden because of the great community spirit here,” added Boyd, “Having Michael Martin Murphey host the show will be a major treat for Texas music fans.”

The Texas Music Awards are given annually to independent Texas performers who meet criteria during a qualifying period.  Awards are presented for Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist, Duo or Group, Rising Star, Record, Song, Album, Singer/Songwriter, Musician, Live Band, Musical Event, Producer, Radio Station and Disc Jockey of the Year.

Performances by no less than ten acts will highlight the event which begins at 12:30 p.m. with a red-carpet entrance of the nominees.  The show commences at 2:00 p.m.

Nominations for the awards began on January 1^st and ended on January 20^th.  On February 1^st, the five nominees in each category will be announced and fans can return to the TMA website beginning February 6^th to vote for their favorite nominee.

With respect to tickets, Boyd adds, “There will be a very limited number of tickets available to the public for this show.  Subscribers to the MyTexasMusic.com newsletter and those who are patrons of Music City Texas Theater will have the best shot at getting tickets.” 

More information about the show, past recipients, photos, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities can be obtained at www.TexasMusicAwards.org or by calling MyTexasMusic.com at 1-866-49-TEXAS.  Subscribers to the MyTexasMusic.com newsletter can get updates via email.  Subscribe at www.mytexasmusic.com/maillist   Information on becoming a patron of the theater can be obtained at www.MusicCityTexas.org.

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