Echota Records USA Roster
Echota Records Theme Song
They Took The Country Out Of Music
Ed Gowens President
Juanita Ford Productions
We at Echota Records USA would like to dedicate this site to Juanita Ford. The little lady with the big heart
She has helped so many artists in getting their music out to many radio stations and was always appreciated by so many
JUANITA we love and miss you may you RIP
Becky Harges
Promotions & Admin
I'm from Mississippi and raised in the country all my life. l have always loved Country Music, Growing up and listening to different artist on the Radio and TV. A few of my favorites were Conway Twitty, George Jones And Elvis Presley, I am one of their biggest fans and loved all of Elvis Presley's music and movies.
When I joined on Social Media site's like Facebook, I became good friends with alot of Independant Artist and l listened to there music, I'm in a lot of groups on facebook were Independant Artist share music , My goal is to support our Independent Artists out there, They need to be heard. I love all country music and love the artist we have today and I support them in all they do. Sharing their music gets it out to many that havn't heard them.
All Independent Artist that have great music work very hard to get there songs out for the people to listen to and they all need to be heard. I hope to see them all succeed in everything they do for Country Music and any Style of music.
Charles Leon Senior
Video Consultant
We asked Charles why he takes the time to make video's for so many Independant Artist :
I just do these videos for something to do because I like country music and it keeps me in the Country Scene and my mind thinking I am 78 years old and just want something to do and I have a lot of country friends I have worked with over the years in the music business. You can go on youtube and see many of the video's I have done for many Independant Artist. Charles youtube channel video name is caper245 on youtube. If your looking for a fantastic video get in touch with Charles.
Ron Hoysted
Executive Assistant
Country Music DJ (also wrote a few songs, a couple have been recorded). Was DJ and Assistant Station Manager of 89.3 CountryFM a 24/7 Country Music Radio Station in Geelong Victoria Australia also DJ Owner/DJ of Worldwide Independnt Country Radio streaming over internet to showcase Independent Country Artists
Meet Team Echota Records USA Artist & Bio's
Larry Mercey
Larry Mercey
The reputation of LARRY MERCEY in the Canadian Music Industry, after over sixty years in the business, is such that a long list of credits is not essential.
Since starting his solo career in early 1990, LARRY has seen a number of successes come his way. He has enjoyed several Top Ten hits from his first solo effort, “FULL SPEED AHEAD” (#1 Pick, “Album of the Year”; Country Music News), including a couple of #1’s…”SHE FEELS LIKE A NEW MAN TONIGHT” and “YOU’RE STILL IN THESE CRAZY ARMS OF MINE”. He has received numerous Juno Nominations for “COUNTRY MALE VOCALIST” and Canadian Country Music Association Nomination for “COUNTRY MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR”. His second solo CD, “Lets’ Deal Again” produced the hits “Keeping Up With the Jones”, “Quarters For the Jukebox” and “I LOVE YOU CANADA”.
LARRY started his career on the CKNX Barn Dance broadcasting from Wingham, Ontario. He then formed the group “The Mercey Brothers” who have now had the honour of being inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. As a “Leader Singer” in this famed group, LARRY has recorded 17 albums, (including a Gold Album) and some 50 singles, most of them reaching the #1 spot on the charts. LARRY had appeared on some of Canada’s largest concert stages such as Toronto’s CNE Grandstand, Ontario Place, Big Country Jamboree at Craven, Saskatchewan, as well as tours of Europe, performances on Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and a Regent Cruise in Caribbean. Over the years, Larry has appeared on every Country and Variety Music T.V. Show in Canada, either with The Mercey Brothers or as a solo performer. He has been heavily involved with his own record label, and two publishing houses, with a definite measure of success. He was part of the team recognized for their contribution to music, by winning (seven) Juno Awards, numerous Big Country Awards, and the prestigious C.F. Martin Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2005, Larry formed The Larry Mercey Trio and recorded the CD, “It’s Not Over Yet”, which included the great song, “On My Father’s Side”.
LARRY has proven his consistency in the music industry as a performer and will continue to do so, always striving to improve upon perfection and change with the times.
LARRY MERCEY . . . HE’LL KEEP YOU COMING BACK FOR MORE!
Deby Kelley
My name is Deby Kelley , My passion for singing came at a very young age, I sang and danced most of my younger years. At the age of 11 years old I was introduced to the movie industry. Several of the movies that I was casted in were: The Incredible Shrinking Woman, Bad News Bears, Mommy Dearest and Ghost of Buxley Hall. I was also in several commercials which were sponsored by Tootsie Roll and Coca Cola.
I have just released a new cd Tribute to Patsy this 10 song Cd is available from my website www.debykelley.com (ESHOP) on top of website.
I am a cousin to Pasty Cline and hope that someday I will be able to follow in her foot steps as a well known female artist.
My goal for me right now is to make my way to the Grand Ole Opry and stand center stage with the spirit, heart and souls of the past, present and the future artists. I will not stop until I have reached this goal. I opened up Small World Dance Studio in Fontana California when I was 19 yrs old. I taught Tap, Jazz, Hawaiian, Tahitian, Baton and Gymnastics and did very well. In 1986
I went to work for Fontana Unified School District as a school bus driver. After my duty
as a bus driver I would come and put my dancing shoes on and start my dance classes. I
was able to do this while raising my two children along with two foster children.
In March of 2006 I traveled to Nashville to record my first major CD .... In the past
few yrs this cd has been played in Australia, Ireland, Japan ,United Kingdom and Europe
as well as here in the states. 2016.....TRADITIONAL/CLASSIC COUNTRY FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR (Fishing Country Now/CDR Radio) 2016.....ECHOTA RECORDS SONG OF THE YEAR "FLAG COVERED COFFIN"2016.....NOMINATED TRADITIONAL/CLASSIC COUNTRY FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR (The Josie Show)2016.....NOMINATED FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR ( The Josie Show) 2014.....HALL OF FAME LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP AWARD ( Fishing Country Now/ CDR Radio)2013.....NOMINATED INDIE ARTIST OF THE YEAR SOUTHERN STAR (The Josie's Hard Country Show)2012.....INDEPENDENT ARTIST NATIONAL HALL OF FAME (Great Country Radio) 2012.....Award of Excellance Internet Host of the Year FCN/CDR 2012.....NOMINATED MOST INDIE FRIENDLY DJ ICoMA 2012 2012.....COVER International Traditional Country Music Fan Club News letter Booklet 2011.....FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (GREAT COUNTRY RADIO) 2011.....#1 FEMALE TOP 20 SONGS for RADIO MUSICIAN 2011.....TOP 20 SONGS for ROCKIN RODEO RADIO MUSIC 2007.....NOMINATION TOP 40 GLOBAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2007.....NOMINATED INDIE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2007.....COVER OF THE INDIE ISLANDS MAGAZINE
2006.....ARISEN FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR (New Artist Radio)
CC Patenaude
Clarence Patenaude, better know as CC, was born and raised in Buffalo Lake, Alberta. He started his musical journey at the age of 9. He would try to strum along with his brothers but they would get mad at him because his guitar was out of tune. Eventually he received his first electric guitar as payment for playing a two night show - but, it only had two strings on it and a curled up guitar cord. So he took his beautiful new guitar home, stole his brothers guitar strings, then plugged it in with his mom's old turn table eight track stereo. He would put a Merle Haggard 45 on the turn table to play along with every day. He started playing lead guitar with his Nephew in the band, Sounds of Little River, until one day he decided to put down the guitar and pick up sticks to start playing drums in the band, Fran and the outlaw band , across Canada from the age of 14 - 18. During his time with Fran he had his first taste of trouble on the road; at a gig in High Prairie, he was heading back to his hotel when he walked into a police car who then generously gave him a place to sleep for the night. The next day, when he was picked up, all he had was a broken mic stand and a sore head. After the many adventures with Fran, he joined his brothers on stage in their band, Country Four, and played with them for four years. After Country Four he started doing more freelance work with artists such as Sugar Foot, Mike Daniels and Tradition and North Border Line. Then at age 43 he formed the band, High Ryder, sharing the stage with names such as Gord Bamford, Emerson Drive and Shane Yellowbird. At the age of 46 he starting writing music, thus creating CC & High Ryder where he could perform as a soloist. He created the song King of the Sky which was taken from the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton, AB to Saratoga Springs, NY. Today he is anticipating the release of his first album: Here I Am. Influences: Merle Haggard Eric Clapton Johnny Cash Marty Robbins Buck Owens
Elvis L Carden
Elvis has been passionate about music for all of his adult life, funneling his creativity through his singing, songwriting, and musicmaking skills. His latest CD, Life, is his 8th LP recording in a long,illustriouscontinuing career. This Georgia native, born in Atlanta and raised in the small town of Palmetto,Georgia, still currently resides in his hometown.
At the young age of 16, Elvis joined the United States Army and at 17 years old was sent off to Lie Kie, Vietnam, where he spent more than a year fighting for his country with the First Infantry Division his last year in the army was spent in Aberdeen,MD. This patriotic multi-talented artist has been compared to Merle Haggard,and has been recognized significantly for his poems and songwriting. Aside from making music,his other hobbies include hunting,fishing,
But you best believe he’ll grill up a mean Boston Butt in a heart beat! Off the grill,
Elvis has cooked up the design for the world renowned Guitar House Fayetteville,Georgia. Elvis,the sole designer and builder of the landmark,spent 16 years creating this spectacular,guitar-shaped home.Pictures throughout Google world wide web. Elvis a
member of BMI, CMA, ICMA, VVA, VVMF, VF, American Legion, etc.,Elvis’first recordings,“Vietnam Blues” and “Loving a Soldier”,originally recorded in 1967, won Patriotic Song of the Year in
1990. In 2005, Elvis won the COMA International Male Recording Artist of the Year. 2007
was the year Elvis received the prestigious accolade as International Poet of the Year
for “Loving a Soldier”. Elvis created the music video honoring the 25th anniversary of
the Vietnam Veterans Wall in 2007, and made music and poetry for the Vietnam Veterans
Fund with his “Life of Elvis Lloyd Carden”. Prior to his new CD “LIFE”, Elvis L. Carden
released the single, “American Rebel”, www.Tunesmith.com Guitar House Records
Po Box 593 Palmetto, Ga 30268
Jojo Godwin
I'm from a small town called Horwood,Nl...This has been my third single released....I started singing at a very young age, so young that I didn't even know that I liked to sing, My mom would stand me beside a wall and have me sing songs while being entered in Beauty Pageant . I was maybe only 7 year old at the time of my first pageant that my mom entered me into, But I thank her today for that...My inspiration would be my Dad, He taught me how to play guitar, Dad would always have me sit and listen to Traditional Country Music like Jimmy Rogers and Wildwood Flower as well as Hank Williams Sr. I'm So lonesome I Could Cry... That's where my love for country music came from. I thank my Mom and Dad today for everything they have done for me , they have been my biggest fans since day one. Today my dreams are unfolding and I am currently in the process of cutting my very first album. I was discovered by Ed Gowens of Echota Records USA, He had been listening to my first single called "Hell Yah" and enjoyed the song so much. On March 17th 2017 I became a Official Member of Echota Records USA and just recorded two new songs, Lifes's Other Side written by Ed Gowens and one that I have wriiten myself called Letter To Heaven, Soon to be released any day now, I want to say a Special Thank You to the following people who have helped me through out my career, Citadel House Recording Studio, Echota Records Recording Studio,
Kimberly Wells Abbott, Shawn Wells, Ed Gowens, Tim Hicks, Donna Ray and Charles Leon Senior for being such an amazing friends through my next chapter. Also my loving husband and children.
I love you,
Jojo
Mark Evan Beard
Hello Everyone!! This is Mark Beard's Story Mark was born and raised in the rural part of our nation’s capitol "Washington, DC" and now resides in College Park, Maryland with his beautiful Judy and their son, Mitchell. and Markie tanna , billy, Mark grew up listening to a wide cross-section of music which included Gospel, R&B,Traditional Country and yes even the great WWVA Radio Station as well as the Grand Ole Opry. It is significant to note that Mark is a charismatic singer with a soulfully sincere delivery which makes him one of the industries most exciting new Country stars. At the early age of eight, Mark began his musical career with the influence of his cousins Ira & Elliott and has written or co-written over 300 songs to date, some of which he attributes to Roy Ownbey his Co-Writer . The most difficult song to sing was the song Mark wrote and dedicated to his parents (Doris & Samuel) that is also on his July 2002 CD debut; “My Home Was My Training Ground for Life”. Along with God, Mark’s attributes the success for the release of his CD to his friend and Studio Sound Tech “Johnnie Mills”; his Songwriting Teacher ”Ray Sanders” (Ray Price’s Band Leader); Guitar Teachers “Rob Izzi &Tony Bonanno”; Voice Teachers “Jenny Wells & Jean Carstens”, as well as his mentorswho include (but are not limited to) Debrae (Crusader Records), Ernie Ashworth, George Hamilton IV, Bunnie Mills (Greenback Records), Mike Hanlon and to his friend Steve Butts in Central Florida who pushed to make this BIO possible. When you see Mark, ask him to show you his U.S. Army Special Forces "COIN" which was bestowed upon him for his dedication to Family, Friends, God and Country and yes for his GREAT Sounding Country Music too! also Mark served with honor in the US Army for 4 years 4/12 cav, 3rd armored Div and 2 years with 29th div nationl Mark is dedicated to all the troops in the field and Supports the GREENBERETS AND ARMY RANGERS Mark has never Lost his passion for serving his country or honoring his fellow service members
Julie Taylor
Listening to Julie Taylor's music will give you reflections of things that have happened in your life or someone close to you. Her songs touch the heart and soul of all ages. Julie is received very well overseas as well in the United States. She has had three tours to Europe to include the countries of Belgium, Holland and Germany. In January 2008 she had a three week tour to Australia with Nashville singers/songwriters Becky Hobbs and Kacey Jones.
She is a down-to-earth girl with a down-home feel to her music. She is a people person and is always available to help those in need. Her biggest soft spot is children and can always be seen doing performances that will benefit children. Julie recorded her 4th CD at Rough Edges Studio in Nashville entitled “This is Me” which is a reflection on herself and the way she feels about her family and friends. There is also a duet featuring Julie's favorite co-writer and guitarist, Luther Lewis, of the Buddy Holly tune “Maybe Baby.” If you have any of Julie's previous CDs you will know that Luther is generally the guitar player as well as co-writer of many of the songs. The songs you will hear on “This is Me” are originals as well as cover tunes that you will hear at any given performance.
Shows include all styles of music from original songs, to standard country, a little rockabilly, oldies to include a little Elvis, Beatles, etc.!
For Booking/Contact Info:
615-268-1539
856-468-0841
Shellie Lynne
I was born in the hills of Kentucky by the name of Shirley Kempton my family called me Wanda....my family was coal miners...County music has always been a part of my life..we'd have gathering at grandma's house and pick and sing. .my uncle gave me a mic when I was young ""I said I can't sing".."he said girl yes you can it's in your blood". ...I can thank my uncle Randall for me doing what I've done..I was inspired by Loretta Lynn.and Dolly Pardon also I was a big fan of there's ....I love the mountains and country music. .you can take me out of the hills but you will never take the hills out of me...
Nathan Hunt
Nathan T Hunt (Nathan Thomas Hunt) Born Granville County, North Carolina. Raised on a large tobacco farm. Quit school and left home at 15, rambled around playing music at various bars and clubs. In 1980 was on Tandem label with producer Joe Deaton. First recording "I Can't Get Enough Of You" and "I've been Hurt" both produced by Joe. Nathan writes alot of his own Music and Lyrics.
Lillian & Manon
Lilian & Manon, The Zlamal Sisters, are two dynamic multitalented musicians, daughters of renowned Slovak poet and writer Miloslav Zlamal (The Partisan Captain) and Jaroslava Zlamal who have been captivating audiences with their golden voices for years. Their unique vocal blends mesmerize their listeners while their compositions touch their hearts. As young teenagers Lilian & Manon toured with "The International Stars of Europe" in Canada who referred to the sisters as the ABBA girls. They recorded in Warsaw Poland with Anna Jantar opening the Polskie Nagrania Studio Muzak Records under the direction of Jan Kukulski. Their Polish musical peers were very enthusiastic and wanted the girls to represent Canada at "The International SOPOT Festival", but that never materialized. Another recording highlight was recording in Hendersonville Nashville Tennessee at The Oak Ridge Brothers Studio backed by Ronnie Milsap’s Band.
Lilian & Manon went on and became the lead singers of "Skyliner" who recorded on the Mercey Brothers Label and attained a top 30 single on the Canadian Country RPM Charts. Skyliner headlined in many of the "Top Clubs" on the circuit, touring forty-nine nights straight with weekend matinees and after hour club appearances at the "Matador" before having one night off and starting back again. Skyliner was one of the featured country bands to perform on the last day of live country shows at "The Horseshoe Tavern" in Toronto. They performed extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada. Highlights include guest spotting with "The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra", appearing on many radio and T.V. shows, regular appearances on the weekly CFGM Opry North Shows, Toronto Press Club events, United Nations celebrations, CBC radio shows with Milan Kymlicka, their own "Special" on City TV, CNE Bandshell, sharing the stage or performing along side many stars as Lucille Starr, Alan Thicke, Ian Tyson, Ronnie Hawkins, Carroll Baker, Anne Murray, Frank Mills, The Mercey Brothers, Stompin Tom, Gary Lalonde, Kelly Preston to name a few.
Lilian and Manon also embarked on solo careers. Lilian, an Actra member, became part of the "Backstage Productions" roster-Ronnie Hawkins Management in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s under Steve Thomson and became know as Lil in the highly acclaimed CBS recording children’s rock n’roll "But, I’m Just A Kid" group who were Juno nominees. Besides her adult career as Lilian, Lil a.k.a. "Miss Lilly" (her first children’s book "Sky Blue" was released on Golden Book Tapes) still performs and writes children’s material actively part of www.markusmusic.com. Manon went on entertaining in the piano lounge circuit performing at exclusive resorts in Germany and Canada.
Gail Russell
Overall Country Music Award
GAIL RUSSELL , WELLINGTON /NEW ZEALAND Country Singer/Songwriter /Recording artist .
I was born on a sheep and dairy farm in North Taranaki and raised in the country until I went to High School . I had very talented musical parents and a school teacher who encouraged me from a very early age to sing . My first solo perfromance was at the age of 11 singing San Antonio Rose at a school concert . At High School I took voice and music lessons and originally wanted to study Opera . Continued with voice training and sang light Opera while at Teacher’s College but marriage and children came along so did not continue with singing until my early thirties when the children were growing up and I wanted to do something for myself . I joined a country music club and learnt guitar and soon found myself in a dance band and sang at dances all around Taranaki . I moved to Wellington in the 1991 and worked with more dance bands singing not only country but all sorts [mainly Abba ] . I started competing in Country Music Awards and had success taking out a couple of Over All placings and other award placings as well . In 2002 I started songwriting and entered a few original song writing awards and to my surprise my songwriting efforts were being recognised with placings . 2006 I released my first album and have completed six albums to date . I have done duets with male artists from Ireland , USA and NZ artists as well . In the past my songs have featured very well on country music charts and I have had the pleasure of recording great songs by Ed Gowens , John Cole , Glenn Erickson and other well known songwriters not only here in NZ but in Nashville as well . I have been extremly fortunate with getting a lot of radio airplay around the globe and have made some wonderful friends through my love of singing and writing country music .
At the moment , I am working on a gospel cd which I hope to have out by the end of the year . My music can be purchased on cdbaby.com/gailrussell Or you can listen to some of my songs on my u tube chanel Under Lesley Gail Russell I am also on facebook and and have a music page there . To contact me please email me at lesleygail@hotmail.com
Bruce Blake
Bruce Blake / Singer Songwriter / Echota Records
Bruce is a member of the Blake Brothers Bluegrass Band, and a member of The Louisiana Hayride, he performed every Sunday for 5 years at the Municipal Auditorium where Elvis first got his start, He was also the announcer for The Hayride Shows.
The Blake Brothers Band was formed in the year 2000 , with Tim and Bruce Blake, "Uncle" Bud Sandige , who retired in 2008, Todd Mc Cormick and Robert Stevens, who both left because of work issues. They were how ever joined by John Neilson, Britt Green , and Kent Gill.
They have developed a harmoney that has been described as soul soothing and heavenly.
Member of Echota Records and Echota Team
Sid Cox
2008 Entertainer Of The Year,
West Texas CMA.
Born in Dallas Texas, Sid began listening to Country Music in his early teens. Sid, in the past helped form a couple of Country Band, "Silver Creek", and the "New Country Express". During the years 1986 to 1998, Sid took leave from music, but still enjoyed going to listen to other groups, and other individual artist.
Early in 1999, Sid started back in Music, and started his solo act, appearing in different local opry's. In August of 2005, Sid was invited to the "Best In Texas" Awards Show in Silsbee Texas. During the three day event, Sid signed with "Pot O' Gold" Records, out of Bossier City, Louisiana.
Sid has won several Music Awards, during his musical carrier in Country Music, such as; "Star On The Horizon", from the "Best In Texas" awards show, and also from the "Nashville Country Music Alliance". Sid also won, "Entertainer Of The Year", from the "West Texas Country Music Association".
Since then, Sid has appeared at different venues from Texas to Louisiana, to Tennessee. Such venues as "Billy Bobs Texas", in Fort Worth Texas, "Louisiana Hayride", Shreveport Louisiana, and "Jamboree By The Lake" in Winchester Tennessee. In April 2015, Sid appeared in Branson Mo. Did three show at the "Branson Star Theater", one of which, he was one of the opening acts for Michael Twitty. Sid is still appearing as different venues though out Texas, and beyond, promoting himself.
Sid has recently sign with "Echota Records out of Calhoun Georgia, along with other great artist....
Lisa Barrett
Artist & Songwriter
I guess you could call me an unplanned Songwriter. My hometown is Cheektowaga, New York and I now reside in the Rochester area. I come from a very musical family. My six sisters and I always sang in the church Folk Group and rang in the Handbell choir. I also always gravitated toward the school musicals. I wasn’t a Songwriter, however, until the untimely passing of my young nephew Austin in 2001. He lost his battle with cancer at the tender age of 21 months old. About a year after his passing, I was walking past his photo on the wall. I stopped when my eyes met his and I said, “I can almost feel your touch when you look at me”. At that moment, these lyrics and melody popped into my head. I was compelled to start writing the song I would title, “When You Look at Me”. I’ve never stopped writing since! Our entire family was physically broken and emotionally shattered. I started to think that maybe the music could help us all smile again. I found a bit of closure and peace when Austin’s song was the winner in a Best Original Song competition in 2011.
I am inspired to write by anything that affects me deeply; whether happy, sad, humorous, inspirational, or even at times, angry. I love a great beat and a catchy hook. I recorded my first album of original music in 2005. I’m thrilled to share that album number two was just released with eleven more originals. It was quite an honor to be a two-time winner for Best Female Artist in the Clays Country Music Awards in 2015 and 2013. I also received the Drug-Free Hero Award in 2013 for my original song “Everyday Hero” by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World. I wrote the song for all youth who choose to live a drug-free life. I was very grateful to be nominated for Female Artist of the Year and Vocalist of the Year in the 2016 Josie Music Awards.
As an advocate against bullying, one of the things I’m most proud of is the creation of the hands-on children’s musical “Can’t Bully Me Now”. I was inspired to write it because of the violent bullying my nephew endured and the horrible teasing I endured, as a child. At about an hour long, this musical is perfect for a school assembly. Youth can perform the musical in their own schools to help stop bullying.
The script and songs are available for FREE digital downloads on www.cantbullymenow.com, an interactive website for kids.
You can find my music on internet radio stations, You Tube, Facebook, Reverbnation, and more. My goal has always been simple, yet profound. I look to make a positive difference in people’s lives, through the music, in Austin’s memory.
Keep smiling and enjoy the music!
