Songs at the Center

Artists: Multiple Grammy Award winner Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle, Jerry Salley, and hosted by songwriter Eric Gnezda. CARL JACKSON was born in the small town of Louisville, Mississippi. By the time he was eight years old, thanks to his father's influence and a burning desire inside, he was already well on his way to being an accomplished musician. Glen Campbell, with whom he played 12 years, called him "The greatest banjo player in the world." As a vocalist, he has recorded with EmmyLou Harris, Dwight Yoakam, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Garth Brooks, Janie Fricke, Dolly Parton, and other top names. His songs have been recorded by Vince Gill, Glen Campbell, Trisha Yearwood, and many, many others. LARRY CORDLE, a native of eastern Kentucky, was a childhood friend and neighbor of fellow musical prodigy, Ricky Skaggs. Upon hearing Cordle's new song, "Highway 40 Blues," Ricky promised that he would one day record it. In the summer of 1983, it was the number one song in the nation, helping to launch Larry's songwriting career and skyrocketing Skaggs' already solid country music career. At last count, Larry's songs had appeared on projects that have sold a combined total of more than 55 million records, by artists such Garth Brooks, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Diamond Rio, Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins and many others. JERRY SALLEY has been referred to by Billboard Magazine as "One of Music Row's greatest veteran tunesmiths." The 2003 SESAC Country Music Songwriter of the Year, Jerry has had over 450 songs recorded in his multi-award winning career. Jerry's songs have sold in excess of 15.5 million records worldwide. His songs have been recorded by some of today's biggest country stars, including Chris Stapleton, Reba McEntire and Brad Paisley. As an artist himself, Jerry has performed many times on the Grand Ole Opry, Late Night with David Letterman, and NBC'S Today Show.