News Items: Ballard, Wilson, Casting Crowns

Frankie Ballard’s Opry Debut • Gretchen Wilson Quits Smoking • Casting Crowns On Huckabee

Frankie Ballard Makes Opry Debut

Warner Bros. Records newcomer Frankie Ballard made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday (1/7) at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Ballard got the crowd going with his new single “Tell Me You Get Lonely” and the up-tempo rocker “Get On Down The Road.” His debut album will be released later this year.

(L-R): Pete Fisher, VP/GM Grand Ole Opry; Frankie Ballard; and Steve Buchanan, Pres. Grand Ole Opry Group.

Gretchen Quits Smoking

In front of over 1000 New Year’s Eve revelers in Rosenberg, Texas, Gretchen Wilson smoked her last cigarette. Following the concert, she threw away her remaining cigarettes, lighters, ash trays and any other reminders of her long-time habit. “I figured if I said it from stage in front of my fans, I’d stick to it. And so far I have,” said Wilson.

(L-R): singer/songwriter and backup vocalist Bekka Bramlett and Gretchen Wilson.

Casting Crowns Performs On Huckabee

Grammy, AMA and Dove Award-winning Artist of the Year Casting Crowns performed its new single “Glorious Day” on FOX News Channel’s Huckabee show last weekend (1/8). Governor Huckabee interviewed lead singer and Pastor Mark Hall about the group’s dedication to student and family ministry in Atlanta and the groups’ hit songs and platinum-selling albums. With special guests Huckabee on bass guitar and FOX correspondent Lauren Green on keys, the band debuts its third radio single off its Gold album Until the Whole World Hears.