Randy Houser Celebrates First No. 1

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel, co-writers Wendell Mobley and Vicky McGehee, Randy Houser, co-writer Neil Thrasher and BMI’s Bradley Collins.

Randy Houser celebrated his first chart-topping single, “How Country Feels,” with a crowd of friends, family and industry members yesterday (March 11) at Nashville’s Honkytonk Central. BMI’s Bradley Collins welcomed the crowd to the event, which honored songwriters Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher and Vicky McGehee. The track was produced by Derek George.

Broken Bow Records CEO/President Benny Brown commented, “When [manager] Nick [Hartley] brought Randy to Stoney Creek I listened to both albums. You are one of the best vocalists in Nashville. We just had to find the right songs to show that off. Randy is one of the easiest artists to work with. I heard a lot of demos that Derek produced and I believe in giving everyone that first chance. I couldn’t be more pleased with what he brought to the album. This second song we just sent to radio, I’ve told people that in 20 weeks, I believe we will be back here again. I thank [Houser’s wife] Jessa for your support because it is not easy for a wife to share so much of a husband who is home maybe one day a week.”

Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox gave a donation on behalf of the writers to the organization Girls on the Run. Additional presenters during the event included Country Music Association’s Brendan Oliver, Country Radio Broadcaster’s Bradford Hollingsworth and Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton.

Members of the Stoney Creek and Broken Bow Records promotion team also received plaques, including Shelley Hargis, Heather Propper, Abi Durham, Samantha Borenstein, Jen Joe and Chelsey Flick.

Thrasher was quick to give credit to Houser’s vocal on the song. “Randy Houser is a country singer’s country singer,” said Thrasher.

Many of Houser’s family and friends were in attendance, and he made certain to thank them all. He brought his mother and his wife onstage to take part in the celebration. He also thanked Benny Brown, saying, “You are someone I can call and get advice from. I felt secure and they would shoot me strait and I would shoot them straight.” He also thanked Nick Hartley, “I wonder why he didn’t run along to some other hotshot but it showed me you believed in me and whatever talent I brought to the table.” Houser also gave ample credit to the song’s writers. “I’ve been to No. 1 parties but this is the first I’ve gotten to be a part of,” said Houser. “They don’t give parties for No. 2. These writers work their butts off and thank you for letting me cut your wonderful songs. I love this song and I think it could have been a hit for anybody.” He also thanked his “family on the road,” his band members.