A Faster Train

BIOGRAPHIES – A COUNTRY AND CHRISTIAN COLLECTION
These 6 artists have selected songs from their albums.

GEORGE HAMILTON IV

George is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and has recorded country, rock, folk, and Christian and gospel songs. He has many hit records to his credit, including the million sellers: “Abilene” and “A Rose And A Baby Ruth.”
In addition to his enduring popularity in the United States, his unique talent, Christian values, friendly and gentle personality have made him a highly popular stage performer and recording artist in many countries, including Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. He is widely known as “The Ambassador Of Country Music (and has been named as such by Billboard Magazine). George has been a frequent guest singer with the Dr. Billy Graham Crusades. He lives his faith. Without fanfare, he visits hospitals and schools to encourage young and old, alike.
In late 2006, George was honored in London, England, for his “Considerable work in bringing Country Music to International audiences, including ground-breaking work in Russia and other Eastern countries in the 1970s when he became the first to take Country Music behind the Iron Curtain”.
These songs by George are selected from his recent and popular album from RGO Records, “Songs Of Faith And Inspiration. “ George said of that album. “This album could easily have been titled, ‘George IV Sings the Roy G. “Jack” Ownbey Songbook, since most of the songs were written or co-written by my friend, Roy G. “Jack” Ownbey. (Jack is also the co-writer of the award-winning book, The Hank Snow Story). Jack and his co-writers pen lyrics with a message – songs that ‘touch the heartstrings’ – positive songs of faith and inspiration! Many of these songs have already become personal favorites of mine and will, I’m sure, someday become country-gospel standards. It was a joy, a privilege, and a blessing to be involved in this project. I’m grateful to Jack for inspiring me and strengthening my faith with his gift of song, as I’m sure you, the listener, will be, too!”
George IV
George recorded a popular album of 18 Christian and Gospel songs and released on RGO Records entitled, Songs of Faith And Inspiration, and available at CD Baby and other websites.
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RAY ST. GERMAIN

Ray is from Canada and is one of the most talented artists you will ever hear. Over the years he has excelled in many genres of music and has enjoyed world fame for his artistry. Ray’s songs in this album are selected from, There’s No Love Like Our Love, a popular country album produced by Gary Buck.
Here are A few highlights from Ray’s magical career. To learn and appreciate his music, check out his biography on his official website. There are a lot of details that you will enjoy and, in most likely, will want to check out some of his songs listed in his extensive discography. His music is also available on CD Baby and his website.
Talented teenager performed all over Canada
Early 20s he was as a regular on radio, stage and national television
He wrote, produced, performed and hosted his own long term national television show
Appeared on stage with many of the Canadian and American most popular country music artists
Received awards for recording, television, and stage shows and recognized for outstanding achievements.
Charismatic stage performer
Inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame
Manitoba Aboriginal Music Hall of Fame
Recording Artist of the Year
Song OF The Year
Male vocalist of the Year
Entertainer of the year
Legends of Winnipeg Fan Award
One of the most popular artists
Family of likewise performers
Wrote his biography
Family members of likewise performers
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GARY BUCK

Gary has recorded several albums and are available on websites. Gary’s last recorded album is his Country Gospel one, Don’t Be Standing On The Outside. Here are liner notes by two giants in all of country music.
Larry Delaney of Country Music News describes Gary as “One of Canada’s most prolific recording artists and performers,” but Gary is much more than that. He has served several terms as an International Board Member of the Country Music Association in Nashville and as a publishing exec with Beechwood Music of Canada. He was instrumental in the chart success of hit records Snowbird, Put Your Hand in the Hand and Countrified, among many others.
In recent years, Gary has turned his attentions to record production and in my opinion - he’s a great one! I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Gary in the studio as he produced two of my favorite album projects – Canadian Country Gold and High Country.
Larry Delaney
I was recently on tour with Gary and his band out in Alberta, Canada, and he lent me an advance copy of his gospel album to listen to in my rental car while on the road. I found myself listening to it over and over again, and I’ve really been blessed by the songs and by Gary’s interpretation. To my knowledge, this is Gary’s first Gospel album, and it’s a mighty fine one indeed! Long overdue and much appreciated by yours truly. I heartily recommend this inspiring and uplifting package of songs of faith by my friend Gary Buck, one of Canada’s true Country Gentlemen and a worthy new addition to the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame.
Warmest regards,
George Hamilton IV
Gary Buck produced several popular albums for RGO Records.
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RAY SANDERS
In 1981 Ray, who already had Billboard Hit Recordings for United Artists Records and was voted Best New Country Music Singer by the Academy of Country Music, moved from LosAngeles to San Diego to work with Rick Carlson. Rick was a talented singer, lead guitarist and keyboard player. Rick and Ray formed a five piece band and played at top night clubs. They recorded and wrote songs and, for over five years, became the most popular country band in the San Diego area.
During those years, Ray and Rick co-wrote and worked with many songwriters and recorded demos for them in Rick's recording studio. A new and talented songwriter, Roy Ownbey (later Roy wrote the Award Winning, The Hank Snow Story), hooked up with Rick and Ray and that friendship has lasted to this day. Many early evenings Roy and Ray would be hard at work writing songs in Roy's music room and sharing a hot pizza. Roy gives sincere credit for his development as a songwriter to Ray’s direction and influence. With all their music activity and all the good food, it's a miracle that they stayed so thin! I guess Roy's tennis playing and Ray's weight lifting paid off.
These songs were selected from Ray’s album, “I’ll Be Loving You Tonight.” This CD represents the collaboration of these dedicated friends to country music. If you check his recent album, give a listen and download any that touches your heart. Enjoy a part of history in this country music. In the view of Rick, Ray and Roy, those five years represent for them A TIME THAT WILL NEVER BE AGAIN.
Writer: The Fly On The Wall
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MITCH SNOW

MITCH is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician, actor, producer, and engineer and has been working professionally since the age of 12, when he first performed with his father and teacher, Jim Snow. Since that time, Mitch has captivated diverse audiences from Las Vegas to Saudi Arabia, Canada to Florida. He has performed as Hank Williams in the play "Lost Highways" to great reviews at the Barn Dinner Theater. He has opened for more than 40 national acts, including Marty Robbins, Tracy Byrd, Ronnie Millsap, Gene Watson, Joe Diffie and Billy "Crash" Craddock, to name a few.
If experience is the best teacher, Mitch has graduated from the right school. He owns and operates Mitch Snow Productions, where he produces and engineers sound tracks for songwriters and artists of various styles. He has also appeared on recordings by several top name artists in country music, and he sometimes performs for private and/or corporate venues. Also, he has the facility and expertise to record and design complete albums for commercial release. Additionally, he has written, produced and appeared in television advertisements.
Mitch also stays busy with live concert performances, and has played on many records of various artists. For some projects, he provides all the instruments and vocals on recorded tracks. A normal day's work on stage or in the studio might include Mitch playing the acoustic rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, piano, pedal steel, dobro and occasionally even a sax line. His performances may be solo or with a band depending on the occasion. He is an accomplished and seasoned musician.
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The following comments are from Linne Black, NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International)
Mitch Snow is no ordinary singer-songwriter, nor is he an ordinary musician. It is evident that he was born into a realm above the simple talents of most. Nothing about him is ordinary! With his quiet smile and thoughtful, non-assuming manner, he might be mistaken for anyone but the explosive performer he’s known for. However, when he takes the stage and the lights go down, it is quickly discovered why the house is packed to standing-room-only! His vocals rival anyone heard on the radio and he is totally in command of the stage. With his guitar and harmonicas, he keeps the crowd rocking and riveted in awe of his musical abilities!
Linne Black
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Mitch has recorded several albums for RGO Records. These many and popular albums are available at CD Baby and other websites.

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STEVE HILL

The question people most often ask me is, “How do you make it in the music business?” “Where does true success lie in this competitive world?” My answer – “It all begins with a great song. Country music has never been more popular and it is fans like you who keep it going strong. I’ve been fortunate to entertain people from all corners of the globe and there’s one common tie that unites all hearts – good music and great songs.
“I hope you enjoy “A Winning Hand.” There’s something here for everyone – whether you like down home country, gospel, dance music, comedy – it’s all here! Variety is really the spice of life.
“Thanks for your support throughout the years. Many folks come back to Nashville again and again and believe me, that means the most.
“I’ll see you at the palace.”
Love, Steve

The above notes are Steve’s copied from his album, A Winning Hand. This album is still available at CD Baby and other websites
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