At a press conference held at the Kentucky State Capital on January 31, Governor Steve Beshear, Country Music Highway committee members, TourSEKY members and Country Music Hall of Fame Member Tom T. Hall announced the launch of two initiatives designed to attract attention to Eastern Kentucky’s famed “Country Music Highway” (U.S. Route 23), which has given rise to a remarkable number of country artists such as Loretta Lynn, Ricky Skaggs, The Judds, Billy Ray Cyrus, Patty Loveless, Tom T. Hall and many more. These initiatives are a talent competition called the “Country Music Highway Road to Fame” and the “Country Music Highway Arts Education Fund,” which will provide funding and educational opportunities to cash-strapped music and arts programs for schools in the area.

This Wednesday, February 15, Kentucky-raised Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry of the duo Montgomery Gentry (whose hometown-proud hit “Where I Come From” is currently headed to the top of the music charts) will deliver a special message via video. Country Music Hall of Fame member Tom T. Hall will make a rare “homecoming” appearance in support of the initiative. Hall, who was born and began his long career as a singer and songwriter along the Country Music Highway, will join the Country Music Highway Committee in revealing the dates and locations of the four initial open auditions.

This will set in motion the Road to Fame competition designed to find the next generation of country stars from along the Highway. Details of the qualifying rounds, semi-final rounds and the grand final competition will also be revealed, as well as the age and residency eligibility rules and how to register as a contestant. The winner of the competition will receive a scholarship to participate in career development and coaching under the direction of PCG Nashville valued at $25,000, among other prizes.

Country Music Highway committee members will also recognize the first cash donation made to the Country Music Road to Fame Arts Education Fund and will introduce the panel of judges who will be responsible for adjudicating the competition.

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