Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and 650 AM-WSM Continue the Tradition to Highlight Country Music Newcomers and The Legends

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Tootsie's Orchid Lounge) - Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and 650 AM-WSM announced the winners of the 'From Tootsies to the Ryman' songwriting competition. The grand prizewinners of the summer long competition were announced at the finals show held at the Ford Theater (in the Country Music Hall of Fame) on September 21. JR & Misty & The Roadkill Choir were awarded the opening performance slot at the 650 AM-WSM 80th Anniversary Listener Appreciation Concert scheduled to be held at the Ryman Auditorium on Friday, October 21. JR & Misty & The Roadkill Choir will open for Catherine Britt (RCA), John Stone (Tootsie's Records) and the legendary Ray Price.

Tootsie's recording artist John Stone, who will perform at the grand finale, understands the significance of this recognition firsthand. Stone played at Tootsie's on a regular basis; he impressed the owners of the World Famous honky tonk and landed a record deal. 'I'm more than proud to participate in this event. 'From Tootsies to the Ryman' offered singers and songwriters just like me the opportunity to demonstrate their talents to country music fans and the industry,' said Stone, Tootsie's Records flagship artist and active spokesperson for the event. 'Better still, this competition is in keeping with the age-old Tootsie's tradition of opening its doors to young artists with a dream and the hope to make an impression. Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, Kris Kristofferson, Terri Clark, and I all started out at Tootsie's. It's a great place for these folks to begin and the Ryman is the perfect stage to finish!'

Named after the days when the stars used to walk down the alley between the Grand Ole Opry and Tootsie's, 'From Tootsie's To The Ryman' received more than 1,000 entries. Sixteen hopefuls were chosen to compete in the contest. Judging criteria encompassed originality, lyrics, melody and composition of their chosen material. The finalists were: JR & Misty & The Roadkill Choir, The Whiskey Trippers, Buck Jones and Janny Hershey.

Tickets to the 650 AM WSM 80th Anniversary Listener Appreciation Concert can be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, the Ryman Box Office or the Opry Box Office.