Rockie Lynne Tops Country Singles Sales Chart

NASHVILLE, TN (Universal South Records) - Nashville's hottest new artist, Rockie Lynne, has claimed the No 1 spot on the Nielsen Soundscan Country Singles Sales Chart this week. In just the second week of commercial release, "Lipstick," Lynne's debut single, ended American Idol Carrie Underwood's 37-week hold on the top spot.

Last week Lynne entered the Singles Sales Chart at No 2, scoring the year's biggest out-of-the-box debut. That was not his first big debut. "Lipstick" was released to radio last fall, scoring the biggest debut for a new artist since Gretchen Wilson's "Redneck Woman" in 2004. A month later, Lynne was named the artist Most Likely to Succeed by the editors of Billboard Radio Monitor, who lauded his "triple-threat talent as a singer, songwriter and guitar whiz," while also praising his "fierce work ethic and telegenic face."
The events leading up to his major label debut unfold like a Hollywood screenplay.

With Minneapolis serving as his home base, the year before he was signed to a record contract, this North Carolina native played over 300 one-nighters in honkytonks, dive bars and clubs, all the while honing his craft as a guitarist, songwriter and live performer.

He wasn't really looking for a record deal. It found him.
A chance meeting in a saloon led to Lynne's self-made CD landing on the desk of Universal Records Executive VP Kevin Law. After one listen, Law knew he had something. He flew Rockie to New York where he was signed on the spot.

In short order, Lynne was sifting through the hundreds of songs that he had written and making a record. Before long he found himself in Nashville, putting the finishing touches on this impressive debut.

Lynne's self-titled debut album, co-produced by Blake Chancey, Kevin Law and Tony Brown, will be released on Universal South Records on May 2, 2006.
Lynne will make his second appearance on The Grand Ole Opry this Friday, March 3rd.