Nashville, TN. (Jeff Bates Official Website) - The release of Jeff Bates' new album, Leave The
Light On, earns the country crooner his highest scanning debut at No 12 on the Billboard Country Album Chart. With 19,043 copies sold in the first week, Leave The
Light On, more than doubled the first week sales of his critically acclaimed debut album,
Rainbow Man.
The Chicago Tribune writes, 'With the release of his sincere, sexy and emotionally honest new CD Leave the Light On, Bates solidifies his standing as one of the important new voices in country music.'
'What separates Bates from the rest of the blue-jeaned pack is his resonant baritone - with sexy spoken interludes that make him the country Barry White...,' states the Los Angeles Times.
The 12-track collection focuses on the good things that happen when people open up to each other. Bates, who co-wrote several tracks, was looking for emotional songs that talk about truly connecting, especially in love. Working with co-producers Kenny Beard and Blake Chancey, Bates crafted an album that looks at relationships from all levels.
Bates' new single 'One Second Chance' will hit radio in May. The song, about a man who has gone to jail and is seeking forgiveness and a second chance in life, is a story that is close to Bates' heart. Having a personal history of drug addiction and jail time, he shares his own story of his personal struggles and the forgiveness he received from everyone in his own life. Bates has received countless standing ovations during his live show after performing the song, including a recent standing ovation at the Grand Ole Opry.
Bates has acquired a dedicated and passionate fan-base calling themselves, Women (and Men) On A Mission, named after a line in the Rainbow Man track 'Lovin' Like That.' They most recently started a program to send care packages to soldiers in Iraq, Operation Circle of Love, after another Rainbow Man lyric, this time from the Top 10 'The Love Song.'
Named by USA Today as 'The Next Big Thing,' Bates was also chosen as one of the hot new artists in country music to perform at the 2006 New Faces Show at this year's Country Radio Seminar (CRS). Bates who has been hosting several shows on GAC this month, will be hosting one more weekend of Positively GAC on April 23.
