CMT’S “UNSUNG STORIES” EXPLORES A FELON’S ROAD TO REDEMPTION
05/23/06
An Ohio Man’s Story of Sin and Redemption Inspires Two Nashville Songwriters to Pen a Song In His Name
NASHVILLE – May 23, 2006 – In CMT’s UNSUNG STORIES, real life stories are taken straight from the headlines and given new life by way of country music’s greatest songwriters. This week’s episode, premiering Friday, June 2 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, features Nashville songwriters Brett James and Bill Luther, who bring a former convict to tears with a soulful tribute that makes you want to stand up and shout “I’ve triumphed, I’ve won, and I’m free.”
By the time Tom Miller was 37, he had 36 felonies to his name. After spending time in a maximum security prison, Miller knew what it felt like to lose his faith. Within the pages of a stolen Bible he found forgiveness and his faith was restored. Determined to change his life around, Miller went from being convicted for organized crime to working as a prison minister traveling the country attempting to bring hope to thousands of prisoners. Songwriters James and Luther captured Miller’s ‘sin and redemption’ in the gospel-flavored song, “Heed the Call,” which explores how Miller found the strength that helped him get back on his feet and pursue the mission to help others.
Brett James had more singles on Billboard’s Top 40 country singles chart in 2001 than any other songwriter. In the past five years, he’s had over 150 of his songs recorded by major label artists and has had multiple hit singles, including Carrie Underwood (“Jesus Take The Wheel”), Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker (“When the Sun Goes Down”), Jessica Andrews (“Who I Am”), and Martina McBride (“Blessed”). In addition to songwriting, James works in production and artist development.
Bill Luther was named Billboard’s No. 2 Country Writer of the Year in 2000. That year he had two top five country singles – Kenny Chesney ("What I Need To Do") and a country/pop crossover for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill ("Let's Make Love"). In 2001, Luther co-wrote four songs on McGraw’s platinum, CMA nominated Album of the Year, Set This Circus Down. His latest hit is Chesney's No. 2 single "Who You'd Be Today".
CMT, America’s No. 1 country music network, carries original programming, specials, and live concerts and events, as well as a mix of videos by established country music artists and new cutting-edge acts, including world premiere exclusive videos. Founded March 6, 1983, CMT, owned and operated by MTV Networks, reaches more than 82.5 million households in the United States. Go to country music’s biggest web site at www.cmt.com.
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PRESS CONTACTS:
Cindy McLean 615-335-8404 cindy.mclean@cmt.com
Lisa Chader 615-335-8405 lisa.chader@cmt.com
