Apr 22, 2008

Achievement Also Debuts Black River Music Group 

            Nashville, TN (April 21, 2008)--Country stalwart Jeff Bates returns to the chart wars with a bang this week as his new self-titled CD rockets into the No. 32 spot this week on Billboard’s top country albums list.  This achievement gives Bates the second-highest charting new album of the week.  

            Bates’ success is equally good news for the dynamic new independent label, Black River Music Group who signed the artist following his tenure at RCA Records.  There he scored such hits as “The Love Song,” “I Wanna Make You Cry” and “Long Slow Kisses.”  

            Bates’ first single is “Don’t Hate Me for Loving You,” one of 10 songs the singer co-wrote for his 13-cut return collection.  The album, Jeff Bates, is in stores now.  

            Founded in 2007 by Terry and Kim Pegula, Black River Music Group is headed by Jimmy Nichols, who co-produced Bates’ album with Kenny Beard and Mickey Jack Cones.