In the hometown of country music legend Alan Jackson, another star is on the rise; singer/songwriter Julie Thames. Like Newnan, Georgia’s Jackson, she's a natural born musician, writing lyrics that connect her listeners to her music. In 2010 Thames released her first CD, "Say Yes," produced and co-written by Diane Durrett on Blooming Tunes Music, Atlanta, GA. "Say Yes" blends optimistic yet feisty lyrics that inspired critics at the Newnan Herald to write, "The combination leaves listeners yearning for more. Another good working combination is Durrett and Thames. "We think alike about music," Thames remarked. "We talk in our own language (when writing songs)," agreed Durrett.  Thames, now at 17, is recording her second CD with veteran recording artist/producer Durrett. The basic tracks were recorded at  Real to Reel studios and mixed at After Dark Designs. Also performing are Grammy winning drummer Yonrico Scott (Derek Trucks), bassist Ted Pecchio (Susan Tedeschi),  keyboardist Eric Frampton (Paul Simon) and guitarist Markham White.  Julie Thames' first single  "September Rain" now available.   Stay tuned; the full CD to be released in 2012!

Thames was accepted to Nashville’s acclaimed NOISE music camp for teens at Belmont College; she joined Durrett at Atlanta’s premier listening room Eddie’s Attic that same year. Born gifted, she’s also building a strong educational foundation with 8 years on piano, 4 on voice and 6 on guitar. At the Heritage School, Thames enjoyed 3 years of jazz band led by guitarist/instructor Doug Kees. Thames reads and writes music charts in the tradition of a Nashville session player. With a blend of thoughtful lyrics, beautiful melodies and strong vocals, she's having fun blazing her own musical path, “It’s hard not to be happy when you’re singing,” says Thames. Fans and music industry professionals alike are finding it easy to “Say Yes” to Julie Thames: "This girl has such a sweet voice, I think she was born to be a musician. Listen to this one, it's called September Rain." -- Jason Pullman DJ @ the 94.9 The Bull Country Radio.