Mac Signs record contract.

[ParrotHeadInThe Making]

Mac McAnally Gets Bumps from Kenny, Toby
http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/a ... 5_,00.html

For a guy who's been involved in the recording business for more than 30 years, Mac McAnally seems to only now be gaining long overdue public recognition. On the heels of his duet with Kenny Chesney on "Down The Road," Mac's actually hit the road with Kenny on the Keg In The Closet club tour, and he's signed a new deal with Toby Keith's Show Dog Nashville.

Mac has, of course, been turning heads in the business for years. He's authored such hits as Alabama's "Old Flame" and Ricky Van Shelton's "Crime Of Passion," played on hits by Trisha Yearwood and Steve Wariner, toured as a member of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, and produced singles for Sawyer Brown and Ricky Skaggs.

"There's nobody more respected, at least when it comes to musicians and people who really know this business, than Mac McAnally," Toby says, of the Show Dog deal. "There aren't a lot of guys you put in that category, and I've gotten to work with a few. So getting to be a part of whatever Mac wants to do is an honor for me, and for everyone at the label."

Meanwhile, Mac's earned a little recognition with some sports stars, too. He was on hand when Kenny played Sloppy Joe's Saturday night in Key West, where the audience was stocked with two Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks - Peyton Manning and Jim Sorgi - New Orleans Saints coach Sean Peyton, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach John Gruden and NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Mac joined Kenny on "Down The Road," but the set list featured plenty of covers, too. Among them: Joe Walsh's "Rocky Mountain Way" and Pure Prairie League's "Amie." Mac and Kenny are up for Vocal Event of the Year at the "44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards". Reba McEntire will host the show from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas April 5.

[spartan1979]

We saw Mac last night at Flipperstock. I really enjoyed the stories he told about his songs. He was much more entertaining than I expected.

Thanks, Mac.

[TropicalTroubador]

I hope that Mac can handle touring with Kenny *and* Jimmy.

I've seen Mac play solo as well. He deserves absolutely every good thing that happens to him. A more humble and gentle soul I have seldom seen.

[F1NZUP]

Mac played in Louisville last night with Kenny Chesney. Kenny was a part of a five band act that played at Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium. The place was packed with about 50,000 fans, and about a third of the way into Kenny's set he brought out Mac and they played 'Down the Road'. Mac stayed on stage after the song and finished playing out the rest of Kenny's set.

It was great to see a familiar face on stage. All in all it was pretty cool, and great to see Mac getting more of the exposure he has deservedly earned.

[The Lost Manatee]

You know that Mac is going to be an overnight star after 30 years of hard work. He is the guy that has paid his dues and then some and I'm glad to see that people are starting to discover him.

[ParrotHeadInThe Making]

When I was in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago for the JB show I had the honor to meet Mac. The success that Mac is having honestly could not happen to a more deserving person. He is a very nice person.

[springparrot]

Congratulations Mac!!!

[jsfins]

Saw Mac at a small venue in Herrin, IL two years ago. He is simply an amazing musician and entertainer. Got to meet him at the back corner of the stage and what a humble gentleman he is. Glad to hear about his new contract deal. Way to go Mac!