Carrie Cunningham

Artist Information

Biography

“Classically Trained Country Crooner”. This is what Carrie Cunningham has become to be known as. With not a lot to do in a small Nebraska town, Carries love for singing began at an early age watching and imitating “Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters Show”. Carrie loved to watch the way Barbara and her Sisters used the stage and performed; they are the influences which helped Carrie discover her passion to become an entertainer. Although her parents loved the Midwest, they believed the Northwest would increase their chances of having successful careers. Feeling out of place and insecure, Carrie’s teacher suggested she join the middle school Acappella and Jazz Choirs. Carrie soon found comfort and felt a sense of belonging. Carrie started to build her confidence and began performing solos to packed gymnasiums. Although Carrie was singing Classical and Jazz music in school, she found comfort at home listening to Alabama, Patsy Cline, Jim Croce, while listening to a few new pop/rock sounds of Damn Yankees and Aerosmith. During High School Carrie’s vocal talents developed tremendously and earned her a seat for All-State and All-Northwest Choirs. Because of the four to eight part harmonies Carrie’s ear was now use to, she began to listen a little more closely to pop culture and Motown. “The Mamas and The Papas” and “The Supremes” were the main source of ear candy for Carrie with a few bands off the radio. Wanting to find her place in music, Carrie began to focus on the music that really brought her back to her roots of Nebraska. In this moment of her life, Reba McEntire exploded onto the Country Charts. Carrie knew her life was going to revolve around country from that day forward. She entered her first country singing competition in Spokane, WA at the age of 19 and took 4th. Singing in college choir and taking private vocal lessons helped Carrie take home 1st place at the 100th Anniversary Eagles Auxillary National Talent Competition a few years later. Once College was over, Carrie joined the Spokane Symphony Choral in order for her to maintain her vocal strength. She ended up staying for five years.

Carrie started dabbing into songwriting in 1996 after being a part of many different cover bands from blues and classic rock to a performing songwriting Duo for two years. She found that singing other peoples songs paid the bills, but were not personally satisfying. In 2003 Carrie sang background vocals for a Seattle country band where in 2004 after months of their begging, she agreed to join the band as a part front man. Carrie found there were moral confrontations and was not going to sacrifice what she believed in for a cover band so she ended the relationship. Within Two weeks, Divulge Records signed Carrie to a recording deal. Branching out for the first time as a solo performer and Nashville Songwriters Association member in late 2006, Carrie has spent the years playing benefit concerts and touching people worldwide with her heartfelt lyrics and has shared the stage with numerous national acts such as: The Bellamy Brothers, Mark Wills, Rich McCready, Sugarland, Keith Anderson, Jake Owen and Heidi Newfield. Currently, the song Smile Again -from her debut solo album Honeysweet- is becoming a staple theme song for various organizations and podcasts such as the Vanished Children’s Alliance and Emergency 911.

With years of performing experience, Carrie religiously draws the audience into a wondrous musical experience that has them walking away certain that they have just witnessed a rising entertainer on her way to stardom. Where and when will she be appearing next is always a bombarding question that comes Carrie’s way. With her physique, her stage presence the uncanny vocal resemblance of Linda Rondstandt meets Patsy Cline, it’s clear why Carrie Cunningham’s popularity is spreading like wildfire from the Northwest regions of the U.S. to scores of locations around the globe!

The past two years, Carrie has formed the Band Carrie Cunningham & the Six Shooters and has deserved the position of the Portland chapter President for NSAI(Nashville Songwriters Association International).

Carrie embodies all things country from her look to singing and from her style and performances to the way she lives her life; Carrie Cunningham is the perfect Country Singer/Songwriter.

A few stars Carrie Cunningham has opened for
Heidi Newfield (Trick Pony), Mark Wills, Keith Anderson, Sugarland, The Bellamy Brothers, Ryan Shupe

Airplay
European Charts at various times
"You Lose This Time" #19 Overall
#1 in Belgium, #4 in Ireland,
#9 in Austria, #10 in Norway
"The Single Life" #23 in Italy,
#23 in Norway, #9 in Malta,
#37 in United Kingdom,
"Smile Again" #8 in Norway, #23 in Sweden

Press/Community Appearances sample
Positively Entertainment October Cover
Positively Entertainment July Issue
Vancouver Rodeo
Woofstock 09
St Paul Rodeo Princess Coronation
CAMEO Auction
GirlScouts of America
Positively Entertainment Article Dec 18th.
Japanese American Memorial Dedication
"Tough Enough" Breast Cancer Benefit
Portland Ch. 12 - Delta Music Exp.
Sang an introduction to Blues Festival
Race for the Cure
Back Porch Show
KFIR Radio
Good Morning Northwest KXLY Ch. 4 Spokane
City of Hubbard Gazette
National Anthems
Various Rodeos
Back Porch Show
Southern Idaho Living Magazine
NW Women Magazine
Good Morning Northwest KXLY Ch. 4 Spokane
The Volcano Weekly – Band in a Box
National Anthems
ESPN2 Boxing
Showbox Boxing
"It was great she was able to enhance the event." 99.5 The Wolf Portland - Carrie Underwood Pre-Party

“The easiest review I’ve ever had, five stars out of five. You have a beautiful career ahead of you.” The Bald Guy CD Review

“We will be spinning this record for quite some time” The Havenstad – Netherlands

“Carrie Cunningham couldn’t be any sweeter if she was raised on the “Happy Days” set by a TV family of the same name. Like most overnight success stories, hers took many years of hard work, a few detours and a lot of homework.” The Weekly Valcano – Tacoma

The audience was thrilled, commenting to me on her voice and what a great show it was for the 4th of July. I especially enjoyed her original songs. Carrie was able to share more of her own personality not just be a cookie cutter of known and loved artists. The whole show was very accessible and personal. Every member of the audience felt she was singing to them. - Kristen Aspen- Tualatin Concert on the Commons Concert Series

“Your lyrical writing rivals your amazing voice. Pure songs that leave some mystery and invoke distinct, vivid imagery. Keep up the Good Work”.
-Brad Douma, KXLY News 4, Spokane, Wa

I recognize the real deal. Carrie is a great talent, but she is also a wonderful and kind- hearted person who gives her time to all her fans. Remember the name Carrie Cunningham! “ Garret, President / 3 Crowns Production


“You sound GREAT!!!! I really like the music and you know I'm a Rocker, so you blew me away!” Billy Blast Drums, Orange, Ca


“Carrie Cunningham serves up a varied platter of great self-penned songs on this debut. The recording is crystal clear, and the backing musicians do a stellar job of adding color and shape to these tunes; but the real standout is Cunningham's wonderful voice--alternately tough and tender, adding just the right amount of control and nuance to the heartfelt lyrics. An outstanding effort all around.” Website review


“Very few have a voice as flawless as yours. Sure there are other great singers
and you are in their league. I could spend all day talking about how great your music is and still couldn't say enough. Keep up the hard work!
If there’s anyone on their way to the top it's you. Wish you all the luck in the world.”
Keenan, Alabama


Accolades and Memberships
-Portland Chapter President for Nashville Songwriters Association International
- The Single Life – Theme Song for Podcast “Getting Single”
- Smile Again – Theme song for Podcasts Emergency 911 and Vanished Children’s Alliance
- 100th Eagles Auxiliary Singing Competition Winner
- Runner-up KUPL Country Idol
- ASCAP Member
- Portland Songwriters Member
- Oregon and Washington Fairs Association Member
- Sponsored by Shaka Sound

Instrumentation

Derek Boone - Drums and Vocals.
Kevin Neil - Guitar and Vocals.
Travers Kiley - keyboard, Vocals and Guitar
Blaine Moody - Bass and Vocals
Carrie Cunningham - Vocals
Gary Lapado - Vocals, Guitar, Pedal Steel

Discography

Discography
2006 Carrie Cunningahm - Honey Sweet
2008 Paul Brownlow - The Road Is Waiting - Duet on “I Could Fall”
2008 Triplestrand Productions Compilation CD’s (February and July)
2004 Latigo Lace - Backing Vocals
2002 Mirror Image - Through the Glass - Singer/Songwriter

Links

• MySpace
• Facebook
• Twitter

Audio

• Single Life
  Listen  
• You Lose this Time
  Listen  
• Fifteen Dollars
  Listen  
• Smile Again
  Listen  
• What we do for love
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Single Life
• You lose this time
• Smile Again
• Just Because
• What we do for Love

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Carrie Cunnningham and Friends Local Musicians throw benefit for Nashville [+ Show ]
  

  Carrie Cunningham and husband Tim Bishop hosted the Nashville Benefit Concert at The Old Church down...Carrie Cunningham and husband Tim Bishop hosted the Nashville Benefit Concert at The Old Church downtown Portland. The money raised will go toward Nashville musicians who lost their instruments in the flash flood in May. A dinner was provided, the profits also going towards the benefit. Then, a movie of the devastating flood was shown, followed by a fantastic lineup of musicians donating their time for the event.
  
  The Old Church was a great pick with its old fine architecture and character for this event. The dinner was served in a great room with high ceilings and old pictures of Portland adorning the walls. The food was exquisite, barbequed pork and chicken served with cole slaw, beer and pop. Here, musicians, audience and friends had a chance to mingle and talk.
  
  Afterwards, a movie was shown of the devastating flash flood. The pictures showed the true impact of this flood. Cars on the freeway were submerged in water, peoples’ homes swept away and lives lost.
  
  Many great musicians helped with the event donating their time. They put on a superb show. The lineup consisted of Patrick Lamb, Dan Lowe, Travis Dow, Bobby Torres, Tom Mann, Freeman Belmont, Carrie Cunningham, Dan’l McIlhenny, Ellen Whyte and Jean Pierre Garau. Many other fine performers rounded out the evening. Each musician offered two songs, spectacular originals. On the third set, offered their talents as well.
  
  Carrie Cunningham and Tim Bishop did a wonderful job putting this event together. Cunningham is noted for her charitable work and this was another great cause she supported. Thank you Carrie! (See ad and Bandstand for band schedule.)

• Countdown begins to the opening night of the 2010 Washington Park Summer Festival on Thursday, August 5 [+ Show ]
  

  CARRIE CUNNINGHAM & THE SIX SHOOTERS Vivacious, magnetic singer-songwriter Carrie Cunningham wi... CARRIE CUNNINGHAM & THE SIX SHOOTERS
  
  Vivacious, magnetic singer-songwriter Carrie Cunningham will make you a fan in less than two hours. Her high-energy brand of down home country can range from bluegrass to alt country to western swing and keep people of all ages dancing.
  
  

• Bright, country singer/writer winds road to stardom [+ Show ]
  

  Carrie Cunningham Bright, country singer/writer winds road to stardom By Brad Morley Carrie Cu...Carrie Cunningham
  Bright, country singer/writer winds road to stardom
  By Brad Morley
  
  Carrie Cunningham (center) and NSAI Training Workshop Grads
  
  The Northwest is home to a rising star; Carrie Cunningham is a bright young country singer/songwriter working her way though the winding road to stardom. She plays the Portland music scene, as well as consistent efforts in Nashville. Signed to Divulge Records, she is packaged well with a new CD available and a glossy press kit
  Cunningham and her band the Six Shooter Six play a nice combination of pop country singles, blended with their own originals. Like most good artists, the band comes alive when playing original songs. The songs are very consistent in style and merit that will serve Cunningham well. This young lady and her surrounding band of journeyman players are well on their way.
  Cunningham found her influences in Patsy Cline, Jim Croce and Alabama, starting her music career in middle school singing in the Jazz choir. Cunningham developed her talents as both a singer and performer singing in allstate choirs and all northwest choirs in high school, She found a guiding light in Reba McEntire. Cunningham entered her first country singing competition in Spokane and took fourth place at the young age of 19.
  Stage-right guitarist Tim Rooney is the guitar wizard every country band needs, moving from one instrument to another effortlessly. During one set, the parade of beautiful fretted instruments is a show in itself. This musician mastered his skills long ago and knows how to be right where he needs to be as a player as well as a performer. Seeing Rooney ply his craft is worth the price of admission alone.
  However, Rooney is not alone; the stage is full of pro players at all stops. Jeff Mongo Knapp, pounds out the drums. Knapp has learned his trade working with Johnny Limbo for 26 years, His playing and overall performance lend a great backbeat to this band. He also acts as part of the show with a good joke now and then. Knapp will be the first to tell you he has the best seat in the house.
  Blaine Moody lays down the bass. The original player in the successful local band Quarterflash and previous to that, Seafood Mama, Moody has plenty of stage time under his belt. He moves through his duties with ease and has a strong warm bass tone. His vocal work is a welcome addition to the live performance, as Moody does a great Johnny Cash.
  On pedal steel, Dale Granstrom brings the sounds of the islands to life as he works his magic. Granstrom earned his own money to purchase his first six-string lap guitar at the young age of 14, throwing papers as a young boy. He is self-taught and is having so much fun playing in the Six Shooter Six, you can?t help but have a good time watching him.
  Last but far from least, Kenney Heinz became the second guitarist a short three months ago. His talent lets him blend in with this band as if he had been there from the start. Originally from California, Heinz has performed his whole life and it shows. He plays solid guitar and sings with ease, giving the band's live performance yet another lead vocalist to add variety and color.
  Cunningham is getting around town and around the globe with some of her songs rising to #1 in Belgium, #4 in Ireland, as tallied by the ECMA charts. Recently performing on Good Morning Northwest and making radio station appearances, she is doing the hard work to realize her goals.
  You can find out more info on the band at Myspace.com/carriecunninghammusic. Band business and booking are handled through her record company Divulge Records. For info, contact Tim Bishop at 206-854-8794. (See ad and Bandstand for performing schedule.)
  Cunningham seeks local
  songwriters for Portland NSAI chapter
  Carrie Cunningham of Vancouver, Wash. recently participated in a national songwriter's chapter, sponsored by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) in Nashville, Tenn. During NSAI's Regional Coordinator Training workshop, Carrie received instruction on how to effectively establish and direct a songwriting workshop, and is now looking for local songwriters to join the Portland NSAI chapter.
  Cunningham is one of over 200 volunteer coordinators selected by NSAI to direct more than 110 regional songwriting chapters located in the United States, Canada, England, Australia, Sweden and New Zealand. The Portland NSAI Chapter meets at the Grant house/The Club on Officer's Row in Vancouver, Wash. on the second Tuesday of each month and provides local songwriters with the opportunity to improve their skills, learn more about the music industry, evaluate songs and network with one another on a regular basis. Contact Cunningham at 509-230-5473 for more information on the local chapter.
  Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is a not-for-profit trade association devoted to the service of songwriters. Established in 1967 by professional songwriters in Nashville, NSAI now numbers more than 5,000 members worldwide. NSAI exists to provide information and guidance on the songwriting process, to provide opportunities for aspiring songwriters to learn from music industry professionals, and to lobby for songwriter rights in Washington, D.C. For more information on NSAI, call Trish Mathews, National Chapters Director, at (615) 256-3354. Or view more information on the chapter program at NSAI's website at www.nashvillesongwriters.com.

• Talented Carrie Cunningham presents [+ Show ]
  

  Talented Carrie Cunningham presents fresh, new vocal talent in country vein By: Keith Robert Laur...Talented Carrie Cunningham presents
  fresh, new vocal talent in country vein
  By: Keith Robert Laurent
  
  There is a new, fresh voice issuing from the Pacific Northwest. Carrie Cunningham is her name; watch for her to become familiar.
  
  Cunningham is a vocally-seasoned talent who has worked at her craft for quite some time. Moving from Nebraska to the State of Washington when she was 10 years old, Cunningham was already enamored with vocal performance. After spending years watching and imitating her favorite singers, it seemed natural to continue her pursuit of music.
  Once relocated and amidst a new collective of people, Cunningham found solace in the middle school a cappella and jazz choirs to which her teacher directed her. She continued her choir work in high school and was rewarded with a seat in the All-State and All-Northwest choirs.
  Cunningham listened passionately to all styles of music growing up but, something seemed to draw her back to her musical roots of Nebraska. She remembers spending many of those days listening to, dancing to and imitating country music stars such as Barbara Mandrell. With Reba McEntire exploding on the scene, Cunningham knew that country music was in her blood. She pursued that instinct and entered country music competitions at the age of 19.
  Continuing her education, Cunningham also participated in her college choir and took private vocal lessons. This effort was rewarded when she took home 1st place at the 100th Anniversary Eagles Auxiliary National Talent Competition. After college, she continued to pursue her vocal work, joining the Spokane Symphony Choral Group.
  Cunningham spent years developing her voice by participating in many different forms of musical entertainment from cover bands to a songwriting duo. She continued to work on her song-writing skills. When she resigned from a Seattle-based country band she had been performing with, Divulge Records contacted Cunningham. The company offered her a recording contract and in 2007, Cunningham released her debut solo album, Honeysweet. Cunningham, a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association, has had numerous opportunities to perform for and along with some of the current country music stars.
  The album Honeysweet is a collection of Cunningham's lyrics and vocal and musical styles. She has created a strong, yet gentle, voice to blend with her thoughtful lyrics. One song from the album, Smile Again, is becoming a theme song for such groups as Vanished Children's Alliance and Emergency 911.
  At a pre-concert event at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore., Cunningham and guitarist Tim Rooney arrived on stage. Cunningham immediately took command with her energy and beautiful vocal work. She captured the audience, performing acoustic versions of songs from her album, as well as a few cover songs. Cunningham can also be found performing with her band, The Six Shooter Five.
  This talented vocalist performs many benefit concerts each year and will warm your heart. Keep your eyes and ears open for the fresh new voice of Carrie Cunningham. For more information, or to listen to her music, check out www.carrielive.com

• THE BALD GUY SHOW CD REVIEW [+ Show ]
  

  Carrie Cunningham ~ Honeysweet The Bald Guy Show Review - Quotes April 4 2007 Very p...Carrie Cunningham ~ Honeysweet
  The Bald Guy Show Review - Quotes
  April 4 2007
  
  Very pretty young thing
  
  Perfect for a country CD
  
  No she’s not Richie’s little sister folks, so don’t even go there
  
  Let me tell ya, I enjoyed it a lot…ultra clear…I love it when you can put a CD in and listen to it…without all sorts of garbage coming through the CD
  
  What can you say, she’s got a voice, and she can sing I enjoyed it very much
  
  It is a breath of fresh air in a rock and roll world
  
  Wow! Let me tell ya that was awesome, that was absolutely awesome!
  What a voice, what a voice, crystal clear and power like you wouldn’t believe.
  
  The arranging of the songs…everything was just perfect.
  
  The whole experience filling up your eardrums with music that attacks every different level of hearing. Incredible!
  
  A silky voice that opens it all wide like a field of grass in the spring
  
  Beautiful songs
  
  That is what music is all about
  
  The clarity of the CD is incredible and that makes it all worth listening to.
  
  Put shivers up and down my spine
  
  I’m hoping she’s getting a lot of airplay because you know what, that other Carrie the one you saw on Idol has nothing on her. Cunningham is awesome.
  
  Put together perfectly! Wow! An incredible CD.
  
  Well produced, well put out. This CD should be popping up on the country charts moving up into the number one area.
  
  If radio’s not playing this then they are missing the boat..
  
  This CD kicks butt and I’m telling you it will make it to the top!
  
  Oh man! It was fun, it was great…way to go Carrie Cunningham, and you put the biggest smile on my face and ended it perfect that was beautiful.
  
  The easiest review I’ve ever had, five stars out of five. You have a beautiful career ahead of you.
  
  

• KXLY [+ Show ]
  

  “Carrie’s lyrical writing rivals her amazing voice…pure songs that leave some mystery and invoke dis...“Carrie’s lyrical writing rivals her amazing voice…pure songs that leave some mystery and invoke distinct, vivid imagery!”
  - KXLY Ch. 4 - Spokane
  

• 3 CROWNS PRODUCTION [+ Show ]
  

  “Carrie Cunningham is an extremely talented entertainer. Her contemporary sound combines the styles...“Carrie Cunningham is an extremely talented entertainer. Her contemporary sound combines the styles of current award winning female vocalists with the spice of the classic old school greats that country fans of all ages have come to know and love. Her writing embodies the characteristics of life experience that country music is known for. I enjoy Carrie's live performances every time I see her and witness the crowds as she commands attention with all her songs as well when she covers a classic. As a producer, promoter and songwriter, I recognize the real deal. Carrie is a great talent, but she is also a wonderful and kind- hearted person who gives her time to all her fans. Remember the name Carrie Cunningham! “ Garret, President / 3 Crowns Production

Setlist

Carrie Cunningham's shows range from acoustic to full band and are from 2-4hrs. She has a song list of approximately 100 songs; here is a sample of her selections:

Sample song list…..

COUNTRY
Little white church Little Big Town
Turn on the radio Reba
Wrong baby wrong Martina McBride
Our Kind of Love Lady Antebellum
Gunpowder and Lead Miranda Lambert
White Liar Miranda Lambert
It happens Sugarland
Redneck woman Gretchen Wilson
Here for the party Gretchen Wilson
Good as I once was Toby Keith
Suds in the bucket Sara Evans
Mountain Music Alabama
Lovin all Night Patty Loveless
Baby Girl Sugarland
Six Days on the Road Sawyer Brown
Good Time Alan Jackson
Boot Scootin Boogie Brooks and Dunn
Rock My world Brooks and Dunn
The Fireman George Strait
Why don't we just dance Josh Turner
I hope you Dance Lee Ann Womack
Fightin Side of Me Merle Haggard
Jolene Dolly Parton
Wagon Wheel Old Crow Medicine Show
Cheap Whiskey Patty Loveless
Timber, I'm fallen in love Patty Loveless
Lovin all night Patty Loveless
It's Alright Trisha Yearwood
Orange Blossom Special Ervin Rouse
Jambalaya Hank Williams

CLASSIC ROCK
Amie Pure Prairie League
Marguaritaville Jimmy Buffett
Proud Mary CCR
When will I be loved Linda Ronstadt
Twist and shout Beatles
Pink Cadillac Bruce Springsteen
Keep your hands to yourself Georgia Satellites
Something to talk about Bonnie Raitt
Angel From Montgomery Bonnie Raitt
Lay Down Sally Eric Clapton
Brown eyed girl Van Morrison
Jailhouse Rock Beatles
Pretty Woman Roy Orbison

Basic Requirements

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