THE HEART BEHIND THE MUSIC

Showcasing some of the world's best singers and songwriters. "The Heart Behind the Music" tour offers a chance to hear talented musicians talk about the meaning behind their hit songs while also treating ticket holders to outstanding performances. The tour's Meridian stop includes Kim Carnes, who won a Grammy in the 1980s for singing "Bette Davis Eyes." She has also written numerous hits for Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, and many other well-known singers. Joining Carnes is John Ford Coley, half the Grammy-nominated duo England Dan & John Ford Coley and best known for the hit "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight." The concert also highlights Gene Cotton, who has 15 albums to his credit and counts "Before My Heart Finds Out" and "Like a Sunday in Salem" among his top-rated singles. Versatile pop and country songwriter Lenny LeBlanc joins the group as well, known for his 1970s hit ballad, "Falling." Since a dramatic religious conversion, LeBlanc has become a popular Christian artist, his credits including "Above All" and "There is None Like You." Special guest Greg Barnhill is also featured duriing the Meridian show. A distant relative of Mississippi's "Singing Brakeman" Jimmy Rodgers, Barnhill has penned such hits as "House of Love" for Amy Grant and Vince Gill as well as "Walkaway Joe," a duet by Trisha Yearwood and Don Henley. The Emmy nominee can also be heard on the recordings of Tim McGraw , Faith Hill, and Lee Ann Womack.