By: Megan McNair

Few things are more surreal for a person than a meteoric rise to fame. Imagine in the span of a few months, you go from singing downtown in empty clubs to rubbing elbows with some of the most powerful people on famed Music Row, most specifically Taylor Swift star-maker Scott Borchetta.

It is possible and it happened to Steel Magnolia, Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones, a duo whose fame is a modern -- if not a bit rock ‘n’ roll -- fairytale.

“We’ve been shocked by our success,” Linsey explains. “In the greatest way we have been really surprised by all the open doors, attention and feedback.”

Meghan grew up outside of New Orleans in a small town close to the rich musical culture of the city with the charm of a small town and close upbringing.

“I was close enough to all the great music and energy but I definitely enjoyed ‘small town life,’” Linsey states.

Her soon to be boyfriend and duo partner grew up in Illinois.

“I love Broadway – it’s so appealing down there!,” Linsey gushes. “You can be seen and heard and it’s so much easier than putting a traveling band together!”

“I was more of a street musician, from L.A. to Nashville,” Jones reveals.

The pair met while Meghan was hosting in one of Nashville’s famed karaoke bars and they discovered love – followed by finding their complementing musical talents during their first duet.

The first duet led to many and the pair signed on to be a part of CMT’s reality contest “Can You Duet?” in 2009. And to think, the two were reluctant to try at first!

Since winning the pair have had very little time to slow down and process the events. Earlier this year they released their first EP and plans are underway for a full-length. Natural performers whose romantic chemistry drips from their stage show, their soulful duets are getting attention nationwide from fans, tastemakers, and other performers.

“There are more and more ‘pinch me’ moments everyday,” Jones exclaims. “They never get old! From big industry events where we can reach out and touch our idols to playing the Opry, we can’t get big heads! But we appreciate all the recognition!”

Nominated for the Academy of Country Music’s 2010 Top New Vocal Duo was the first sign the pair had “made it.” (The prize went to retirees Brooks & Dunn.) Meghan and Josh have also recently learned they are up for a CMT Award for “Duo Video of the Year and USA WEEKEND’s “Breakthrough Video of the Year.”

Promoting their single and themselves, Steel Magnolia’s tour and appearance schedule is jam packed with dates. Meghan and Josh are very likely making a stop in a town near you over the summer!

For more information on Steel Magnolia check them out on
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/steelmagnoliamusic
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Steelmagnolia11
Official Website: http://www.bigmachinerecords.com/steelmagnolia

Tags: "keep on loving you", ACM, can you duet, duo, joshua scott jones, meghan linsey, Scott Borchetta, Steel Magnolia

This entry was posted on Friday, April 30th, 2010 at 3:05 pm and is filed under Features, Up and Coming. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.