Rural Rhythm Records has announced the current single, “Hard Rock Mountain Prison (’Til I Die)” by award-winning group Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out has landed at the #1 slot on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s December 2009 Top 30 singles chart.

“Hard Rock Mountain Prison” (’Til I Die) was written by Ray Edwards, Larry Cox and Terry Foust. Edwards was thrilled at the news saying, “Four years ago, Russell Moore put a hold on “Hard Rock Mountain Prison (’Til I Die)”. He said be patient, they would eventually record it and it would be worth the wait. Early this year, Russell called me and said he and Rural Rhythm Records had chosen it to be the first single off of their new CD. He told me it was going to be a ‘heck of a ride’ and what a ride it’s been! We thank Russell for his vision and believing in the song. Nobody could have sung and played it better than Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out and we’re so proud of the cut. You helped make the dream come true for three North Carolina songwriters who will never forget you and the ride! This is our first #1 song, a dream come true.”

Since the album’s debut at #6 on Billboard Magazine’s Top 50 Album Chart (June), “Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out” also reached #1 on Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine’s Top 10 Albums for both August and September 2009.

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out (Rural Rhythm Records)

Along with the album success, band members, Russell Moore, Steve Dilling, Justen Haynes, Wayne Benson, and Edgar Loudermilk also celebrated incredible recognition by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) this year. The group was selected to perform at the IBMA Awards Show held at the Ryman Auditorium in October, plus received impressive nominations for Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, and Russell Moore for Male Vocalist of the Year.

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out have several more performances before year’s end including Clems Schoal Creek Music Park in Lavonia, GA on December 11, and the popular Christmas in the Smokies in Pigeon Forge, TN on December 12.

– From East Public Relations