BULL'S COLGATE COUNTRY SHOWDOWN NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #2
JOHNNY BULFORD WINS
COLGATE COUNTRY SHOWDOWN STATE FINAL
Nashville, Tennessee (November 4, 2008) – Johnny Bulford of Orlando took the state title and $1,000 at the 27th Annual Colgate Country Showdown Florida State Final. The Spirit of Suwannee in Live Oak showcased nine acts who had won a local contest sponsored by radio stations throughout Alabama, Florida and Georgia, enabling each to perform at the state level competition of America’s largest country music talent search.
Representing radio station WWKA of Orlando, Florida, Johnny, prevailed at Saturday’s state level event. Johnny Bulford, a singer/songwriter whose music has depth well beyond his years, is capturing audiences in the pop and country scenes. His style of music has been compared to the likes of Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and James Taylor. At age 23, Johnny's earnest and likeable personality, natural talent and passion for music has enabled him to open for Collin Raye, the Warren Brothers, Josh Turner, Trick Pony, Emerson Drive, Chris Cagle, Diamond Rio, Tracy Lawrence, Tanya Tucker and Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night. Johnny performed with Charlie Craig, Marty Brown and The Wilkinsons at a writers show this year for Fan Fair in Nashville.
This isn’t his first time competing as he was a Florida State finalist in the 2003 Colgate Country Showdown won the state title in the 2004. His other accolades include the 2004 Award for Best New Performance Artist/Writer (New Country) for the Southeastern United States Region given by the IMAA and was recently featured on a one-hour morning radio program with Dottie Wynn. Johnny worked closely with Charlie Craig and Robert Arthur on his CD What Happens Here Stays Here and wrote or co-wrote all of the songs. He performs in Orlando with a five-piece band at various festivals including the Florida Music Festival. For music, photos, performance dates and more, visit www.johnnybulford.com or www.myspace.com/johnbulford. He won Saturday’s competition, with two original pieces to further display his talents as a musician – “How Could I Not” and “What Happens Here Stays Here.” Other acts – listed with their sponsoring radio station – were Mallory Broadus WBHM Jackson, AL; Skylar Harden WHOD Jackson, AL; Toni Hayes WKAA Valdosta, GA; Tricia Lynn Jamison WZZS Zolfo Springs, FL; Amy Maree WQHL Live Oak, FL; Nalani Quintello WIYD Palatka, FL; Tony Taylor WWGR Bonita Springs, FL; Carey Dekle Band (Matt Arensberg, Nick Chamblee, Kyle Coffey, Carey Dekle & Kyle Duncan) WXBM Pace, FL.
On November 16th Johnny will compete in the Southeast Regional at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tennessee to determine if he will advance to the National Final. The five regional winners – from across the country – will receive an all expense-paid trip to the National Final to compete for $100,000 and the coveted national title of Best New Act in Country Music. The National Final will air nationwide, over syndicated television in March and April.
About the Showdown: Each spring, more than 50,000 artists compete in the Colgate-sponsored local competitions with 450 radio stations throughout the U.S. and over $300,000 in cash prizes are awarded throughout 500+ live competitions. Local winners then compete at the 48 state and five regional competitions throughout the summer and fall. The Colgate Country Showdown culminates with a national television final competition as the regional winners vie for $100,000 and the title of Best New Act in Country Music. The televised one-hour special has been hosted in the past by country music superstars such as Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, etc. The competition boasts a "who's who" in the Country Music industry with past local and regional winners including Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans and Miranda Lambert. For more information, visit www.colgatecountryshowdown.com.
About Colgate: Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Elmex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, and Suavitel, as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet pet foods. For more information about Colgate's global business, visit the Company's website at www.colgate.com.