GOD DIDN’T CHOOSE SIDES: Civil War True Stories About Real People releasing February 12, 2013

GOD DIDN’T CHOOSE SIDES is the first release from a new series of albums that focus on the common men and women who were thrown together into the realities and horrors of war and displayed amazing acts of kindness, selflessness, faith, love and brotherhood to their fellow Americans.

Project creator Sam Passamano, II explains, “Even as a young child I have always been drawn to the events and people during the Civil War, probably because of the importance these years had on our American history and culture. Being a second generation record executive and the president of Rural Rhythm Records I have had a dream for a long time to do a different type of Civil War album project. There are many songs available about the popular military commanders, battles and the politics, but I wanted to focus on real stories about the common soldiers, citizens, slaves and immigrants whose lives, and the lives of those around them, were changed forever because of the Civil War…these true stories and people should not be forgotten or lost through the years”.

This new music series combines today’s top artists with new original songs written by some of today’s top songwriters, bringing to life real stories about important people, places and events during the Civil War. Produced by Steve Gulley, GOD DIDN’T CHOOSE SIDES contains songs written by top Country, Bluegrass and Roots music songwriters: Paula Breedlove, Mark Brinkman, Brad Davis, Ray Edwards, Mike Evans, Terry Foust, Steve Gulley and Tim Stafford with performances by #1 hit artists including Marty Raybon, Russell Moore, Ronnie Bowman, Lonesome River Band, Dale Ann Bradley, Carrie Hassler, Bradley Walker, Tim Stafford, Steve Gulley, and more. In addition, a who’s who list of award winning musicians were chosen to accompany these top vocalists including; Ron Stewart, Adam Steffey, Justin Moses, Tim Stafford, Alan Bibey and Mark Fain.

“God Didn't Choose Sides has been a labor of love having taken over two years to create songs that would be worthy of the project. The songs not only had to be historically accurate, but would have to bring the soul, heart and emotion of these incredible people and times to life through music. All of the songwriters cared deeply about the songs and I can tell you we laughed, cried, felt humbled and had many bouts with chill bumps creating the songs. When you add many of the best vocalists on the planet and an incredible cast of musicians, the result is a magical, emotional and extremely powerful,” said Mark “Brink” Brinkman.

Accompanying the 13 song album is an extensive 16 page booklet filled with historical notes, photographs and lyrics on the songs. The historical content supervision and photographs for the album project was provided by the Carol Campbell and Michelle Ganz at Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum of Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN and the historical booklet notes were provided by Jamie Lynn Brinkman.

“I’m Almost Home” written by Steve Gulley and Tim Stafford and is performed by Steve Gulley has been sent to radio stations and is available on AirPlay Direct. The song is about Theodrick "Tod" Carter who grew up in the quiet village of Franklin, Tennessee. In the Spring of 1861, Tod left a promising law career to follow his older brother into the Confederate Army. In 1864, Tod found himself only a few miles from home. Energized by the thought of seeing his family, Carter volunteered to lead the 20th Tennessee Infantry in a charge toward the Union lines entrenched just south of Franklin, shouting "follow me boys, I'm almost home!" Tod was mortally wounded in the battle yards from his doorstep. His father found him, and after three years away from home, he died in his front parlor surrounded by his family.

Steve Gulley said, "This project has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my musical career. It really serves as a group of portraits based on real-life events that help to define a unique, ironic, divisive time in American history. What I love is about the music and group of songs is the fact that they are documented, real stories about real people, their struggles, faith and triumphs. Collectively, they form a snapshot of true Americana that allows you to not only hear, but see and feel every emotion in every song. I'm so proud to have helped create this great historical work of music."
This story and eleven other true stories about real people during the Civil War is contained is what comprises GOD DIDN’T CHOOSE SIDES. Rural Rhythm has set up a dedicated page for the album that includes interviews, additional content relating to the history behind the songs, songwriters, performing artists and musicians. Please visit www.goddidntchoosesides.com

Contact Information:
Rural Rhythm Records
Content Inquiries: 615-470-5451
Media Request: Penni McDaniel 678-377-3298
Radio Request: Rick Fowler, 615-470-5451
www.RuralRhythm.com



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