If Tom Petty and Mary Chapin Carpenter had a music baby, it might sound something like "Buckeye."

Brick Briscoe, Host of WNIN's The Song Show, described his initial impression of "Buckeye" with "three songs in and they are all badass!" Roughstock.com describes her as "...a remarkable vocalist....Imagine Allison Moorer's blissfully soulful voice and you've got yourself a good comparison for Cheley." Maverick, the UK's leading independent country music magazine has this to say about Cheley: "One of the most powerful, soulful singers in the business, she writes with the deep confidence and total abandon that only a true artist is capable of."

Real songs for real people

Several years ago, I was involved in a program for YouthSpeaks Nashville. Performers were asked to create a work envisioning what we hoped for the future of Nashville, be it tomorrow, or 10,000 years from now. The fight for equality & efforts to end bullying weighed heavy on my mind. I asked myself what I wanted for the future, not just for Nashville, but for all of humanity. Turns out, this song was my answer.

"Here" ranges from slammin' earthy southern rock to soaring pop ballads to intimate singer/songwriter stories.

Armed with a rich, soulful voice and songwriting talent that shines even in the writing Mecca of Nashville, Cheley Tackett stands poised to break into the mainstream while retaining her indie feel. Her debut CD "When We Knew It All" earned the Just Plain Folks Award for Country Song of the Year in 2001. Her song "Penny Wishes" won the top prize in the country category at the 2002 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest in North Carolina. She is also a New Folk winner from the prestigious international Kerrville Folk Festival, following in the footsteps of previous winners Lucinda Williams and Lyle Lovett. Her new CD showcases her continuing growth as a writer and performer, moving easily from swampy throwdowns to tender ballads, all without losing the outlaw overtones that help define her style.

Country music just got better. Image driven songs incorporating folk & pop influences with soulful delivery from a Nashville singer/songwriter with her star on the rise.

"The first time I heard Cheley was around four years ago at a writer's club in Nashville. I was instantly drawn to her voice. I've heard literally thousands of singers during my career as a songwriter/producer and I've heard a lot of very good singers. Every now and then however, you hear someone who REALLY makes youwant to listen to what they're saying and Cheley does that. I'm definately a fan and once you hear her, you will be too."

• Reese Wilson, writer #1 single "She Can't Say I Didn't Cry" recorded by Rick Trevino, #1 single "Not On Your Love" recorded by Jeff Carson, Top 5 single "Places I've Never Been" recorded by Mark Wills, Top 10 single "It's All In Your Head" recorded by Diamond Rio as well as cuts by Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Tanya Tucker, Clay Walker, Aaron Tippin, and Neal McCoy.

"There are alot of singer/songwriters who try to copy what they've heard and don't tap into what they feel. Cheley Tackett is NOT one of these people. She has a great voice and a great talent for songwriting that will kill you!"

• Chris Wallin, writer "I'm Tryin'" recorded by Trace Adkins (and currently in the country Top 40), "That's What Brother's Do" recorded by Confederate Railroad, and "3 Seconds" recorded by Sammy Kershaw and Lorrie Morgan.

"In Nashville, they talk about a song giving you "chillbumps," and that's what happens every time I hear Cheley Tackett. It's a combination of her bluesy voice, sweet soulful ballads, uptempo swampy grooves, and disarming wry humor. I've worked with Cheley at a bunch of shows and she's always got something new, something that makes me ask, 'How come more people don't know about this woman?' For now, I'm grateful to be included in the secret."

• Steve Key, writer "33, 45, 78" recorded by Kathy Mattea and host of Washington D.C.'s Red Rover Concert Series

"Cheley Tackett writes songs that actually matter. An artist with a fresh approach, but with a respect for the tradition that is country music."

-Michael Taylor, Director of A&R, Sony Music Australia

"In a music world of marketing hype and fluff it is always refreshing to hear someone brave enough to sing a song for the song's sake. Cheley Tackett is one of those artists. Even through my ears I can feel her looking me dead straight in the eyes, and letting me in on it as if I were the only one listening. She sings from the earth, nothing watered down, all from the gut. Cheley Tackett and a song seem to be one...listen to the final cut and it will all become clear...That's when I knew it all."

-Thom Bresh, Award winning Guitarist/Producer/Fan