Body

" DOC" CAST COMES TO NASHVILLE – Billy Ray Cyrus got to share this year's CMA Music Festival (formerly Fan Fair) with his cast mates from DOC. The four actors joined BRC at a CMA press conference just before cheering for him during his performance at the Nashville Coliseum. In fact, "Nurse Nancy" (aka Andrea Robinson) danced onstage during BRC's hit song "Achy Breaky Heart." The foursome also joined Cyrus at his annual fan club picnic where an autographed DVD of the first season of "Doc," recently released via Ventura Distribution, was auctioned for $800.00 which goes to the Billy Ray Cyrus Foundation. The three-disc set with over 9 hours of programming includ es never before seen trailers, bloopers and behind the scenes footage of Billy Ray Cyrus. At both the press conference and fan club picnic, fans repeatedly asked Cyrus and the "Doc" cast when the second season of "Doc" would be available on DVD.

The group also joined BRC at his autograph booth where they once again reminded fans that the first season of DOC is available on DVD (Ventura Distribution).

Pictured , left to right, Derek McGrath (Dr. Derek Herbert), Andrea Robinson (Nurse Nancy Nichol), Ron Lea (Dr. Olive Crane), Cyrus and Richard Leacock (Officer Nate Jackson).

BILLY RAY CYRUS AND WIFE TISH SURPRISE DAUGHTER MILEY WITH
DAISY ROCK GIRL GUITAR AT FAN CLUB EVENT DURING CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL

* * *

Actress, model, and aspiring guitarist MILEY CYRUS (age 12), becomes
"Tweener" spokeperson for one and only girl guitar company

NASHVILLE, TN - June 13th, 2004 - Billy Ray Cyrus and wife Tish surprised their 12 year old daughter Miley with a Daisy Rock Girl Guitar at Cyrus' fan club event during the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, TN. The "tweener" actress ( Big Fish , PAX TV's Doc ) has recieved media coverage by such national publications as "Parade" and "Country Weekly" and is also a model, and aspiring singer/guitarist. Miley becomes one of Daisy Rock's youngest endorsees ever of the one and only girl guitar company.

" Miley Cyrus personifies the mission of Daisy Rock to empower girls and young people to play music and reach their goals! We were thrilled when Billy Ray Cyrus and his wife Tish contacted us," said Daisy Rock President Tish Ciravolo after learning about Miley's desire to follow in her famous father's footsteps. In front of a large audience at the event, the Cyrus' surprised their daughter with a Daisy Rock Stardust Series Acoustic Electric Pink Sparkle guitar.

Adds Billy Ray, "When my wife Tish and I learned about Daisy Rock Guitars for Girls, we new this was the perfect guitar and attitude for Miley. The guitars are light, with a slender fretboard and are much easier for girls to play. And they are bright and sparkly just like Miley. And when she becomes more proficient on the guitar, she can move up to the high-end pro-model Daisy Rock guitars that are played by such legendary artists as Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Deana Carter, Liz Phair and Wanda Jackson."

Daisy Rock is the world's first and only company successfully supplying and marketing pro-quality guitars for females. The company is led by its President, Tish Ciravolo, and co-owned and distributed by Alfred Publishing. Daisy Rock's ongoing mission is to provide females of all ages with whatever it takes to learn to play guitar and enjoy music. Daisy Rock has established and continues to strengthen its reputation as " THE female guitar company."

PHOTO CAPTION: Billy Ray Cyrus and wife Tish presented their daughter Miley with a Daisy Rock Girl Guitar during Cyrus' press conference at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville on June 13th. The 12 year old aspiring guitarist and actress ( Big Fish , PAX TV's Doc) becomes one of the youngest "tweener" spokesperson's to endorse the one and only girl guitar company. (Photo courtesy of Luck Media & Marketing, Inc.)

A sorrowful Billy Ray Cyrus makes his statement after hearing the news of the loss of music icon Ray Charles :

Billy Ray Cyrus learned of the passing of the great Ray Charles as he stepped off a plane in Nashville on Thursday night to participate in the Country Music Association's Fan Fair events. He flew in from the Toronto set of his TV series "Doc" and took the news to heart. Cyrus explains, "I first learned about Ray Charles' amazing music sitting on the piano bench with my Mom as we sang along to his songs such as ‘Georgia on My Mind' and ‘Hit the Road Jack.' My mom even plays piano by ear in that breezy good-time style. To say Ray Charles was one of my major influences is an understatement. I will miss him very much along with musicians and music fans all around the world."

BILLY RAY CYRUS ANNOUNCES NEW MANAGEMENT FIRM AND BOOKING AGENCY FOR HIS TEAM
* * *
TERRY ELAM OF FITZGERALD HARTLEY CO. ON BOARD AS WELL AS RON BAIRD AND CREATIVE ARTISTS AGENCY (CAA)

Billy Ray Cyrus, star of music, TV, film and DVD, has just entered into agreements for representation with two powerhouse entertainment firms to coordinate with him on his escalating entertainment career.

On board for management are Terry Elam and the The Fitzgerald Hartley Co. , the well-respected national firm with offices in Southern California and Nashville, TN. The Fitzgerald Hartley Co. represents such well-respected artists as Vince Gill, Dwight Yoakam, Olivia Newton-John, Toto, Brad Paisley, Los Lobos, Joe Ely, Larry Carlton and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Cyrus has also teamed with Creative Artists Agency and key men Ron Baird and Stan Barnett for music and theatrical booking and packaging. With offices in Beverly Hills, CA, Nashville TN and New York City, CAA is considered one of the premiere entertainment agencies in the business.

Cyrus is currently completing filming in Toronto, Canada, for the fourth season of "Doc," his #1 hit series on Pax TV. Cyrus will hit the big screen again late this summer in the Joel Zwick film, "Elvis Has Left the Building" starring Kim Basinger. Cyrus previously wowed movie-goers and film critics alike with his role as "Gene the Pool-man" in Oscar-nominated David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive." After paying his dues in honky-tonks and saloons across the South and Los Angeles, Cyrus sky-rocketed to mainstream fame with "Achy Breaky Heart" from Some Gave All, his debut album that has gone on to sell 14 million units world-wide. The singer/songwriter has also secured critical acclaim with such albums as Trail of Tears and The Other Side, his Dove Award-nominated debut Gospel album from Word Records.

BILLY RAY CYRUS
GETS THE CALL AND JETS TO FLORIDA TO SING FOR
PRESIDENT BUSH

What did you do this past weekend? If you are Billy Ray Cyrus you Lear-Jet off to Florida to sing for President Bush.

Cyrus was enjoying a rare week of vacation away from the Toronto set of his #1 Pax TV series "Doc" and enjoying some much appreciated time with his wife and family at their home just outside Nashville. But then the phone rang on Friday, with a request for Cyrus to come to Orlando, Florida to perform on Saturday at the re-election kick-off rally for President George W. Bush. When a President of The United States calls Cyrus, as Presidents have done before, he responds in kind. The singer/actor made the most of his limited time by taking a Lear Jet to join President Bush and performed "Amazing Grace," "Some Gave All," and "We The People." Cyrus’ "We The People" was also used in the first Bush campaign as a theme song in 2000. After performing Cyrus watched from the side of the stage as President Bush thanked him during his speech and the two men chatted afterwards, while the exchange was filmed by CNN.

Cyrus was then whisked to the airport allowing him to spend Sunday back home with his family in Nashville before boarding another plane to Toronto early on Monday to resume his "Doc" duties.

BILLY RAY CYRUS REACTS TO HIS ABC PRIMETIME SPECIAL
* * *
Singer/actor turns off his TV and heads to a Jam Session for a great cause
at Healy’s in Toronto

Billy Ray Cyrus viewed his much-anticipated ABC Primetime Thursday special last Thursday night on the Toronto set of "Doc," his top-rated television series after a long day of filming. The Primetime program kicked-off with a story about a Boston art theft mystery and then moved on to a report about a cache of Michael Jackson memorabilia and personal belongings and the final segment chronicled Cyrus’ meteoric rise from living out of an old Chevy to international stardom, while making sacrifices in his career to balance being a good husband and father. Cyrus first thought as the program began was, "Man, this is crazy, I never thought I would close the show for Michael Jackson like that."

Immediately following the ABC Network’s program, Cyrus rushed over to Healy’s the hot Toronto music joint that is run by guitarist Jeff Healy. Cyrus went immediately from his car to the stage in honor of a man named Tim who lost his eyesight to a gunshot blast while saving his sister in a violent confrontation. In their jam sessions in the past, Healy had not been able to convince Cyrus to perform "Achy Breaky Heart," but revved up from the combination of the Primetime story and the energy in the club, he not only offered up that smash hit but also a smokin’ rendition of "Honky Tonk Woman" with Healy blazing on guitar.

While Cyrus felt his personal story on Primetime was chronicled in a balanced manner, a few details were not complete in the segment that should be pointed out… such as the report stating that he was appearing at Wal-Marts and not in concert stadiums anymore, touring via a tour bus and not just on the jets as he was used to, and they said he’s taken work as an actor, playing a country doctor "on a cable TV show." When in fact ABC crews trailed Cyrus appearing at a Wal-Mart in conjunction with a charity event in his home town of Huntington, West VA, where the crowd was so large the store placed the autograph-signing event out in the open mall where there was more space. Cyrus was in the midst of promoting The Other Side, his critically acclaimed new gospel album on Word Records that has just been nominated for a Dove Award. When Cyrus’ schedule does allow him to tour he uses luxury coaches that also accommodate his large family who often go along with him. The concerts involve county fairs, theaters, arenas as well as stadiums. Secondly, the ABC camera crews even filmed Cyrus boarding a Lear Jet, from the before-mentioned event to be whisked back to the set of "Doc" in Toronto for filming the next day. Not only is "Doc" #1 on Pax TV, it’s in the fourth season, is shown in 44 markets in countries around the world, and is so popular the First Season has been made available on DVD. Also Cyrus and "Doc" have garnered praise from the media and have been honored by such organizations as the Parents Television Council. ABC producers left out Cyrus’ acting roles in David Lynch’s award-winning "Mulholland Drive" and an upcoming part in the Joel Zwick film, "Elvis Has Left the Building" starring Kim Basinger. Also missing in ABC’s coverage due to timeliness is footage they filmed in Washington, D.C., of Cyrus appearing with the top brass of the Marines, carrying out his duties as National Honorary Spokesperson for Toys for Tots.

But Cyrus adds before turning in after a long and interesting day, "Well, they [Primetime] did finish the show off in a very appropriate way with me singing "Some Gave All." That song is like an old friend… it never lets me down."

BILLY RAY CYRUS TO BE PROFILED ON
ABC TV’S PRIMETIME THURSDAY

ON MARCH 11TH

Billy Ray Cyrus, the international star of music, TV, film and DVD, is scheduled to appear on Primetime Thursday, ABC TV’s popular news magazine program on March 11th at 10 PM PT/ET (9 PM CT).

Primetime dispatched camera crews to cover Cyrus on the road and he and his wife Tish were interviewed at their Nashville-area home. The Primetime interview covers Cyrus’s life from living out of an old Chevy car, to worldwide stardom with his debut album Some Gave All, and includes the controversies and roller coaster ride along the way.

Cyrus has been busy trying to balance a hectic life between being a father, husband and the star of the hit series “Doc” on Pax TV. The first season of Doc was just released on DVD. He also appears this summer in the upcoming film “Elvis Has Left the Building” with Kim Basinger. The Other Side, his first Gospel CD from Word Records was released recently to critical acclaim and was just nominated for a Dove Award. Two songs from the album are currently receiving airplay on different radio formats simultaneously, “The Face of God” on country music stations and “I Know You Now,” on Christian inspirational radio.

MULTI-AWARD WINNING ARTIST/ACTOR BILLY RAY CYRUS

EARNS COUNTRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION

DOVE AWARD NOMINATION FOR THE OTHER SIDE

Nashville, Tenn. – Multi-award winning recording star/actor Billy Ray Cyrus was nominated this week for a 2004 Dove Award for Country Album of the Year for his recently released, highly acclaimed project, The Other Side.

Cyrus was awarded the nomination among top artists announced this week for the 35th Annual Dove Awards, representing the wide range of artists in gospel music today. The 35th Annual Dove Awards will be held at The Gaylord Entertainment Center on Wednesday, April 28, 2004.

Cyrus has amassed numerous print and television interviews since his fall 2004 release of The Other Side, and continues the highly acclaimed success of his previous projects and his starring role on Doc," Pax TV's #1 rated program.

Returning to his gospel heritage, The Other Side offers reflections from Cyrus’s personal journey and deep-rooted Christian faith. Produced by Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Travis Tritt, Pam Tillis, Tracy Byrd), the 11- track project features his trademark "rockin" country and big ballad sound. With masterful storytelling that speaks of faith and his own personal journey, The Other Side offers a side of Cyrus that fans have yet to hear. Penning the title song for the project, "The Other Side," Cyrus and Walker mined Nashville's rich and varied talent pool for the other material, finding songs by writers from the worlds of country (Bob DiPiero, Tom Shapiro, Rivers Rutherford, Kelly Shiver, Victoria Shaw), gospel (Bebo Norman) and pop (Richard Marx). The project also features special guests such as Marx, '80s pop icon Kim Carnes, rocker Bekka Bramlett and Denise Walls of Anointed, to the tight southern gospel harmonies of the Jordanaires, all of whom lent their vocals to the project.

With 14 million unit career sales, Cyrus has also garnered many industry awards including, American Music Awards, CMA, Billboard and countless awards for his philanthropic efforts including the first-ever Bob Hope Congressional Medal of Honor Society Award. He still holds the record for the longest time at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Albums chart by a debut artist (17 weeks with "Some Gave All"). Cyrus has also had six Top 10 radio singles, including three #1, with hits such as "Some Gave All", "Achy Breaky Heart", "Could’ve Been Me" and "Busy Man" and five #1 music videos on CMT. In addition to his musical achievements, Cyrus also stars in the #1 rated PAX TV series "Doc", beginning its fourth season Oct. 5.

The Word Label Group, a division of Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is home to both the Word and Squint record labels. The artist roster heralds some of today’s top Christian music performers and songwriters including Amy Grant, Randy Travis, Point of Grace, Jaci Velasquez, Sixpence None The Richer, Sandi Patty, Rachael Lampa, Nicole C. Mullen and Mark Schultz. The Word Label Group leads the industry with over fifty years of music making history.

BILLY RAY CYRUS TO GUEST HOST GAC'S NEW SUNDAY MORNING VIDEO BLOCK

Positively GAC Features Videos With a Positive Message

Nashville, TN (February 9, 2004) - Positively GAC, Great American Country's®, Inc. (GAC(tm)) new Sunday morning block of videos, will feature guest host Billy Ray Cyrus this Sunday, February 15th from 9 - 11 a.m. EST.

Cyrus will introduce and talk about a blend of positive Country,
contemporary Christian and Christian Country videos. Positively GAC presents a variety of uplifting songs and singers from both the Country and Christian music worlds and airs every Sunday from 9 - 11 a.m. EST.

Billy Ray Cyrus shares his own background and faith in the title track to his debut gospel album, The Other Side, which shares his journey of faith on all 11 tracks. The Other Side is Cyrus' first studio album in three years.

Cyrus is also starring in his fourth season of "Doc," the family friendly hit series on Pax TV.

Positively GAC features videos such as:
Billy Ray Cyrus - Face of God, Always 16
Josh Turner - Long Black Train
Mercy Me - I Can Only Imagine
Sherrie' Austin - Streets of Heaven
Steve Curtis Chapman - When Love Takes You In
Buddy Jewell - Help Pour Out The Rain

About Great American Country
Great American Country®, Inc. (GAC(tm)), the NEW home of the Grand Ole Opry, is best known for its music-intensive format, featuring a broad mix of current and past Country videos, original programming, specials and live concerts in addition to Country's only daily request show, CRL(tm), broadcast from the heart of Nashville. Founded in 1995, GAC, owned and operated by Jones Media NetworksTM, Ltd. (JMNTM), reaches 27 million
households in the United States.

BILLY RAY CYRUS JOINS ROCK LEGEND RONNIE HAWKINS
ON STAGE IN TORONTO
* * *
CONCERT AT HEALEY’S CELEBRATES HAWKINS, THE
CANADIAN-BASED ROCKER WHO HELPED LAUNCH "THE BAND"
AND IDOLIZED BY BOB DYLAN AND JOHN LENNON

On Thursday evening (Dec. 10) after a long day on the Toronto-set of his TV series "Doc," Billy Ray Cyrus headed over to Healey’s club and jammed on-stage with his new pal, rock legend Ronnie Hawkins. The concert celebrating Hawkins beating cancer was a real treat for the audience because also joining-in were Alannah Myles, Chris Tait and Larry Gowan.

Ronnie Hawkins, who also writes a column for Now in Toronto, repaid Cyrus in kind the next day by writing about The Other Side, Billy Ray’s new gospel album, "I’ve been listening to this album and especially ‘Did I Forget to Pray’ and ‘I Need You Now.’ Everybody in the world should listen to the words of those two songs."

And Hawkins knows of which he speaks. His legendary band, The Hawks, admired by such superstars as Bob Dylan and John Lennon, helped foster and launch such talented artists and bands as The Band’s Levon Helm, Rick Danko and Robbie Robertson, The Guess Who’s Burton Cummings, David Clayton Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears, guitarist Fred Carter, Jr., Janis Joplin’s "Full Tilt Boogie" band, producer David Foster and singer/actress Beverly D’Angelo to name a few.

Cyrus reported to the "Doc" set the next morning very tired but with a big grin from his night on stage with Ronnie Hawkins, the man who brought Rock & Roll to Canada.

BILLY RAY CYRUS’ DAUGHTER,
DESTINY HOPE CYRUS (A.K.A. MILEY) AGE 11,
LANDS APPEARANCE IN
TIM BURTONS’ ‘BIG FISH’ RELEASED DEC. 10th BY SONY PICTURES

Billy Ray Cyrus’ 11 year old daughter, Destiny Hope Cyrus, also known as "Miley" to her father because she is always full of smiles, appears in a Sony major motion picture, Tim Burton’s "Big Fish" released Dec. 10th. In the film Edward Bloom played by Albert Finney has always been a teller of tall tales about his life as a young man portrayed by Ewan McGregor, when his wanderlust led him on an unlikely journey around the world. Destiny is portraying, "Ruthie" one of Bloom’s childhood friends in flashback scenes. The cast also includes Jessica Lange and Billy Crudup.

Destiny isn’t only working on the big screen. She has made two appearances in her dad’s hit series Doc as "Kiley". She’s also featured in Rhonda Vincent's latest music video, "If Heartaches Had Wings", and currently in a series of Banquet Foods commercials. "Big Fish" is Destiny’s first motion picture appearance and from the looks of her accumulating credits, it certainly won’t be her last.

Destiny isn’t the only one working Hollywood-style in the family, Billy Ray is currently filming the 4th season of Doc in Toronto and, the 1st season of the hit TV series will be released February 3rd on DVD. He’s also busy promoting "The Other Side," his critically-acclaimed new gospel CD from Word Records. He is ramping-up his duty as the Honorary Spokesperson for Toys For Tots with 25,000 toys and $15,000 collected in Nashville and is helping the Los Angeles area with their critical shortage of toys this year. And Cyrus just wrapped shooting a movie with Kim Basinger, "Elvis Has Left the Building" that is set for theatrical release in summer 2004.

Like father, like daughter!

BMG
ANNOUCED AS WINNER OF TOYS FOR TOTS MUSIC ROW CHALLENGE
LAST FRIDAY AT CMA BUILDING IN NASHVILLE
* * *
LAUNCHED BY BILLY RAY CYRUS AND TENNESSEE TITANS
EVENT GATHERED COLLECTED TOYS AND COUNTRY STARS
TO HELP NEEDY CHILDREN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

On Friday, December 5th the Winner of the Toys for Tots Middle Tennessee Music Row Challenge was announced, BMG was recognized for collecting the most toys for this year’s children. Overall the Music Row Challenge collected over 1000 toys and approximately $8500.00 cash from Music Row businesses, country artists, and many others that joined the Toys for Tots event. In addition, last Sunday 21,000 toys were collected at the Titans vs. Colts NFL football game. This giving Toys for Tots Middle Tennessee a current total of 42,000 toys in comparison to last year’s collection at this time totaling 18,000 toys and ending the drive with 56,000.

The Consortium, Billy Ray's management company, rallied the support of their artists and those of affiliated label partner Broken Bow/C4 Records .... those artists that appeared at the event to show support were Sherrie Austin, Tammy Cochran, Memarie, and Lila McCann. Sony Music, Capitol Records, Broken Bow Records, BMG, DreamWorks, BMI, Word Records, ASCAP, SESAC, and The Consortium had joined the challenge by offering their offices as locations for toys to be collected. Ventura Distribution, company distributing the first season of PAX-TV series Doc staring Billy Ray Cyrus on February 3rd, donated 400 kid videos. In addition, The Billy Ray Cyrus Spirit raised over $5000.00 with different fundraisers and auctions. These businesses became involved upon hearing about Billy Ray’s commitment to Toys for Tots and understanding how this organization could help needy children have a better holiday.

TITANS ANNUAL TOY DRIVE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH vs. COLTS

* * *

Four fans who donate will be randomly chosen

to be on the field for pre-game festivities

Nashville, TN (November 25, 2003)—The Tennessee Titans and the US Marine Corps Reserve are teaming up again for the annual Toy Drive. The Titans are asking fans to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Coliseum on Sunday, December 7th as the Titans take on the Indianapolis Colts. All toys collected will benefit the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. The first 10,000 fans that donate a toy at one of the seven collection locations around the Coliseum will receive a one-of-a-kind poster of the Titans Linebacker Unit.

The Titans will again reward fans by randomly selecting four lucky fans that donate a toy to immediately join the pre-game festivities on the field prior to the game. During the 2002 toy drive campaign, Titans fans donated over 23,000 toys and $5,511 to the Toys for Tots program.

Begun in 1947 by Major Bill Hendricks in Los Angeles, the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign has grown into a national effort of community involvement and generosity delivering millions of toys to millions of children.

The Toys for Tots stadium drive will be the final stadium drive of the Titans’ 2003 season. Previous stadium drives this season have raised over 1,500 coats which were distributed to twelve local non-profit organizations, and over 22,000 lbs. of food was given to the local Second Harvest Food Bank.

In an effort to surpass previous toy drives, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Organization along with Honorary Spokesperson Billy Ray Cyrus, Cupit Records Memarie and the Tennessee Titans challenged all businesses in Music Row to participate in the TOYS FOR TOTS MUSIC ROW CHALLENGE. Music Row businesses were asked to participate by collecting toys from November 15th through December 5th. The total collection of toys during the Music Row Challenge will count toward the Titans total collection number. If your business would like to make a substantial donation to Toys for Tots, please contact Rob Kohls, president of Middle Tennessee Chapter at 615-485-8973 or email rkohls@bellsouth.net.

LAUNCHED BY BILLY RAY CYRUS AND TENNESSEE TITANS
* * *
WINNER OF THE TOYS FOR TOYS MUSIC ROW CHALLENGE
WILL GATHER WITH COLLECTED TOYS AND COUNTRY STARS
AT CMA BUILDING ON DEC. 5TH

WHO: Nashville, TN.- The Winner of the Toys for Tots Music Row Challenge will be announced and presented with a trophy at the Country Music Association building at 2 p.m on Dec. 5th. The event features Ed Benson, Executive Director of CMA, Jeff Diamond, President of the Tennessee Titans, Captain Thomas S. Little II with other U.S. Marines. As well as country artists such as Tammy Cochran, Sherrie Austin, Lila McCann, and Memarie. A decorated Christmas tree, Santa Claus and his elves will be set for photo opportunities with collected toys surrounding the tree, and food and drinks will be provided for everyone.

Toys and monetary donations can still be donated at the CMA office until noon on the day of the event from the Music Row businesses. Fans can make their final contribution on Sunday Dec. 7th at Noon at the Tennessee Titan’s stadium during their game against the Indianapolis Colts or their usual Toys for Tots locations. The stadium is located at 1 Titans Way, Nashville TN. 37213.

Some of the Music Row companies participating in the challenge are Sony Music, Capitol Records, Broken Bow Records, BMG, DreamWorks, BMI, Word Records, ASCAP, SESAC, and The Consortium.

WHEN: Friday December 5th at 2:00 P.M.

WHERE: Country Music Association Building, the lobby
One Music Circle South
Nashville, TN. 37203
www.cma.com

MORE: A message will be read for Billy Ray Cyrus, the National Spokesperson who is up in Toronto filming his TV series "Doc". As National Spokesperson Cyrus follows in the footsteps of Bob Hope and First Ladies Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush.

TOYS FOR TOTS MUSIC ROW CHALLENGE GAINS MOMENTUM
WITH RECORD LABELS AND ARTIST COMING TOGETHER TO GIVE
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
* * *
WINNER OF THE MUSIC ROW CHALLENGE
LAUNCHED BY BILLY RAY CYRUS AND TENNESSEE TITANS
WILL GATHER WITH COLLECTED TOYS AND COUNTRY STARS
AT CMA BUILDING ON DEC. 5TH

Nashville, TN.- The Winner of the Toys for Tots Music Row Challenge will be presented with a trophy at the Country Music Association building at 2 p.m on Dec. 5th. The trophy will have the business’ name noted as the winner of the 2003’s Toys for Tots of Middle Tennessee Music Row Challenge. The business can display the trophy for one year until the beginning of next year’s challenge, creating friendly competition between artist, their fans, and the major record labels. The event features U.S. Marines and country artists such as Tammy Cochran, Sherrie Austin, Lila McCann, and Memarie. A decorated Christmas tree will be set for photo opportunities with collected toys surrounding the tree, and food and drinks will be provided for everyone.

Since November The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Organization, along with Honorary Spokesperson BILLY RAY CYRUS and the TENNESSEE TITANS have been asking for assistance in helping those families that are less fortunate. Toys for Tots of Middle Tennessee have been challenging all businesses on Music Row in Nashville to collect unwrapped, new toys and monetary donations for the 2003 Toys for Tots Campaign.

Ed Benson, Executive Director of CMA states, "It's wonderful to see the music industry unite to support Toys for Tots with good cheer and some friendly competition," said Ed Benson, CMA Executive Director. "Toys for Tots reminds us what the holidays are all about - bringing joy and happiness to others. CMA is honored to open our doors for the presentation of the Toys for Tots Music Row Challenge trophy."

The Consortium, Billy Ray's management company, has rallied the support of their artists and those of affiliated label partner Broken Bow/C4 Records .... those artists include Sherrie Austin, Tammy Cochran, Joe Diffie, Lila McCann and Craig Morgan. In addition, Sony Music, Capitol Records, Broken Bow Records, BMG, Dreamworks, BMI, Word Records, ASCAP, SESAC, and The Consortium have joined the challenge by offering their offices as locations for toys to be collected. These businesses have become involved upon hearing about Billy Ray’s commitment to Toys for Tots and understanding how this organization could help needy children have a better holiday.

Toys and monetary donations can still be donated the day of the event from fans, press, artists, and anyone else who would like to give this season. Donations from individuals can also be brought to the collection event at the CMA offices, One Music Circle South Nashville, TN. 37203 December 5th at 2 p.m.

MR CYRUS GOES TO WASHINGTON
* * *
BILLY RAY ACCEPTS AWARD AND PERFORMS AT OFFICIAL
KICK-OFF LUNCHEON FOR 2003 MARINE CORPS RESERVE
TOYS FOR TOTS CAMPAIGN
* * *
VISITS WITH WOUNDED SOLDIERS BACK FROM IRAQ AT WALTER REED ARMY HOSPITAL

Billy Ray Cyrus spent late last week in Washington D.C. and appeared at the national kickoff luncheon for the 2003 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots campaign. As Cyrus has been named the National Spokesperson for this year’s campaign, he flew in from the Toronto set of his television series "Doc" to the Hilton Hotel in Alexandria, VA and performed "Some Gave All" and a medley of holiday songs in front of an impressive audience that included high-ranking general and flag officers of the military, corporate sponsors, members/supporters of the Toys For Tots organization and numerous press outlets including CNN, ABC and Fox News.

For his work already underway for the charity, Cyrus was presented an award from the president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Lieutenant General Matthew T. Cooper, USMC (Ret). Cyrus then revealed his goal to surpass the current TfTs record of providing enough toys in one season for over 6 million children. The Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, General Michael W. Hagee, who was part of the day’s program personally thanked Cyrus and also mentioned he’d like to arrange for him to come to Iraq to perform "Some Gave All" to the troops stationed there.

Immediately following the event, on request from the USO, Cyrus went to Walter Reed Army Hospital and visited with soldiers who have been seriously wounded in Iraq. He visited each patient individually in their rooms, to give support, pose for photos, sign autographs, listen to the soldiers’ moving stories and play a song here and there. Cyrus was glad to hear that in the previous days these heroes also had spirit-raising visits from Aerosmith and Cher.

After his activities in the D.C. area, Cyrus traveled on by bus to West Virginia to promote The Other Side, his just released gospel album on Word Records. He was then whisked back to Toronto just in time for work on "Doc," early on Monday morning.

BILLY RAY CYRUS’ FANS COME THROUGH AGAIN
* * *
BILLY RAY’S SPIRIT FANS HAVE STEPPED UP TO THE MUSIC ROW CHALLENGE
WITH AN AUTOGRAPHED SAMICK GUITAR BEING AUCTIONED OFF
TO BENEFIT NEEDY CHILDREN FOR TOYS FOR TOTS OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Do you want something special this holiday season? The Billy Ray Cyrus SPIRIT have the perfect item: a Samick guitar autographed by Billy Ray. In addition to all of the SPIRIT fans individual fundraising contributions, Samick has donated a guitar that is currently being auctioned off to benefit the 2003 Toys for Tots of Middle Tennessee campaign and the Music Row Challenge in Nashville. The auction is taking place at www.billyraycyrus.com or www.asismanagement.com under the Toys for Toys/Samick banner. Bidding started at $200.00 and now is up to $600.00. The bidding will be updated nightly until December 5th, when the Music Row Challenge is over.

The Music Row Challenge is a Toys for Tots charitable competition that brings together 2003 Honorary Spokesperson Billy Ray Cyrus, the Tennessee Titans football organization, and a variety of country music singers (Craig Morgan, Sherrie Austin, Tammy Cochran, Joe Diffie, and Lila McCann) and Nashville businesses. From November 15th through December 5th Nashville residents and businesses are welcome to contribute to this holiday season’s toy drive by dropping off gifts to the Country Music Association offices and other designated Music Row locations.

AT HOME WITH BILLY RAY CYRUS
IN NOVEMBER 17 ISSUE OF "IN TOUCH" MAGAZINE
* * *
7 PAGE FEATURE ON CYRUS HOME AND FAMILY

The seven-page spread in the November 17th issue of "In Touch" magazine demonstrates why Billy Ray Cyrus would like to move the filming of "Doc," his hit series on Pax TV to Nashville. The "At Home with Billy Ray Cyrus" article shows Cyrus, his wife Tish and kids in their Greek Revival-style dream home, sitting on 500 green acres just outside Nashville. The home décor overseen by Tish, is warm with golden tones and accents and is a comfortable place for the family to gather, relax and have fun.
Says Cyrus in the article, "The inside of the house is Tish’s and the outside is mine and God’s." He believes his wife of 10 years is brilliant at designing, so he lets her run the show. "I just open the up the checkbook," he teases.

Celebrity decorator Doug Wilson of The Learning Channel "Trading Spaces" program is also quoted in the article, "This is a beautiful home that has real style and heart at the same time. It shows that a true family lives here – a family that is enjoying their lives and each other."

Billy Ray Cyrus, is missing home more than ever lately, as he is currently filming the 4th season of "Doc" in Toronto, is busy promoting "The Other Side," his critically-acclaimed new gospel CD on Word Records and ramping-up his duty as the Honorary Spokesperson for Toys For Tots. He just wrapped shooting a movie with Kim Basinger, "Elvis Has Left the Building" that is set for theatrical release in summer 2004.

Dear Music Row Business:

The holidays are fast approaching and should be a time for happiness and goodwill. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Organization, along with Honorary Spokesperson BILLY RAY CYRUS and the TENNESSEE TITANS are asking for your assistance in helping those families that are less fortunate. Toys for Tots of Middle Tennessee is challenging all businesses on Music Row to collect unwrapped, new toys and monetary donations for the 2003 Toys for Tots Campaign.

The Consortium, Billy Ray's management company, has rallied the support of their artists and those of affiliated label partner Broken Bow/C4 Records .... those artists include Sherrie Austin, Tammy Cochran, Joe Diffie, Lila McCann and Craig Morgan. In addition, Cupit Record's Memarie has gotten involved upon hearing about Billy Ray's commitment to Toys For Tots. The response from the Music Row community has already been overwhelming. The CMA (Country Music Association) is providing their facilty for the final collection point/media opportunity location and are also contributing additional promotion to the effort. Sony Music has been the first label to respond to the challenge to participate.

The Tennessee Titans are committed to philanthropic efforts within the community and in the NFL. Therefore, earlier this year, the Titans issued a challenge to the 31 other NFL teams to beat their stadium drive collection numbers this season. The Titans will host their annual Toys for Tots stadium drive on Sunday, Dec. 7th as they take on the Indianapolis Colts and we need your help!

So, we decided to assist in the overall collection with our own TOYS FOR TOTS MUSIC ROW CHALLENGE, in conjunction with the Tennessee Titans NFL Challenge. We are asking Music Row businesses to become involved by collecting toys from November 15th through December 5th. The total collection of toys during the Music Row Challenge will be given to children in need this holiday season as well as count toward the Titans total collection number! (See below for complete details).

We hope you will join us in this worthwhile effort by collecting toys within your business. Together, we can make a difference in the life of a child this holiday!

Sincerely,

Billy Ray Cyrus
Recording artist/Actor

Jeff Diamond, President & COO
Tennessee Titans

TOYS FOR TOTS MUSIC ROW CHALLENGE

How to participate? Your company can set up a drop-box within your office space for employees to bring in a new, unwrapped toy, or you can provide a donation jar for monetary contributions. On December 5th, the total number of toys will be taken, along with names of the contributing Music Row Companies, so that they can compete for bragging rights for collecting the most toys and donations for this event.

What is Toys for Tots? Toys for Tots, one of the nation's flagship charitable causes and the Marine Corps' premier community action program was created by the Marine Corps in 1947. The purpose is to deliver a message of hope to needy children at Christmas. The goal is to inspire youngsters to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders who will have positive impacts on the future of our nation. The means of delivering this message is through a shiny new toy. Over the past 55 years, Marines have collected and distributed over 298,000,000 toys to more than 145,000,000 needy children across the nation.

Who helps in Middle Tennessee? Middle Tennessee is fortunate to have over 125 Reserve Marines in the area. These men and women are working hard during the Holiday season to ensure that not one child will go without a toy. In addition to those hard working individuals, Middle Tennessee is able to have its own local office of non-paid board members. These members work all year around to present Toys for Tots to as many individuals as possible and work to meet the increased needs of the next year.

Please keep in mind that Toys for Tots benefits needy children in our community. Let's rally together to make this year one of the best for Middle Tennessee! There is a child waiting for a new toy and Music Row can make a difference!

If your business would like to make a substantial donation to Toys for Tots, please contact Rob Kohls, president of Middle Tennessee Chapter at 615-485-8973 or email rkohls@bellsouth.net.

A DOSE OF TV ON DVD

* * *

Paxson Home Entertainment Delivers Its #1 Rated Series ‘Doc’

Starring Billy Ray Cyrus To Retail on February 3rd, 2004.

LOS ANGELES— The first season of PAX TV’s award winning series "Doc" arrives on retail shelves in a three-disc set with over 9 hours of programming including never before seen trailers, bloopers and behind the scenes footage of Billy Ray Cyrus. This is good news to the millions of "Doc" viewers and Cyrus fans, who have been waiting for the show to become available in a home entertainment format.

"Doc" captures the drama and humor of big city medicine through the eyes of newcomer Dr. Clint Cassidy. Actor/musician Billy Ray Cyrus plays the handsome country doctor from Montana whose love for a woman leads him to New York City where he soon discovers that life and medicine are different in the Big Apple. Clint's down to earth style and gentle bedside manner endears him to patients, but he encounters resistance from his colleagues and the bureaucratic system that surrounds him. Never losing his faith, down home values and "fish-out-of-water" demeanor, "Doc" adjusts to life in his new urban setting.

Like the show’s dedicated fans, multi-platinum country artist Cyrus felt an immediate connection to the storyline along with the quirky yet likeable cast of characters. "I read the script and said, ‘This just feels like a hit.’ When I heard ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ for the first time, I jumped off the couch in the beginning of it and said, ‘That’s me, that is me. When I read the script, the same feeling -- this is me," recalls Cyrus. "One of the other reasons I’m looking forward to ‘Doc’ coming out on DVD is that even members of my own family and friends have missed episodes here and there and would like to revisit the beginning of the show to where it all began. Folks always ask me when ‘Doc’ will be out on DVD and now I know and can tell them, February 3rd!"

Recently renewed for its 4th season, "Doc" is seen Sunday nights by millions of loyal viewers. States Wanda Garrison, Assistant Director of the Billy Ray Cyrus Spirit Fan Club, "Since hearing the news that "Doc" would soon be available on DVD, I've heard from so many fans at the Spirit who simply can't wait for this! They want to know when, where and how they can get it. We have a lot of collectors who want copies of everything Billy Ray does, and they're so excited to be able to get this in such a nice set. They're already asking about the second and third seasons, too!" In addition to an on line pre order campaign and radio "Win It Before You Can Buy It" contests, consumers will be alerted to the DVDs availability via on air promotional announcements that will air on PAX beginning in January 2004.

"Doc" has received the Parents Television Council Award for three consecutive years, and is hailed as "one of the best shows on television" in the organization’s "Top 10 Best Prime Time Shows" list. TV Guide proclaims the series "terrific television," Entertainment Tonight calls it "a success," and the New Orleans Times-Picayune says, "Doc delivers."

Paxson Communications Corporation owns and operates the nation's largest broadcast television distribution system and PAX TV, family television. PAX TV reaches 88% of U.S. television households via nationwide broadcast television, cable and satellite distribution systems. PAX TV's 2003 fall season premieres with all new episodes of returning original drama series including, "Doc," starring recording artist Billy Ray Cyrus and "Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye," starring Deanne Bray. Other original PAX series include "It's A Miracle" with new host, Roma Downey, "Candid Camera," with hosts Peter Funt and Dina Eastwood and "Animal Tails," with Mark Curry. For more information, visit PAX TV's website at http://www.pax.tv

Celebrating its 10th year, Ventura Distribution is a dynamic home entertainment company that provides full service sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution for independent studios. Among the many lines it represents are Time Life Video, Billy Blanks' TaeBo Series, BET Video, Fox Television Studios, Starz Encore, Razor&Tie, Showtime, Fox Sports Net, and Video Action Sports. In addition, Ventura Distribution exclusively distributes programming of its in-house labels, UrbanWorks Entertainment and StudioWorks Entertainment.

Title: Doc Season 1 starring Billy Ray Cyrus

Street Date: February 3rd, 2004

Pre Book Date: December 22, 2003

SRP: $39.99
UPC: 634991168427

Catalog # 16842-7

Genre: TV Series

Rating: TV PG

3 Disc Set Running Time- Approx 9 Hours-11 Episodes

Special Features: Never Before Seen Trailers, Billy Ray Cyrus: From Music to Medicine, Bloopers

Awards: Parents Television Council: #1 show in "Top 10 Best and Worst Prime Time Shows".

BILLY RAY CYRUS
TO MAKE GUEST APPEARANCE ON TV SERIES
DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION AIRING ON
CTV, CANADA’S LARGEST PRIVATE BROADCASTER
* * *
‘CYRUS’ FIRST GOSPEL ALBUM IN STORES,
FILMING 4TH SEASON OF DOC, AND PREPARING FOR THE HOLIDAYS
WITH TOYS FOR TOTS

Ontario, Canada- Billy Ray Cyrus, star of PAX’s successful TV series Doc, will make a special guest appearance on Canada’s largest private broadcaster, CTV. On November 5th, Billy Ray taped his guest appearance on Degrassi: The Next Generation, as an Australian limo driver hired to chauffeur the kids of the show to the prom. The episode will air on CTV in Spring 2003.

Degrassi: The Next Generation is an international award-winning primetime TV series about teens dealing with their exhilarating, tumultuous adolescence. Now in its third season, Degrassi has been lauded by the American press including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and Entertainment Weekly. Degrassi has received numerous Canadian awards including the 2003 Gemini for Best Children’s or Youth Fiction Series and the Directors Guild of Canada Award for Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Television.

Guest appearances are not the only thing on Billy Ray’s schedule these days. He has been very busy in Toronto filming the 4th season of PAX’s TV hit series, Doc. Finishing up the production of his latest role in "Elvis Has Left the Building", a new Joel Zwick-directed film staring Kim Basinger and John Corbett. He recently released his long awaited gospel album in October, The Other Side on Word Records. Also in October, Billy Ray was appointed as 2003’s Marines Toys for Tots Honorary Spokesperson.

DAILY NEWS

One from the heart
Ol' achy-breaky Billy Ray Cyrus, mullet gone, shows his gospel roots

BY REBECCA LOUIE
DAILY NEWS FEATURE WRITER
Originally published on October 28, 2003

For years, Billy Ray Cyrus was the embodiment of mullet mania.

The country singer - whose album "The Other Side" is out today, and who stars in Pax TV's series "Doc" - was famous (and infamous) for his short-on-the-sides, long-in-the-back hairstyle.

However, Cyrus ditched the mullet-loving world and chopped his locks this year.

"Ah yes, the mull-ay, as they say in Fran-swah," he says, smothering his Kentucky twang with a heavy French accent as he runs a hand through his new coif.

"I had always hoped and prayed that my music and life and the things that I do on Earth could somehow overshadow what was on top my head," he says.

"But when I came to the realization that the mull-ay was too strong of a force to deal with, I said, 'We must cut the mull-ay.' "

Though Samson was weakened when Delilah sheared his hair, Cyrus intends to persevere.

"If somewhere, somehow, growing it back could help with some of the world's problems, I would do it," says Cyrus, 42. "[But without it] I am still the same old guy. It has nothing to do with my insides or my heart."

And he's not talking about his "Achy Breaky Heart," the infectious single that jump-started his music career in 1992.

The song helped his debut album, "Some Gave All," set a record for longest time spent at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for a new artist, clocking in at 17 weeks. It even spawned its own line dance.

Though the success of the album has overshadowed the eight records he has released since, Cyrus does not feel plagued by "Achy Breaky's" legacy.

"I will never have any regrets about that song," he says. "I lived inside of a Chevy Beretta when I recorded that song. That Beretta was my home. Have you ever lived inside of a Chevy Beretta? It's not easy. Without that song, I don't know where my life would be."

Cyrus says "The Other Side" is the "gospel album I have needed to make for a lifetime."

The singer was born into religion: His grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher, and his father led a gospel choir that performed throughout Virginia, Ohio and Cyrus' own Kentucky.

He claims God instructed him to make this album last winter while he was shooting "Doc," the No. 1 series (now in its fourth season) on the family-oriented Pax network, about a country doctor who moves to New York.

"It was the worst winter in Toronto in 150 years," he recalls.

"Throw that in with some SARS, a war that the majority of Canada was opposed to, and a lot of negative American feelings going on, and it just stunk the stinker. I was at the end of my rope and got on my knees and said, 'God, is this what you really want me to do?' "

He had a vision of God telling him to make a gospel album, he says. Moments later, he got a call from Nashville producer Billy Joe Walker entreating him to record one.

The experience helped Cyrus reevaluate his life.

"I would gladly do 'Doc' for three or four more years if they would move it to Nashville," says Cyrus, who lives on a 500-acre farm in Singing Hills, Tenn., with his wife, Leticia, and five of their six children.

"But I think to some extent the show has grown as far as it can grow if it remains in Toronto. There are other things in life to be looking at."

One is the world tour (which Cyrus pronounces "turr") he hopes to launch next year. Another is charity; he was just named the honorary spokesman for the Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program.

Then there's his budding film career. He appeared in 2001's "Mulholland Drive" and just wrapped Kim Basinger's "Elvis Has Left the Building," in which he plays "a bit of a genius, a bit of a goofball" bus driver.

"A scene in a movie is like a song," says Cyrus. "With Kim in the lead, we've got a great singer. I just tried to know the words by heart and find the rhythm of my scenes just like a song finds a rhythm. It sounds like a hit ready to happen."

BILLY RAY CYRUS VISITS NEW YORK

On a recent media trip to New York City, Billy Ray Cyrus spent time promoting his just released Word Record's album The Other Side, as well as his 4th season of the number one rated PAX TV show "Doc", and his role as Honorary Spokesperson for Toy For Tots. Cyrus also made time for an office visit to WEA, the Warner Music Group distribution arm for his new album.

(Billy Ray Cyrus is our interest. Photo courtesy of Luck Media & Marketing, Inc.)

From Left to Right:
Ron Spaulding (VP Sales WEA), John Madison (SVP Sales WEA), Billy Ray Cyrus, John Esposito (President WEA), Craig Applequist (SVP Marketing), Jay R. Schield (Dir. of General Market Sales for Word Label Group)

BILLY RAY CYRUS
FEATURED ON CMT INSIDE FAME
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28th-- SAME DAY AS WORD RECORDS RELEASES
THE OTHER SIDE

NASHVILLE, TN: Multi-award winning singer/songwriter/actor, BILLY RAY CYRUS, will be featured on CMT Inside Fame. Viewers and fans alike can find out what it is really like to have the fame of a country star and catch behind-the-scenes glimpses of Cyrus in action on Tuesday, October 28th at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Word Records recently released "Always 16" to country radio from Cyrus’ new album, The Other Side, a vivid collection of country storytelling with a message of encouragement, to hit stores nationally on October 28th.

BILLY RAY CYRUS
INTERNATIONAL STAR OF MUSIC, TELEVISION & FILM
TRAVELS TO NEW YORK CITY
FOR MEDIA BLITZ AND TV APPEARANCES
* * *
"ALWAYS 16" GOING FOR ADDS ON COUNTRY RADIO
OCTOBER 20TH
www.billyraycyrus.com

NEW YORK, NY (October 20, 2003): Multi-award winning BILLY RAY CYRUS, the international music maker and television star of "Doc," will travel to New York City for press interviews and TV appearances including Fox News’ "Fox & Friends," "Living it Up with Ali and Jack" and "WB in the Morning." The timing is tied in with the release of Cyrus’ new album, THE OTHER SIDE, his first Gospel CD from Word Records on October 28th and the kick-off of the fourth season of his TV series "Doc" on PAX TV.

Word Records is going for airplay adds on October 20th by releasing "Always 16" to country radio. The Other Side, a vivid collection of country storytelling with a message of encouragement, will be in stores on October 28th.

Returning to his gospel heritage, The Other Side offers reflections from Cyrus's personal journey and deep-rooted Christian faith. Produced by Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Travis Tritt, Pam Tillis, Tracy Byrd), the 11-track project features his trademark "rockin" country and big ballad sound. With masterful storytelling that speaks of faith and his own personal journey, The Other Side offers a side of Cyrus that fans have yet to hear.

While in New York City, Billy Ray Cyrus will uphold his title of Honorary Spokesperson for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys For Tots Organization and stop in to meet with the NY chapter before heading back to Toronto to tape his 4th season of "Doc." "Doc" is #1 rated series on PAX and has also been selected three years in a row as one of the most "family friendly" programs on TV by the Parents Television Council. Billy Ray is also currently filming a part in "Elvis Has Left the Building," a new Joel Zwick-directed film starring Kim Basinger and John Corbett.

BILLY RAY CYRUS

BILLY RAY CYRUS
NAMED 2003 HONORARY SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE CORPS
RESERVE TOYS FOR TOTS PROGRAM -- CELEBRITY
APPOINTMENT FOLLOWS IN STEPS OF NANCY REAGAN AND BOB HOPE
* * *
CYRUS TO START FILMING 4TH SEASON OF HIT SERIES ‘DOC’ ON PAX TV
* * *
WILL RELEASE FIRST GOSPEL ALBUM ‘THE OTHER SIDE’ ON
WORD RECORDS ON OCTOBER 28, 2003

Nashville, TN – The following announcement was made today at a press conference held at the Country Music Hall of Fame. BILLY RAY CYRUS, the musician/actor known for having a heart of gold has just been named 2003 Honorary Spokesperson for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Cyrus’ appointment to the national position follows in the steps of First Ladies Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush and Bob Hope, who also served in the same role. The naming of Cyrus to the post was confirmed by Major Bill Grein, USMC (Retired) and Vice President, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. A full Marine color guard participated in the press conference today as well as executives from Toys For Tots, Word Entertainment, Samick Guitars and other entities.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and other gifts during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the communities in which the campaign is conducted. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new gift at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.

States Major Grein, "Billy Ray Cyrus exemplifies with his career of helping and bringing awareness to issues involving children, our military troops and veterans the very spirit that launched the original Toys for Tots campaign back in 1947. Through "Doc," his family-friendly television series on Pax TV, his music and his own Billy Ray Cyrus Foundation, Billy Ray has shown he has what it takes to make a difference. We are very appreciative he has graciously agreed to put his resources to work in support of Toys for Tots and we look forward to working with him this season."

In addition to being the official Honorary Spokesman, Cyrus and his marketing team are working to utilize his resources including Public Service Announcements, Photo opportunities, fan club participation, tie-ins with his record label and PAX TV, National television morning/talk show appearances, posters, websites and participating in the Toys for Tots National Kickoff Luncheon on November 21st in Washington, DC.

Returning for its 4TH season on PAX, "Doc" is back on Sundays this fall with all new dramatic original episodes, premiering October 5, 2003 at 8:00 PM ET/PT. Starring Billy Ray Cyrus as Doc Clint Cassidy, "Doc" follows the trial and tribulations of a handsome country doctor from Montana who makes a life for himself at New York City’s Westbury Clinic. "Doc" steadfastly remains PAX’s highest rated program as it enters this 4TH season. PAX is proud to participate in the Toys for Tots campaign with Billy Ray Cyrus by broadcasting a public service announcement in support of the campaign and by assisting in placing collection drop boxes at various local station affiliates

The timing is conducive for promoting the Toys for Tots relationship as Cyrus is releasing THE OTHER SIDE, his first Gospel CD on October 28, 2003 on Word Records. Returning to his gospel heritage, The Other Side offers reflections from Cyrus's personal journey and deep-rooted Christian faith. Produced by Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Travis Tritt, Pam Tillis, Tracy Byrd), the 11- track project features his trademark "rockin" country and big ballad sound. With masterful storytelling that speaks of faith and his own personal journey, The Other Side offers a side of Cyrus that fans have yet to hear. The Word Label Group, a division of Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is home to both the Word and Squint record labels. The artist roster heralds some of today's top Christian music performers and songwriters including Amy Grant, Randy Travis, Point of Grace, Jaci Velasquez, Sixpence None The Richer, Sandi Patty, Rachael Lampa, Nicole C. Mullen and Mark Schultz. The Word Label Group leads the industry with over fifty years of music making history.

BILLY RAY CYRUS
PRESS CONFERENCE
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT TO BE MADE
INVOLVING
THE U.S. MARINE CORPS TOYS FOR TOTS PROGRAM

WHO: Multi-Award winning singer/songwriter/actor BILLY RAY CYRUS, the international music icon, television star of "Doc," and avid supporter of U.S. veterans/servicemen and family issues. Captain Thomas S. Little II, Inspector-Instructor for India Company, 3RD Battalion, 24TH Marine Regiment in Nashville, TN. Rob Kohls, President Middle Tennessee Civilian Council for The U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. Barry Landis, President of Word Entertainment. And the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard.

WHAT: A press conference to make a very timely national media announcement regarding Billy Ray Cyrus, U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots, Word Records, Pax TV and more.

WHERE: Nashville, TN at the Country Music Hall of Fame in the SunTrust Bank Community Room located at 222 Fifth Avenue South.

MORE: Cyrus is releasing THE OTHER SIDE, his first Gospel CD on October 28, 2003 on Word Records. Cyrus is soon heading back to Toronto to tape the 4TH season of "Doc," his top-rated series on Pax TV. The premiere episode is Sunday, October 5TH at 8:00 PM ET/PT. Cyrus is returning to Nashville for this press conference from New Mexico and the set of the new film, "Elvis Has Left the Building," also starring Kim Basinger.

RSVP: Contact Luck Media at 310-860-9170 to attend this timely media event and arrange one-on-one interviews afterward with the principals.

BILLY RAY CYRUS
HAS LEFT NASHVILLE FOR NEW MEXICO
FOR HIS FILM ROLE IN ‘ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING’
STARRING KIM BASINGER, DIRECTED BY JOEL ZWICK

Billy Ray Cyrus, international music star and whose Doc television series is top-rated on PAX TV and heading into a fourth season, has begun filming today in New Mexico for his role in the Joel Zwick-directed Elvis Has Left the Building starring Academy Award winner Kim Basinger (L.A. Confidential, Batman, 9 ½ Weeks) and John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Sex in the City). The Capitol Films production also features in the comedy escapade Denise Richards, Angie Dickenson, Sean Austin and Annie Potts. The film is produced by Tova Laiter (Varsity Blues).

Cyrus previously received rave notice for his surprise cameo role in Mulholland Drive, the critically acclaimed film from David Lynch. Upon wrapping his work on Elvis Has Left the Building, Cyrus will head back to Nashville for media and promotion for The Other Side, his first ever gospel album for Word Records, to be released on October 28TH. Then he jets up to Toronto to begin work on the fourth season of Doc.

Capitol Films is one of Europe’s most formidable international film production, financing and sales companies. Capitol has enjoyed recent international box office and critical acclaim with its Academy Award winning production, Gosford Park, directed by Robert Altman.

MULTI-AWARD WINNING ARTIST/ACTOR BILLY RAY CYRUS SIGNS WITH WORD RECORDS AND RELEASES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED DEBUT GOSPEL ALBUM OCTOBER 28th
* * *
Billy Ray returns to his gospel roots with The Other Side,
and begins fourth season as star of #1 rated PAX television series, Doc

Nashville, Tenn. – Word Label Group announces the addition of multi-award winning artist/actor Billy Ray Cyrus to its Word Records roster. One of the most recognizable names in the entertainment industry, Cyrus will be releasing his debut gospel album, The Other Side nationwide October 28, 2003.

"We are honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Billy Ray, and the relationship so far has proven to be as great as we had expected," stated Mark Lusk, sr vp of marketing, Word Label Group. "We are so excited about this partnership and have already received a great response to Billy Ray in and outside of the Christian market. People are really looking forward to this new project, and we’re pulling out all of the stops."

"This whole album came together very naturally, it just fell into place," Cyrus says. "Nothing was forced about it, nothing was planned, it just evolved into what it was meant to be. Making this album was probably most similar to Some Gave All, my first album, in that it became who I was and what I wanted to sing and where I am at in my life. It was very real -- I hate to be so cliché about it, but that's the truth."

To coincide with marketing efforts surrounding the project, Word Records will release two singles simultaneously to both Christian and mainstream radio. "Always 16" will be released to country radio on Oct. 14 and "Tip Of My Heart" will be released to INSP, AC and CHR stations on Oct. 17. With music and an artist that possesses broad appeal, The Other Side will also feature a multi-level marketing plan that includes visits to both Christian and mainstream retailers, national television appearances and an upcoming national promotional tour. In addition, The Other Side will include a bonus DVD premium (while supplies last) which features an exclusive interview, behind-the-scenes footage, plus three new music videos.

"From the first meeting I had with the staff at Word Records, through the entire recording process, it felt like I found a home for the music I have wanted to create for a lifetime," Cyrus said. "I feel very proud and blessed to be a part of the Word family."

BILLY RAY CYRUS IS JONES MEDIA NETWORKS
JULY ARTIST OF THE MONTH
* * *
TUNE IN FOR THE BILLY RAY CYRUS WEEKEND ON GAC ON JULY 5TH AND 6TH
* * *
RESERVE YOUR AUTOGRAPH COPY OF TIME FLIES ON COUNTRYSTARS.COM

NASHVILLE, TN-- BILLY RAY CYRUS is Jones Media NetworksTM, Ltd. (JMNTM) July Artist of the Month. JMN will help launch Billy Ray Cyrus’ latest album, TIME FLIES, with a powerful cross platform marketing package via Great American Countryâ (GACTM), Jones Radio Networksâ (JRNTM) and CountryStars.comTM.

GAC will host a series of events surrounding the release of Billy Ray Cyrus’ new album, TIME FLIES, with videos, interview clips and the premier of the TIME FLIES album showcase.

Cyrus recently wrapped up his third number one season of "Doc" aired on PAX TV and will be on the road launching his summer-long Time Flies tour, in support of his newly released album TIME FLIES on Sony/Madacy Records. Cyrus’ latest single, "Back To Memphis," is garnering heartfelt reviews on radio stations across the country. In between the road, the stage, and the radio airwaves, you can find Cryus in the studio recording his highly anticipated Gospel album on Word Records.

BILLY RAY CYRUS
OFFICIAL FAN CLUB, THE SPIRIT, EXCEEDS NASHVILLE’S ST.JUDE FAN CLUB CHALLENGE
* * *
Debut year of the Fan Club Challenge for St. Jude Kids raises more than $61,000 for the hospital

NASHVILLE, TN-- BILLY RAY CYRUS has one of music industry’s biggest hearts and most active fan clubs. The SPIRIT, Billy Ray’s official fan club, helped raise funds for St. Jude’s first ever Fan Club Challenge. During the Challenge, fan club members created various ways to contribute to the St. Jude cause, including the organization of bake sales, car washes and auctions. The SPIRIT came in third place raising a total of $11,366.00.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatment not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fund-raising organization. For more information, please visit www.stjude.org or www.countrycares.org .

BILLY RAY CYRUS
THE "KING OF FAN FAIR" STRIKES AGAIN
* * *
CYRUS FLIES IN FROM TORONTO AND PACKS
NASHVILLE’S TOWER RECORDS WITH RECORD BREAKING CROWDS
* * *
CYRUS ENTERTAINS HIS FANS WITH A ROCKING HOUR-LONG SET AT HIS FAN CLUB PARTY
* * *
CONVENTION CENTER SHUTS DOWN BUT CYRUS KEEPS SIGNING IN THE DARK

NASHVILLE, TN- BILLY RAY CYRUS, one of music's greatest icons, who has been referred to as the "King of Fan Fair" strikes again. Straight from the airport, Cyrus headed over to Tower Records- Opryland in Nashville on Saturday to find the store filled with a record breaking number of fans. Cyrus performed an acoustic set and signed autographs in support of his newly released album TIME FLIES on Sony/Madacy Records.

"It's unbelievable how many people came by to see Billy Ray Cyrus. There must have been over 1,000 fans out here. This is a record breaker for our store," said Jeff Shelton Manager, Tower Records.

Afterwards, Cyrus cleared a path for another rockin' fan club party at the Franklin Marriott filled to capacity with over 650 members of his fan club called The SPIRIT. For 11 years, Cyrus has taken great pride in himself for being there for his fans. This year’s fan club party had a delicious food buffet, a silent auction, an informative press conference with Billy Ray, joined by his father Ron Cyrus, and an hour long set filled with mega-hits of the past and the new up and coming hits as well.

"I love Fan Fair, explained Cyrus. Fan Fair is a great time to let all the fans know how proud I am of their support. Country music fans really are the best and this is my time to show my appreciation to them. And let me tell you when I get older in life and count my blessings, I'm gonna count each one of my fans. They really are, and always will be, a blessing."

Meanwhile after a good night 's sleep, Billy Ray Cyrus hit the Fan Fair circuit again with his first stop at The People's Church in Franklin, TN. Cyrus sang, "I Love You This Much," one of the songs that will be recorded for his much anticipated Gospel album on Word Records. His performance and lyrics garnered an emotional reaction from the churchgoers and the pastor.

Cyrus went on to sign autographs to a thrilled crowd of hundreds at his booth in the Nashville Convention Center. After the lights were shut off and the Nashville Convention was officially closed, the devoted Cyrus kept signing autographs until he took care of each and every fan. Cyrus then dashed over to he Coliseum where he preformed the final concert that completed Fan Fair 2003. Cyrus brought the crowd to their feet singing songs from his newly released album, TIME FLIES, again blending in a few of his biggest hits as well.

Next up Cyrus and his hard-working "Dr. Clint Cassidy" character will wrap the third successful season of "Doc" on PAX TV and then hit the road, launching his summer-long Time Flies tour, June 28th in support of his album release of TIME FLIES on Sony/Madacy Records. In between the road and the stage, he'll be in the studio recording the Gospel album for Word Records with the respected Billy Joe Walker producing.

Music and television star, Billy Ray Cyrus, has been flying back and forth between Toronto, Canada to his home in Nashville, TN for three years taping his number one rated hit series "Doc" on PAX TV and is not afraid of SARS. Quoted in the Toronto Sun, Cyrus spoke out to say the SARS tragedy is serious, but not enough to cancel travel plans.

"People have nothing to be afraid of," Cyrus said while enjoying a Blue Jays/Red Sox game at the Skydome in Toronto.

Cryus has been questioned about the SARS outbreak in recent interviews and explained the SARS saga as a sad situation primarily attached to several hospitals and not part of the mainstream daily life of the city. He says he hopes Americans don't cancel their summer plans to come to the great city of Toronto.

"I love this place. It has always been a terrific city to visit and always will be. I hope more Americans come up and see for themselves," Cyrus said.

Cyrus sang the Star Spangled Banner before the Blue Jays/Red Sox. He said how thrilled he is to do his part, not only as a person that shares his residence in Toronto, but also makes a living in the great city.

Cyrus did have a part that day in the big comeback it seems. At one point the Blue Jays were down 0-6 and right at the time they played Cyrus' mega-hit, "Achy Breaky Heart," over the PA system and displayed him on the Jumbotron, the Jays charged a comeback and thrilled the crowd while inspiring the team.

"As an American living here, I wanted to come out here with the fans and enjoy the great day," said Cyrus.

In regards to the SARS outbreaks, Cyrus believes it will eventually be brought under control and it won't have any lasting effect on tourism.

The star of PAX TV show "Doc" adds, "I haven't seen anyone wearing those surgical face masks as seen in Asia and believe me if it was necessary Dr. Clint Cassidy (Cyrus' character on Doc) would have plenty to hand out!"

Cyrus will be hitting the road and the airwaves as he wraps up his third season of "Doc" on PAX TV, launching his summer-long Time Flies tour, June 28th in support of his June 10th album release of TIME FLIES on Sony/Madacy Records. In between the road and the stage, he'll be in the studio recording his highly anticipated Gospel album on Word Records.

While other television actors go on hiatus for the summer, Doc star and country music icon Billy Ray Cyrus is merely switching gears. As the PAX-TV series wraps its third hit season and his hard-working "Dr. Clint Cassidy" character takes a brief rest, Cyrus is taking off with Time Flies, June 10. The first single, "Back to Memphis," is already pulling heart strings at radio, and Music Row magazine journalist Robert K. Oermann proclaims, "Billy Ray invests every line with believability." The song is about a solider in the desert, writing to his love, then shifts to the lover re-reading the fallen sweetheart’s letter. “As a result the song is an obvious reminder the war is not over and for many its reality continues,” states Cyrus.

The much-anticipated collection is from Sony/Madacy Records, and follows up the critically acclaimed 2000 release, Southern Rain. Cyrus will launch his summer-long Time Flies tour, June 28, after landing at Tower Records, Opry Mills, for a CD release party, June 7.

Cyrus wrote several songs on the album, and co-produced it with Blake Chancey (Dixie Chicks, Montgomery Gentry, Waylon Jennings), who promises, "This is straight ahead, right-at-you Billy Ray Cyrus."

On target with Cyrus is Bush Hawg, "the baddest band known to man," decrees Chancey, who assembled guitarists David Grissom (Joe Ely, John Mellencamp) and Kenny Greenberg (Jewel, Wynonna), bass player David Hungate (Toto, George Strait), drummer Greg Morrow (Dixie Chicks, Steve Earle) and keyboardist Tony Harrell (India.Arie, Hank Williams Jr.) at Cyrus' request. This awe-inspiring cadre of talent, which became known as Bush Hawg while laying down their low, growling rhythms and tight pockets while working on Time Flies. “We’ve developed a sound and a personality for the record, I wanted the album to be real, I went through a lot in the last three years and these are pretty much the songs I’ve been living, “ says Cyrus.

As for his sound and vision for the album, he says, "I wanted to cut an album like I was getting ready for a concert. I wanted to rehearse it, hammer it, cut it all live and make it real!"

From the bluegrass rock ‘n roll theme song of Doc… “Stand Still,”…to the electrifying authority of the angry post-September-11th American tribute rocker "Close To Gone," the post-divorce victory cry of "The Way It Is" or the acutely observant toe-tapping "Bread Alone." Time Flies is a stirring collection of blazing guitars and spontaneous first-takes that balance the performer's live-wire energy with the quality that has distinguished him from the rest of the pack since the seminal days of "She’s Not Crying Anymore" and "Some Gave All" reality.

"I have to relate to a song to sing it," says Cyrus, who was inducted into the VFW Hall of Fame in 1996 for his efforts on behalf of veterans. "It¹s got to be something that can pretty much fit my life. And I have to be passionate about it. I can’t fake it."

Cyrus wrote half the songs for the album, the others are supplemented by songs from such hit songwriters as Casey Beathard ("Where The Stars And Stripes And The Eagle Fly"), Jeffrey Steele ("The Cowboy In Me,"), Walt Aldridge ("Modern Day Bonnie & Clyde") and Michael Dulaney ("The Way You Love Me"), Cyrus lives, feels and conveys every word.

In addition to 1998 TNN Music City News Awards including Single and Song of the Year "It's All the Same to Me"; Male Artist of the Year; Album of the Year Cover To Cover; Video of the Year "Three Little Words"; 1993 American Music Awards Favorite New Artist – Country; and Favorite Single - Country "Achy Breaky Heart"; 1992 Country Music Association Single of the Year "Achy Breaky Heart," and still holds the record for 17 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Albums chart for "Some Gave All" (the longest time this spot has been held by a debut artist).

Cyrus has also received a number of humanitarian awards. He was presented with the International Entertainment Buyer Association's "Humanitarian of The Year" Award (1999); the Country Radio Broadcaster's Artist Humanitarian Award (1996); Society Entertainer's Award for his dedication to philanthropy (1995); received the first ever Bob Hope Congressional Medal of Honor; and was recognized by The Kennedy Center Honors for his work with children; Child Help USA Humanitarian Award (1994).

Time Flies has just earned him another pair of caring wings. He recently accepted MOVIEGUIDE’s prestigious Epiphany Award of the Doc episode “Nobody,” his co-written poignant ballad that tells the story of a homeless girl that Cyrus and his wife Tish befriended during a Toronto stay-over one winter. Cyrus in the past has transformed his songs into scripts for the hit PAX-TV series.

He explains, "I like to fight for the underdog, and in this case I felt that this homeless girl I met needed a musical voice to speak for her. Sometimes people just don’t see the suffering around them," but reassures, "Both my album and my TV series represent the light. It’s a chance to provide something positive outside some of the darkness we’ve been experiencing lately."