Country Band Search
2000 Winner: Eddie Cunningham
Glendale, California's Eddie Cunningham Takes Home the Grand Prize in the Jim Beam Country Band Search
With his distinct voice and heartfelt lyrics, Eddie Cunningham swept the judges and crowd away at the Jim Beam Country Band Finals in Nashville, Tenn. Cunningham not only earned the title of best unsigned country musician in the United States, but also received a grand-prize package that includes:
- A $1,500 equipment budget
- A limited-edition Jim Beam guitar from Gibson®
- The opportunity to perform in a private showcase for country music executives at Studio B in Nashville
After entering the Jim Beam Country Band Search by sending in a demo tape, Cunningham received an all-expenses-paid trip to the national finals in Nashville, Tenn., at the legendary Wildhorse Saloon on November 11, 2000.
While the votes were tallied, Country Music Association's Duo of the Year, Montgomery Gentry performed to a fired-up crowd. After their performance, Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry awarded Cunningham his prize.
"I've never had an opportunity like this before," said Cunningham. " Jim Beam has given me an experience I'll never forget, and the showcase [at Studio B] will give me the invaluable experience of playing for a very influential audience."
Cunningham also has earned top honors in the California Country Music Association's regional, state and national competitions in the "Male Vocalist of the Year" and "Songwriter of the Year" categories.
In addition to Eddie Cunningham, four other national finalists performed including Josie Kreuzer of San Diego; Patrik Michaels of New York; The River of Valdosta, Ga.; and Melissa Wilson of Knoxville, Tenn.
For more information about Eddie Cunningham, check out www.eddiecunningham.com
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