Deuce by Keith Norris

You'll understand right away why his music is standing alongside contemporaries such as Jamie Richards, Jason Allen, Rick Trevino, Radney Foster, David Ball, Kevin Fowler, Jason Boland, and the Derailers on the Best In Texas charts.

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RECENT BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

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The legions of country music fans wondering where real country has gone need look no further than Keith Norris. From the subtle twang in his smooth baritone voice to his classic country arrangements, from two-steps to Texas swings to heart-rending ballads, Keith is keeping “three chords and the truth” alive, well, and most of all, fun.

Keith’s first Nashville studio album, the independently released and widely acclaimed "Along for the Ride", quickly placed him in the country spotlight, thanks to two tremendous hit singles penned by Keith: "Viento, Mi Amigo" and "Cry, Cry Again".

Now "Deuce", Keith’s second and newest CD release, is quickly building on his fan base of music lovers, industry professionals and critics, who are enthusiastically embracing his unique voice, memorable melodies and commitment to the lyrical emotional honesty that has always defined country music.

While several songs on Deuce offer classic country themes of love, heartbreak, and the occasional trip to the bar, the album sets itself apart from much of modern country by exploring life’s more difficult issues as well. “Heaven, Hell or Houston” is the tale of a heartbroken man contemplating suicide. “Don’t Try This at Home” is a revealing look at the heavy toll drinking has taken on one man’s family and life.

An accomplished songwriter, Keith co-wrote several of Deuce’s tunes. Other top Nashville songwriters such as Kim Williams, Mark Nesler and Tony Martin also contributed songs to the project. Keith also co-produced the album, working along-side many notable industry veterans.

Keith takes a grass roots approach to his work. The natural place to focus his early efforts was Texas – his home state and a unique, powerful music community unto itself. Proud of his Lone Star roots, Keith has discovered that Texas returns the sentiment generously. Radio stations throughout have warmly embraced his music, and Deuce’s first single, "Two Step Program", reached #11 on the state’s Progressive Country Chart. The second single, "Too Cool for Horses", is quickly climbed on both Progressive Country and the prestigious Best in Texas’ Texas Music Chart. Further radio chart successes from Deuce have included "It Ain't A Party", and the Top 10 "Hurt Me All The Time". Keith is also rapidly becoming a favorite among Texas DJs for live in-studio performances and interviews.

But the groundswell has expanded well beyond Texas. Keith’s music is now playing on radio and internet stations throughout America and Europe. His live shows are lauded as dynamic and compelling by critics, who frequently compare him to Garth Brooks and George Strait. Nashville record producer Brett Beavers says, “Reminiscent of early Strait, Keith’s music has that wonderful combination of honky-tonk edge and real life depth.” Matthew Gillian of WSM’s Opry Star Spotlight calls him “an artist who sounds like he just stepped off the bandstand of a Lone Star dance hall with a west Texas tornado on a rope.”

But above all, to Keith, music is about communication. Telling stories people can relate to. Reaching people. And thanks to his tremendous talent and bright spirit, he’s doing just that.

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SOME MORE HISTORY

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Music has always run through Keith’s veins. Born and raised in the Houston suburb of Magnolia, Texas, he counts the songs of Hank Williams, Ray Price and Willie Nelson among his earliest memories. He began piano lessons as a young child, and by high school had picked up guitar, drums, bass, fiddle, saxophone and clarinet.

Keith played and sang professionally throughout junior high and high school, and recognized his calling early on. “I knew I wanted to play music for a living the first time I got paid to do it.” While attending Texas A&M University, he sang solo and played several instruments in the house band of the Texas Opry, who honored him with several awards including "Musician of the Year" and "Entertainer of the Year".

After graduating from college with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Keith moved to Nashville, where he began playing writers’ nights and recording demos.

Increasingly, Keith’s substantial musical gifts are coming to the attention of his music industry peers. He is regularly invited to play and sing on other artists’ demos and albums, and has been bandleader for several acts. Most recently, he has written with and produced albums for several other upcoming recording artists.

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