NEWS

Willie Mack Places 22 Cuts in 2009

Texas native Willie Mack has racked up Texas-size success this year with a work ethic that mirrors the hard-working spirit of ole; the singer/songwriter, who joined ole in 2006, had 22 songs recorded and released in 2009.

Willie just completed a new album, 'The Journey,' released June 23 for Canada's Fontana Records, with all Mack penned co-writes. Mack has five singles coming out in the fall, as well as, additional upcoming releases through collaborations with The Road Hammers. He had six cuts on Aaron Pritchett's album last year, one top single "How Do I Get There," and two top singles with Jason Blaine, "Flirtin' With Me" and "Good Day To Get Gone." Willie's own top single, "Love Like That," recently went Top 40 on Canadian Country Radio, and he just recently released his second single "Everything I Need," which he co-wrote with ole's Gilles Godard.

"The magic thing about Willie is that he's truly a chameleon when it comes to co-writes," says Chief Creative Officer, Gilles Godard. "He has a relentless work ethic; when he goes out on tour, he tries to fly out a day early to find an artist to write with. When he comes back, he takes a redeye to make sure he doesn't miss a co-write at 10 a.m."

As further testament to his determination, Mack refused to let illness prevent him from performing at this year's ole Hitsville at the CCMA's. "He flew in the day before and had lost his voice when it was time for Hitsville," Godard recalls. "He went to see the doctor and got medication, and he had just enough voice to sing - twice!"

Mack performed "Places I Ain't Never Been," last year's winning Hitsville song that was written by Ron McNeill, as well as his first Canadian single, "Gonna Get Me a Cadillac," co-written with Jason McCoy.

"This guy is a machine when it comes to going out and giving 100 percent," Godard marvels. Next up for Mack? In 2010, Godard says he will look to duplicate in the U.S. the kind of co-writing success he's had with his Canadian partners.