Justin Moore Celebrates Landmark Debut Year as Billboard's 2009 'New Country Artist of the Year' and More

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- 2009 was a groundbreaking year for The Valory Music Co. recording artist Justin Moore.

Not only did the star become the only new Country artist last year to have a #1 single with his massive hit, "Small Town USA," Moore also recently took the crown as Billboard's "New Country Artist of 2009."

Moore's self-titled debut album, was also recognized as one of the best albums of 2009 in The New York Times' "The Year in the Arts" list. Music critic Jon Caramanica lauded the album as his #9 pick of 2009 citing Moore's "traditionalist bones holding together bursts of wry cowboy humor and eyebrow-raising salaciousness."

Moore was also featured in a recent The New York Times "Playlist," in which Justin Moore was hailed as, "one of this year's most exciting country debuts..."

"2009 has been a great year for me professionally," says Moore. "I can't thank the folks in the Country music community enough for the support they've shown me this year. I have to say a huge thanks to my peers, my family, my label, CMT, GAC, and especially Country radio for taking a shot on a hick from Arkansas."

"The chance that everyone has taken on me is appreciated by my family and I more than anyone will ever know," Moore continues. "Being named Billboard's Top New Country Artist, and being one of the New York Times' best albums of the year sticks the cherry on top."

The success of "Small Town USA" also made the Arkansas native the first solo artist to have a song from his/her debut album go to #1 since Taylor Swift's "Our Song" in December 2007. Moore's hit has sold over a half million downloads to-date.

Moore's follow-up single, "Backwoods," is currently a Top 30 hit and rising.

Moore's self-titled debut album landed at #3 on the Billboard Country Album Chart the week of release, also debuting at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. The success of Moore's inaugural album made it the 2nd highest Country music debut of a new artist in 2009 and the 11th highest country debut release of the year. "Small Town USA," ended the year as Billboard's #11 overall Country single.

In addition, the small town boy from Poyen, AR, will join one of the biggest tours in Country music in 2010. Moore will tour alongside Brad Paisley and Miranda Lambert on the American Saturday Night Tour beginning tonight (January 7th) in San Antonio, TX.

"I'm so excited to get out on the road with Brad after the New Year," says Moore. "I can't wait to bring our new stage show to Brad's fans, and I think the mix of our music with Brad and Miranda's should be a good mix for the fans. I can't stress what a huge opportunity this is, and I can't thank Brad enough. We love playin' the clubs, but there is nothing like stepping on stage in front of thousands of people."

For more information on Justin Moore and a list of tour dates visit: www.moorejustinmusic.com

SOURCE The Valory Music Co.