The Texas Tenors strike a chord with fans by announcing new album, U.S. tour

The Texas Tenors gained fame on NBC's 'America’s Got Talent,' and now they're teaming up with famed producer Nigel Wright to create a new album.

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(PR NewsChannel) / July 25, 2011 / LOS ANGELES 

The Texas Tenors: JC Fisher, Marcus Collins and John Hagen

America’s Got Talent sensations The Texas Tenors are back in Hollywood, where they first rose to national fame, and working on their second album, “You Should Dream.” The top vocal group in the history of the show is bringing their unique blend of country and classical music to the prestigious Conway Studios, working with Grammy and Academy Award nominated producer Nigel Wright.

Wright, a fixture among the music industry elite, took interest in the trio after working with them on the show.  Wright serves as Simon Cowell’s musical director for ‘America’s Got Talent,’ ‘X Factor,’ ‘American Idol’ and has a successful partnership with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.  He has produced industry heavyweights from Barbara Streisand and Madonna to Jose Carreras with over 40 top 20 hits and four number one singles.

Award-winning artists, like Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Guns ‘n’ Roses and Lady Gaga have recorded in the legendary Conway Studios.

“We are very excited to be recording our second album in the same place as these incredible artists,” said Marcus Collins, commonly know as ‘the blonde tenor.’ “Wright is such a visionary and really understands our sound and what we want to do with our music.”

“You Should Dream” will feature the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and include original songs by Grammy award winning songwriters.  Originals include “You Should Dream,” an inspirational ballad about the group’s journey over the last two years.  The album will also feature all new versions of “God Bless The USA,” “Unchained Melody” and “My Way” as seen on America’s Got Talent.

The Texas Tenors won the hearts of millions with their melodic three-part harmonies and Texas charm in 2009.  Since then, they have brought their modern interpretation of country and classical music all over the world in over 270 concerts, including a 23-city tour of the UK.

Fans will have more opportunities to see The Texas Tenors live as they embark on a 93-concert tour across the United States, featuring their live band and some performances with a 65-piece orchestra.  They will also be adding international dates including China and Australia for the fall of 2012.  The full touring schedule is available atwww.thetexastenors.com.

The album is due this fall, with the first single “God Bless the USA” out on September 1 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11.  Partial proceeds from the single will benefit the nonprofit Homes for our Troops organization that builds homes for wounded veterans at no cost to them.

“We are proud to be able to donate to such a remarkable organization like Homes for our Troops,” said JC Fisher. “This has been such an amazing two years for us and we’re blessed to be able to give back.”

About The Texas Tenors: The Texas Tenors are comprised of Marcus Collins, JC Fisher, and John Hagen.  The trio performed together only a few times before auditioning for America’s Got Talent, but went on to become the highest ranking vocal group in the history of the show placing fourth.  Their unique blend of country and classical music captivated millions, making their debut CD “Country Roots/Classical Sound” the only album to ever be #1 on both the Country and Classical Charts as tracked by CD Baby, the largest distributor of independent music in the world.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Marcus Collins
info@thetexastenors.com

ON THE WEB:
www.thetexastenors.com
http://www.nigelwright.net/
http://www.facebook.com/thetexastenors
http://twitter.com/thetexastenors
www.homesforourtroops.org

JULY 11, 2010

Who's Hot In Hollywood

JC Fisher, Marcus Collins and John Hagen are the Texas Tenors, who finished in fourth place in Season 4 of NBC's America's Got Talent. Their CD, The Texas Tenors: Country Roots, Classical Sound, is available at thetexastenors.com for $20.

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The Texas Tenors: A Made-in-America Success Story

One year ago three friends were struggling to pay the bills. Flash forward one year and the three friends are singing to sold out venues across the world...here is their amazing story.Springfield, MO (PRWEB) December 1, 2010

 

Don't be fooled by their somber black suits and cowboy hats. The Texas Tenors take their music seriously, but never themselves. Weaving effortlessly from John Denver to Puccini to “West Side Story,” the trio takes their audience on a musical ride from West Virginia to Italy to New York City, pausing between genres long enough only to tell stories and smile for pictures. And why shouldn't they smile? One year ago, these three friends—Marcus Collins, JC Fisher, and John Hagen—were struggling to pay the bills. On a whim, after having performed together only a couple of times, the trio decided to audition in Houston, Texas, for “America's Got Talent,” a televised talent show judged by Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne, and David Hasselhoff—and 100 million viewers. The three friends won the hearts of millions of fans, which landed them into the finals, making them the highest ranking vocal group in the history of the show.

 

Flash forward one year. The Texas Tenors have now played everywhere from Las Vegas to Scotland. They've performed in front of Merle Haggard and with symphony orchestras. Fans who fell in love with the Texas Tenors on TV come out to see the trio perform the songs that wowed judges. But a large part of their fan base consists of people who have discovered this remarkable act on their own—and in the process, discovered something interesting about themselves. “The most satisfying thing is when a diehard country fan says, ‘I never thought I liked opera until I heard you sing,'” says John Hagen, an award-winning opera singer. “Or when someone says, ‘I didn't think I liked country music, until I heard you guys sing it,'” adds JC Fisher, who grew up on a cattle ranch. Not surprisingly, he's the more countrified tenor. Marcus Collins just laughs. “The most amazing thing is to think how fast this has all happened,” says the blond tenor whose singing style is more contemporary than either Hagen or Fisher. Marcus is also the one who Sharon Osbourne looked at with bedroom eyes and declared: “You're hot.”The truth is, all three Texas Tenors are hot. The only thing hotter is what happens when their three voices combine on stage at the Starlite Theatre in Branson, Mo.

 

“The response to this show has been incredible,” says Randy Little, owner of PFI Western Store in nearby Springfield. Little and partners bought the Starlite in 2008 with the hopes of adding to the musical diversity of Branson. “But I don't think any of us could' ve imagined the Texas Tenors. Who would've thought you could have a country singer, a contemporary artist, and a classical opera singer all on the stage at the same time?” Backstage the three men laugh when they recall how they first fell in love with music. For Collins, it was at the age of four when he heard Disney's “It's a Small World.” For Hagen, it was as a 12-year-old boy, when he figured out how to make “Pavarotti's Greatest Hits” play on his record player all night long. For Fisher, it was at a high school basketball game when he volunteered to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before starting for the team. “The choir director came up to me afterwards and said, ‘Why the heck aren't you in choir?'”

 

As with most success stories, this one hasn't been without bumps and detours. As a teenager, Collins battled weight issues, tipping the scales at nearly 300 pounds. Fisher, the only married tenor and a father of three, struggles with hearing loss. Hagen declared bankruptcy in 2008. But if music can heal, music between friends can work miracles, which is clearly the case when these three friends create breathtaking harmonies. Looking toward the future, the Texas Tenors hope to schedule more symphony dates, create a new album, and write an original hit song. But busy as they are, they always find time to smile and thank the fans who voted for them on “America's Got Talent.” For now, Branson is lucky to have that talent on stage for a limited number of shows in 2010 and 2011. For more information about the Texas Tenors and their Branson show schedule, visit http://www.StarliteTheatre.com or call (417) 337-9333.

The Texas Tenors Starlite Theatre May 9, 2010

They opened their mouths and sent me to heaven. It has been awhile since I have heard better male voices, except the Twelve Irish Tenors. In fact it was almost a year ago. I listened to this great trio of guys singing on America's Got Talent. Oh my, in fact they looked very similar too. I knew at that time that I wanted them to come to Branson and perform at one of our theaters. I was very excited to hear they were going to be here in May and then again in September and October. The first song was "Mountain Music" and I was glad that they opened the show with a country tune. But we were treated to many classical and semi-classical numbers sprinkled throughout the concert. The one thing I noticed about the guys is that they were always on pitch, had wonderful vibrato, and absolutely beautiful tone in their voices. A medley was sung that I really liked. "Danny Boy" was a marvelous song to sing and Marcus sang it so beautifully. J.C. sang the second verse and John the third. J.C. and John have beautiful rich voices and they use them on "You Raise Me Up". When the tenors blend their voices, I have a big smile on my face. What talents this guys have. Marcus controlled the band and did a great job at it. "Deep In the Heart of Texas" was fully expected, since they are The Texas Tenors. I loved their version of "O' Solo Mio". An audience member was brought up to the stage and they had fun with her. They even took off her shoe. Kelly King, from Nashville, sang two solos and another song with the boys. I loved the song "Somewhere" from "West Side Story". Kelly and the guys sang wonderfully together. "Independence Day" was also very good from Kelly. She did add something to the show. "God Bless the USA" was sung as a salute to the veterans in the audience. It is the best version of that song I have heard. For me, the highlight of the show was the heart warming version of "Unchained Melody". Each tenor sang a verse and it was absolutely remarkable. I was blown away by their ability to make any audience love classical music. I also loved the idea that they came out into the audience and sang "Volare". Other highlights were "Only You" and "Nessun Dorma". Marcus singing "God Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatt was very good also. I have heard that song by many people but theirs is right up there. John sang "Shenandoah" a Capella. I love his full rich voice. When J.C. joined John the vocal actually got richer. I would recommend this show to everyone. They are awesome and better in person than they were on TV. Plan your trips to Branson so you can catch these three gentlemen in their fantastic show.

The Starlite Theatre offers 50% off of each ticket if you purchase a second, third, and/or fourth show at the Starlite Theater. What a bargain and since their shows are all great, it is a smart decision also. Visit their website www.TheTexasTenors.com And www.StarliteTheatre.com

Leo's appeal strikes a chord with The Texas Tenors

By ASHA MEHTA

Mon Aug 09 2010

SINGING stars from America are lending their awesome voices to a Peterborough boy's £45,000 appeal to fund a life-changing operation in the US. The Texas Tenors, who shot to fame on America's Got Talent last year, heard about Leo Waites' plight and are using the opening night of their first UK tour on August 23 to stage a charity concert in his honour. They were moved to help after bosses at the Key Theatre, where they will be performing, told them about how the four-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer faced a race against time to raise money. His family have been appealing for help to raise £ 45,000 since May for an operation that will allow Leo to take his first steps unaided or rely on Botox injections to ease the tightness of his legs. Leo's mother Joanne Holland, of Cook Avenue, Hempstead, Peterborough said she was delighted to get the American musicians on board.
 She also thanked the many other generous donors who have boosted the total to just over £8,000 so far. She said: I think it's brilliant. The Key Theatre asked me to drop Leo t-shirts over and the next thing I knew, the Texas Tenors were wearing them. The Texas Tenors will be holding the charity concert on August 23 at the Key Theatre, in Embankment. The aim is to raise as much money as possible from a proportion of ticket sales and a collection on the night. Artistic director of the Key Theatre Michael Cross said: This was excellent timing for us. The Texas Tenors were looking for a preview venue for their debut UK tour and the Key suggested that this charity performance would be the perfect way to boost the Leo Waites appeal. Key Theatre spokesman Lewis Hall added: We followed the story in The ET and we have had various collections, with a number of staff getting involved. Someone who works in a restaurant did a bungee jump on Thursday. The show at the Key Theatre is the first night of the Texas Tenors' UK tour, so we are really thrilled about that. Millions of people saw the Texas Tenors on America's Got Talent and watched their amazing forth place finish. The classically-trained trio J.C, Marcus and John, perform a blend of gospel, country, classical and Broadway music on stage with a hint of cowboy charm. The show starts at 8pm and tickets cost £17. For more information, call 01733 207239 or book online at www.peterboroughkeytheatre.co.uk.

Texas Tenors Live At London Road

Thu 19 Aug 2010

Stars of America's Got Talent, The Texas Tenors, will provide the pre-match entertainment at London Road on Saturday afternoon. They will be singing two songs ahead of kick-off to help raise awareness of a forthcoming concert, which in turn will raise funds for local lad Leo Waites. They want to raise awareness of their Concert at Peterborough's Key Theatre on Monday (23rd August) and funds for 4-year-old Leo Waites from Peterborough confined to a wheelchair has made a heartfelt plea for help to fly him to America for a life-changing operation so he can take his first steps.  Bubbly, blue-eyed Leo suffers from cerebral palsy and although he dreams of joining his pals on the ice rink, the overwhelming pain in his legs means he can only watch from the side lines. His family have been appealing for help to raise £45,000 since May for an operation that will allow Leo to walk without a frame or rely on Botox injections to ease the tightness of his legs. Leo's mother Joanne Holland, of Cook Avenue, Hempstead, Peterborough, has now received confirmation that a slot for the operation, called a selective dorsal rhizotomy, has become available on November 16 at the St Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri, USA. Miss Holland said 'If Leo has this operation it will mean for the first time in his life that he will be able to do the most basic things like going to the toilet alone.' With the date just four months away, Leo's mother, now fears the money will not come through in time . The Texas Tenors have stepped in to help the family reach this target by using their first ever tour of the UK to help raise funds for this crucial operation. The Texas Tenors will be doing a charity concert in Peterborough on Monday 23rd August at the Key Theatre - the aim is to raise as much money as possible from the concert to go towards the funds needed. As the group tour the UK they will also be using this opportunity to raise money for little Leo. Millions of people saw the Texas Tenors on NBC's America's Got Talent (UK's ITV2) and watched their amazing fourth place finish. Now the UK has the opportunity to not only see and hear the Texas Tenors, but to experience their dynamic performance live, up close and personal, as they start their first ever UK tour on August 24 in Brighton at the Theatre Royal. The "amazing" thing about the Texas Tenors is that in the Spring of 2009, there was no Texas Tenors. Three friends, J.C. Fisher, Marcus Collins, and John Hagen decided to combine their talents and come together to audition for NBC's "America's Got Talent (AGT)." Their personalities, story, talent and song choices had them performing in front of millions of people week after week through their AGT Top Ten appearance and fourth place finish. Those same characteristics coupled with their charisma and ability to relate to their audience gave them a "first place" finish with audiences now. The incredible voices of these classically trained Tenors, J.C, Marcus and John, perform the most romantic songs of the last Century and bring their unique blend of, Gospel, Country, Classical and Broadway to the stage with breathtaking vocals, humour and a hint of cowboy charm. J.C is the ever romantic Tenor with his interpretations of classic Neapolitan love songs; Marcus brings a contemporary feel to the group and John, who is simply The Tenor! Together they create harmonies as smooth as silk and a sound to satisfy the soul. From well-loved arias, to show songs, from 'Nessun Dorma' to 'My Way', The Texas Tenors cover every genre of music effortlessly!

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The Texas Tenors Their first ever UK TOUR

Over 100 million people from around the world tuned into 'America's Got Talent' last year to see The Texas Tenors become '2009's Vocal Group of the Year'. They are embarking on their first ever tour of the UK. The incredible voices of these classically trained Tenors, JC, Marcus and John bring their unique blend of Country, Gospel, Classical and Broadway to the stage with breathtaking vocals, humour with a hint of cowboy charm. JC is the ever romantic Tenor with his interpretations of classic Neapolitan love songs; Marcus brings a contemporary feel into the group and John, who is simply The Tenor! Together they create harmonies as smooth as silk and a sound to satisfy the soul. From well loved arias, to songs of the unexpected, the Texas Tenors bring to the stage one genre of music to another These three childhood friends have carved fantastic careers as actors and in the Opera world in their own right and since 'America's Got Talent' have combined to create the ultimate vocal sound. NEWS JUST IN.... THE TEXAS TENORS step in to help brave Leo Waites, of Peterborough to raise £ 45,000 for essential operation in USA. The mother of a 4-year-old, Leo Waites, from Peterborough confined to a wheelchair has made a heartfelt plea for help to fly him to America for a life-changing operation so he can take his first steps. Bubbly, blue-eyed Leo suffers from cerebral palsy and although he dreams of joining his pals on the ice rink, the overwhelming pain in his legs means he can only watch from the side lines. His family have been appealing for help to raise £ £ £ 45,000 since May for an operation that will allow Leo to walk without a frame or rely on Botox injections to ease the tightness of his legs. Leo's mother Joanne Holland, of Cook Avenue, Hempstead, Peterborough, has now received confirmation that a slot for the operation, called a selective dorsal rhizotomy, has become available on November 16 at the St Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri, USA. Miss Holland said &If Leo has this operation it will mean for the first time in his life that he will be able to do the most basic things like going to the toilet alone. With the date just four months away, Leo's mother, now fears the money will not come through in time . The Texas Tenors have stepped in to help the family reach this target by using their first ever tour of the UK to help raise funds for this crucial operation. Th Texas Tenors will be doing a charity concert in Peterborough on Monday 23 August at the Key Theatre and the aim is to raise as much money as possible from the concert to go towards the funds needed. As the group tour the UK they will also be using this opportunity to raise money for little Leo.

The Texas Tenors will perform in September at Wartburg College in Waverly.

WAVERLY --- Members of the Texas Tenors wowed NBC viewers in 2009 with their vocal stylings as contestants on "America's Got Talent." The group, which includes Cedar Valley native John Hagen, hopes to continue winning Iowa fans with two concerts this fall at Wartburg College. The Neumann Auditorium shows, Sept. 24 and Sept. 25, kick off the school's 2010-11 artist series. "This is the first time that we as a group will be back," said Hagen, who shared his talents during May's Creme de la Creme concert at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. "I'm excited about it because I grew up in Waverly and I taught as an adjunct professor at Wartburg for years, so I have strong ties to the community." The vocalist owns and operates the Henry W. Myrtle Art Gallery in Cedar Falls but has spent the last year on the road with his performing partners JC Fisher and Marcus Collins. The trio formed a few months before auditioning for "America's Got Talent." "Our three voices are very different, but together it seems to be working," said Hagen, a University of Northern Iowa graduate. "We're able to bring a unique style to each of the different genres of music that we do." In addition to country and folk selections by John Denver and Alabama, the men sing operatic arias and pop standards by Frank Sinatra and others. Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" is another fan favorite. "It's kind of like a second national anthem for us," said Hagen, who arranges most of the group's vocals. "It's difficult to sing at times. We get very chocked up when we see the reactions and emotions flowing through the audience." The Texas Tenors placed fourth in last year's "America's Got Talent" reality show competition. Although the singers knew they had something special, Hagen said group members have been surprised by the overwhelming support they've received during and after their television appearances. The trio's shows are booked into 2012. The Tenors' debut album, "Country Roots, Classical Sound," tops the CDBaby charts. Hagen's local connections, paired with the trio's national appeal, should create high demand for tickets to the Wartburg show, said Myrna Culbertson, artist series director. "During 'America's Got Talent' people were glued to the television," she said. "To have them perform in our own backyard is pretty exciting." Season tickets are now on sale for the artist series, which also includes the play "A Second Helping: Church Basement Ladies 2," a concert by Stringfever and a presentation of "Alice in Wonderland" by the New York Theatre Ballet. Individual event tickets for the Texas Tenors show are available starting Monday. The trio will return to the Cedar Valley Dec. 11 to headline the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops concert. "It's so meaningful to be able to come back and perform," Hagen said. "The Cedar Valley has always been so supportive."

South Ayrshire Council News The Texas Team's In Town

The Texan Tenors and Councillors are pictured at Ayr Town Hall Cllr Grant, John Hagen, Cllr Toner, Marcus Collins, Cllr Little and JC Fisher. The Texas Tenors who will be performing at Ayr Town Hall on Wednesday 1 September 2010 as part of their first UK tour have arrived in Ayr. John Hagen, Marcus Collins and JC Fisher, who make up the Texas Tenors, received a warm South Ayrshire welcome from South Ayrshire Councillors when they went to check out Ayr Town Hall. Councillor Margaret Toner, Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure Portfolio Holder, Councillor Elaine Little and Councillor Bill Grant met the Texan Tenors and heard from them how impressed the group were with the town of Ayr. Commenting about their visit the Texan Tenors said: "This is our first visit to Ayr and to South Ayrshire and we are very impressed by what we have seen. Ayr Town Hall is a beautiful building with great facilities it will be a pleasure to perform there. Local people and visitors are very lucky to have such a wonderful beach and scenery to enjoy, we have travelled around the world and this town rates with the best we have ever seen." Seasoned performers, the group appeared on the television show 'America's Got Talent' that attracts over 100 million viewers from around the world. The Texas Tenors were voted 2009's Vocal Group of the Year. The incredible voices of these classically trained tenors J.C, Marcus and John perform the most romantic songs of the last century, and bring their unique blend of, gospel, country, classical and Broadway to the stage with breathtaking vocals, humour and a hint of cowboy charm. From well loved arias, to show songs, from 'Nessun Dorma' to 'My Way', The Texas Tenors performs all types of music effortlessly. Tickets are available from the Citadel Leisure Centre on 01292 269793. Date Added: 27 August 2010 15:52