Elaine and Lee Roy Credit: Anthony Ladd

Nashville, TN (July 9, 2012) -- The reigning Inspirational Country Music's Bluegrass Artist of the Year, THE ROYS, are candidates for nomination in three categories as the 2012 IBMA Awards Second Round voting begins.  The siblings are seeking the support of their fellow members in the hopes of securing their inclusion on the ballots for Song of the Year, Emerging Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year awards.  IBMA members can place their vote online now at www.ibma.org.  

The brother/sister duo enjoyed "blessed good fortune" in 2011, according to Elaine Roy.  Their first Rural Rhythm Records' CD, LONESOME WHISTLE, debuted at #7 on BILLBOARD's Bluegrass Albums Chart and earned them a spot on BILLBOARD'S Top 50 Bluegrass Albums of 2011 Chart.  The disc also gave them two hit singles, including "Coal Minin' Man" and the IBMA Song of the Year second round ballot candidate, "Trailblazer." 

THE ROYS toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada in support of LONESOME WHISTLE and made their debut in Australia this past January.  Last week the duo performed for the first time on the SPRINGER MOUNTAIN FARMS Bluegrass Nights At The Ryman Series.  Lee and Elaine have enjoyed numerous high-profile national and international TV appearances, including: ABC, CMC, FOX, GAC and RFD. They were featured in the PBS television special Pa's Fiddle: Charles Ingalls, American Fiddle and hosted seven episodes of the Bluegrass Mountains television show. The two co-hosted the first annual Christmas 4 Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament with Tennessee Titans' Placekicker Rob Bironas and enjoyed DJ duties on 650 AM WSM Radio's Guest Artist Series. 

You can catch THE ROYS' dynamic live show at the upcoming Bluegrass Festivals: 

August 2                     Hartford, CT                           Podunk BGF

August 3 - 5               Stony Plain, AB CAN             Blueberry BGF

August 24                   Rogersville, NB CAN             Rogersville BGF

August 30 - 31           New Richmond, QC CAN      New Richmond BGF

September 7 - 8         Franklin, KY                           Franklin Kentucky BGF September 21             Vine Grove, KY                      Vine Grove BGF

September 22             Uperco, MD                            Arcadia BGF

October 4 - 5              Glen Rose, TX                         Paluxy River BGF

Photos, complete tour schedule, reviews, music and more can be found at www.theroysonline.com. 

HIGH RES Pic of The Roys here .  

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