Jason Michael Carroll   -  Biography

Jason Michael Carroll grew up in North Carolina, the son of a preacher who did not allow secular music in the household. But when Carroll took a job at a motor shop, he got his musical education, with country speaking the loudest to him. He won a karaoke contest sponsored by a pop radio station and was promptly hired by a country band losing its singer. When Carroll was offered a performance slot at the popular country music venue Longbranch Saloon in Raleigh, N.C., and the rest of the band couldn't make it, Carroll parted ways with the band. He later won the Raleigh/Durham market for a televised talent contest, Gimme the Mic, which led to a trip to New York City. His music attracted the ear of Rusty Harmon, who had managed Hootie & the Blowfish. Harmon paired him with producer Don Gehman, who had produced the Hootie & the Blowfish album, Cracked Rear View, and many of John Mellencamp's classic rock albums. Together they recorded demos and shopped for a contract in Nashville. Carroll signed a record deal with Arista Nashville and released his first single, "Alyssa Lies," in late 2006. His debut album is expected in 2007.