"From the Halls of Montezuma..."

1/9/2008 Stephen L. Betts   Jason Michael Carroll, recently crowned Billboard’s Top New Country Artist of 2007, is set to make his debut appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America next Thursday (1/17). His performance will include his second smash single, “Livin’ Our Love Song.” Jason has scored back-to-back Top 5 singles with “Livin’ Our Love Song” and “Alyssa Lies,” both from his chart-topping debut album, Waitin’ in the Country. On Tuesday (1/8), Jason delivered a surprise performance for the families and Marines of Mike Battery 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment in Chattanooga, Tenn. Radio station WUSY-FM (US101) arranged the surprise appearance, which followed a special luncheon for the Marines and their families. Later in the day, nearly 150 Marines were to ship out for two months of training before deployment to Iraq. Jason, a former Marine reservist, sent them off with a 40-minute performance which included his a cappella versions of “God Bless the USA” and “The Marines’ Hymn,” an especially poignant moment with the Marines standing at attention. Commenting on the event, Jason says, “It was really nice to be able to give back to the soldiers who give us so much. Their bags were packed, their families were there – it was so emotional. Whenever I see someone in uniform, at the airport or somewhere else, I’ll make a point, even go out of my way, to go over and thank them for their service. They give me the freedom to do what I do.” Next up for Jason will be a performance at this Saturday’s (1/12) Sprint Sound & Speed concert event, which also features Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift, and The Wrights. Additionally, he's set to open dates on Trace Adkins’ upcoming American Man tour in the second half of February.