Eric Lee Beddingfield first caught the attention of the Country Music charts and song spinners with his self-titled debut album in 2007.  By 2008, Beddingfield was named one of the top ten artists to watch by New Music Weekly and three singles from the album released to country radio all landed in the Top 40 of MusicRow’s CountryBreakout™ Chart.  Even without a penny of promotion behind the single, Beddingfield’s “Nowhere USA” earned itself a #1 independent release ranking in October of 2008 on Power Source Magazine’s top country chart.

In February of 2009, Beddingfield headed back into studio to start work on his highly anticipated follow-up album.  This time he’s using the man who many say helped set the standard for modern country music as inspiration for one of his favorite tracks.  “To me, George Jones is the definition of country music,” Eric said referring to the legend he wrote the anthem about.  “The Gospel According to Jones,” is an ode to the late-night life of a country star.  “You can’t always make it to church on Sunday mornings when you’re out spreading your own word late on Saturday nights.”

The Martinez, Georgia, born artist credits Jones, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Merle Haggard with the influences of his swampy, southern-rockin, hard-core country style, “My music is the bastard child of Southern Rock and what Country used to be,” Eric asserted.  And don’t be surprised if some of that well-known talent shows up on the new album… In fact, on Beddingfield’s first album, he sings “Train, Train” with the legendary Dolly Parton, accompanied by renowned guitarist Ricky Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd. 

Working with Grammy-nominated producer Kent Wells has also had quite an influence on Eric.  (Wells is credited with Dolly Parton's "Backwoods Barbie" album- the highest debuting album of Dolly's career.)  The relationship they have developed over the years has created a respectful atmosphere where the two can collaborate and encourage Eric’s artistic influence on his own music. “If a producer’s telling you what to do then you’re just another cookie-cutter artist.  I’m lucky to have the connection that I do with such a respected producer.”

As with his debut release, Eric again has written or co-written all of the songs on the upcoming album.   The sophomore album is expected to be released in early 2010.