By Jim Hart/Contributing Writer
jimhartrealestate@gmail.com

NASHVILLE
Colton James recently traveled to Nashville to perform for Monsanto Company, a global leader in agriculture-related products and research headquartered in St. Louis. James, who lives in Courtland, is a rising star in the world of country music, and is recognized as an up-and-coming recording artist in this industry.

In part for his reputation as a county music artist, Monsanto asked him to perform for their New Product Evaluation Summit, celebrating their 100th-year anniversary. This event was at the Loews Vanderbilt in Nashville this past weekend, and was attended by more than 500 company representatives and invited guests throughout the U.S. that are associated with the company in various ways.

James was originally scheduled to play seven songs. However, after the success of the event and the encouragement from the audience, he continued on to play 15 to the delight of the crowd and was met with two separate standing ovations. The patriotic songs that brought the largest cries of joy from the audience were, “Take This Country Back” and “Brave Men.” The one song that brought about tears from many, though, was James’ new single “Daddy’s Little Girl,” which is planned to be released this year.

On Saturday and Sunday, James had plans to finish recording and mixing vocals with another one of his newest releases, also scheduled for this year, “Living Out Loud.” James met with fellow songwriter Kim Tribble at Ocean Way Studio to do the final touches to this song, which may be used by Remington as their 200th year anniversary theme song. Several new friends from Monsanto were invited to the studio on Sunday for the final track and tour the facility. While there, they also met with another well-known Nashville writer, David Wills, and his wife, Scarlett. Wells is well known for writing several hit songs with Garth Brooks (“Wild Horses”) and George Strait, among other artists.

The NPE Summit is designed as an annual meeting that recognizes many of its customers throughout the country for their assistance in testing new products on site. The participating farmers will grow a particular product and monitor it carefully along with Monsanto representatives to assist in improving their many product lines. Through this process, products are decided upon to keep and market or to discontinue. It also serves as an introductory to new products that will be used in the next farming year, and serves as a time to say ‘Thank You’ to the farmer participants of this program.