Gretchen Wilson officially launches Redneck Records, releases new single Oct. 26

Country music's Gretchen Wilson has officially launched her own record label and slates a new single.

Grammy-winning country artist Gretchen Wilson has launched her own label, Redneck Records, and the first release for the new entity will be her forthcoming single, "Work Hard, Play Harder," which will hit country-radio stations Oct. 26.

Based at Studio 27 in Lebanon, Tenn., Wilson's Redneck Records will, of course, be the home for her next full-length CD, I Got Your Country Right Here, that hits stores in early 2010, with assistance from RED Distribution, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, which is widely recognized as the industry leader in independent distribution and artist development.

"My management and I looked at a lot of different options over the last couple of months, and starting Redneck Records made the most sense to continue the relationships I've built with radio, retail and the fans," said record-label president Wilson, who will oversee virtually all operations of the new venture.

The ACM and CMA winner also has a strong team of industry pros in her corner providing assistance in the day-to-day operation of the label, including in the areas of radio and video promotion and PR. 

"This is a really exciting time in my life," Wilson noted, "and I'm looking forward to everyone hearing my new music."

As for her latest single, "Work Hard, Play Harder," the track was penned by Wilson, John Rich and Vicky McGehee. In honor of the single, the accomplished singer-songwriter has completed a music video that's set to begin airing in mid-October, but a sneak peek's currently available on her Web site.

Gretchen Wilson 101

The card-carrying Muzik Mafia member exploded onto the country music scene in 2004 with her "Redneck Woman" smash and has since scored three No. 1 albums; namely, Here For The Party, All Jacked Up and One Of The Boys. Her first book, the autobiographical Redneck Woman: Stories from My Life, landed her on the prestigious New York Times best-seller rolls.

In the trophy department, Wilson has won virtually every award for which she's been nominated, including Female Vocalist of the Year from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, two awards each from the American Music Awards and Billboard Music awards, and a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

Last year, Wilson, who voluntarily left school as a teenager to pursue music, accomplished a long-time goal of receiving her GED diploma. Her friend and mentor, fellow musician Charlie Daniels, was a guest speaker at her graduation ceremony. Then, in May of this year, she had the honor of speaking to a Congressional panel about the importance of continued funding for adult education. Most recently, she recently received a 2009 Literacy Leadership Award from the National Coalition for Literacy and the Center for the Book.

Moreover, as evidence of her commitment to education, single-mom Wilson has teamed with the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to honor GED students and organizations dedicated to the advancement of literacy.