Highway 101's Paulette Carlson, known for her unique vocal style and sound, is a renowned country music star who rose to fame in the late 1980’s as the founder and lead singer of the legendary band Highway 101. Signed to Warner Brothers Records, Paulette and the band charted many hits. The lead single off of their debut, self titled album, the Carlson penned "The Bed You Made for Me" peaked at #4. That was followed by "Whiskey, If You Were a Woman", which peaked at #2. The next single, "Somewhere Tonight", hit #1 and was the first of four #1 songs from the band. The other three were "Cry, Cry, Cry", (Do You Love Me?) Just Say Yes" and "Who's Lonely Now." The band also had multiple other Top 10 singles. WIth Carlson on vocals, the group was nominated for two Grammy awards and multiple CMA and ACM awards. They took home the CMA and ACM Group of the Year awards in both 1988 and 1989.
After moving to Nashville from Minnesota, Paulette established herself as a songwriter and signed with the Oak Ridge Boys' Silverline/Goldline publishing company. Paulette appreciates the blessings and the gift God gave her. Her love of entertaining and singing for folks still keeps The Highway Girl and her music driving on strong.
Special Opening Acoustic Set by Hit Songwriter Bobby Tomberlin
Bobby Tomberlin wrote Diamond Rio’s #1 song “One More Day”; Bill Anderson and Dolly Parton’s Grammy-nominated duet, “Someday It’ll All Make Sense”; Darryl Worley’s “A Good Day to Run”; and the Barbra Streisand and Willie Nelson duet “I’d Want It to Be You.” His songs have also been recorded by Eddy Arnold, Faith Hill, Jamey Johnson, Kimberly Kelly, the Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers, Jeannie Seely, Blake Shelton, and Pam Tillis.