The Roys Named Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year At 17th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards

The Roys were named Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year during last night's 17th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards Show.  Siblings Lee and Elaine performed "That's What Makes It Love," with special guests Ricky Skaggs and The Whites, before a sold-out crowd. The song is from The Roys' current CD, LONESOME WHISTLE, which was recorded at Skaggs Place Studio and released in March on Rural Rhythm Records. The Awards show was held at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and co-hosted by GAC-TV's Storme Warren and Inside Edition's Megan Alexander.

"We are absolutely honored," says Elaine Roy of the duo's win. "We were raised on Bluegrass," adds her brother, Lee. "Faith and music are our life's touchstones."  The two enjoyed a busy ICM week, entertaining crowds at a showcase with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and at Power Source Magazine's #1 Inspirational Country Singles Party.  These dynamic Bluegrassers continue a busy touring schedule through year's end, opening tomorrow night for John Rich and Darryl Worley at the Fall Festival at BamaJam Farms in Enterprise, Alabama. Additional dates include shows in Minnesota, Kentucky and Florida.  The duo kicks off 2012 with their first-ever shows in Australia at the acclaimed Tamworth Festival.

The Roys have taken their signature sound to a host of Bluegrass gatherings this year, including: Turkey Tracks Bluegrass Festival; Tennessee Fall Homecoming; Rocky River Fall Bluegrass Festival; Niles, MI Bluegrass Festival, and Eastern Music Festival's Bluegrass Night.  The duo has also introduced countless Country fans to the Bluegrass genre, performing at numerous high-profile events this Summer, kicking off Country Thunder Festival USA (where they opened for Lady Antebellum), Dollywood, Dogwood Park Concert Series and more. They've appeared on several Fox Television Network shows, Daily Buzz, ABC-TV's What's The Buzz, Daytime, GAC-TV, RFD-TV and numerous other popular programs and networks.

The Roys' recent hit, "Coal Minin' Man" rocketed up the Bluegrass charts, landing at #1 on Power Source's Bluegrass Top 35 Chart, #1 on HotDisc International Top 40 Chart, #3 on Bluegrass Unlimited's National Bluegrass Survey and #4 on Bluegrass Music Profiles' Top 30 Singles Chart.

The Roys were previously honored with the ICM's Duo of the Year Award in 2010 and 2009.

Fans can learn more about Lee and Elaine at www.theroysonline.com