Tracy Lawrence was simply trying to sell records when he invited Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw to guest on "Find Out Who Your Friends Are."

Other articles by Cathalena E. Burch:

Lawrence tops Fest bill With bus, Bonnett's set for the big time The future of folk A fitting day for superdad: Cosby delivers superb humor Arizona Opera slashes management, cuts pay Brisket, BBQ are a family affair Are you ready for some Williams? Our favorite TV dad here for Father's Day Thousands in donations assure more parks concerts in the fall Aisle seats: Arts picks for the week

Administrative & Professional
Tucson Urban League
CEO/President Construction
West-Press
Printing Administrative & Professional
Jorgensen Brooks Group
Counselor Finance and Accounting
Charles E. Gillman Company
Accounting Specialist Mechanical
Komatsu Equipment Co
Resident Field Mechanic Health Care
Dependable Health Services
Physical Therapists Health Care
CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Tracy Lawrence knew inviting pals Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw to guest on his debut indie single was a good business move.

Last Sunday, he found out just how good when he picked up the Academy of Country Music Vocal Event of the Year Award.

"We were just trying to get some airplay and sell a few records," Lawrence confessed from a tour stop Wednesday in Bakersfield, Calif. "It's been amazing what we've been able to accomplish (with the song)."

The ACM follows the Country Music Association nod last fall for "Find Out Who Your Friends Are." The single launched Lawrence's indie label, Rocky Comfort Records, which he started in late 2006 with his brother/manager, Laney Lawrence.

Lawrence is the latest in a string of several big-name country artists who have become captains of their recording destinies — from Kenny Rogers, who started Dreamcatcher Records in 1998; to Toby Keith and former DreamWorks exec Scott Borchetta, who started twin Show Dog Records and Big Machine Records in 2005.

"I had been on five labels since 1999 due to buyouts or mergers. You never get a chance to establish any kind of consistency," Lawrence explained on why he struck out on his own. "It just got to the point it was absolutely exhausting."

In addition to the industry accolades, "Friends" earned the top spot on Billboard's country charts, giving Lawrence the coveted honor of being the first country artist to score a No. 1 hit from his debut indie single.

"It's been a little bit of a learning curve. But I think to step out and start a label from the ground up and win a couple of awards out of the box isn't too bad," said the 40-year-old father of two girls who returns to Desert Diamond Casino for a show Saturday.

Lawrence, who recently signed a second artist to his label, said he will record a Christian pop album this summer. It follows his first Christmas album, which he released on his label last fall.

"I'm excited to be able to take my music to that place and do something really different than I've done in the past," he said.

Lawrence also is toying with the idea of scaling back touring in the next year.

"I don't think I will ever quit," he clarified, but he would like to spend more time at home.

His tours will likely always include a stop in Tucson. The Old Pueblo holds special meaning for his family, he said.

"I was in Tucson with my wife when I found out my wife was pregnant" with oldest daughter Skylar, he said. The girl turns 7 in late June.