Durango Songwriters Expo on CNN's Larry King Live?

We found it pretty gratifying (and inspiring) that there is a link (albeit indirect), a connection if you will, between each of these top-shelf performing artists and our little [but ten years old!] Durango Songwriters Expo.

• Wynonna recorded "Don't You Throw That Mojo On Me," a Mark Selby blues rocker that Mark released on his debut for Vanguard Records, More Storms Comin', an absolutely stellar record! Mark (along with wife Tia Sillers - see below) presented a terrific songwriting workshop, at a recent Expo in Telluride, CO.

• Lee Ann Womack had a career making SMASH with Tia Sillers' and Mark D. Sanders' "I Hope You Dance."

• Travis Tritt had a big hit (Top 5) with the Kostas-penned "Lord Have Mercy On The Working Man." Kostas has not only appeared at the DSE but has also played on the monthly DSE-Nashville Showcase.

• As for Martina McBride, there are a number of connections to the Expo. Martina had big hits with Hillary Lindsey's "This One's For The Girls," and James Slater's "In My Daughter's Eyes." Both Hillary and James have appeared at the Expo and James has performed several times at the DSE-Nashville Showcase. In addition, Martina's recent duet with Jimmy Buffett, "Trip Around The Sun" (from License to Chill) is an Al Anderson composition. It's always a treat to hear "Big Al" play that song at the Expo, which he has done many times!

• Oh, yeah, Naomi Judd...she's Wynonna's mom. That's the connection!