Michael Martin Murphey's talent discovery, Carin Mari and Pony Express, have recently won 8 Colorado Country Music Association Awards ! He's so proud!

Michael Martin Murphey discovered and began to mentor Carin Mari Lechner when she was nine years old, back when Michael was running his "Singing Cowboy Ranch" in Buena Vista, Colorado. Carin Mari and her brothers, Colin and Evan, performing as "Carin Mari and Pony Express" would come and play there as guests. Michael encouraged Carin to learn to yodel, and she did just that- and went on to win a national championship in yodeling. Then Michael started working with Carin on guitar playing, and she was a quick study. Then Michael started working with her as a songwriter- and again, Carin started writing great songs. As Carin acquired more skill as a performer, Michael invited her to play at his Colorado Westfests, Red River Westfests, guest perform on Cowboy Christmas shows, and got her a slot performing in Elko at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

Carin Mari and Pony Express are going places, and they remain close friends of Michael and the Murphey family. Carin recently played for Michael's daughter, Sarah Murphey, at the graduation dance held at the Murpheys' Rocking 3M Ranch barn!"