New York Country Musician Justin Carey – Northeast Hall Of Famer Awaits Heart Transplant

While the nation has been following the condition of Randy Travis, we've learned that one of our own New York country musicians is also struggling with heart problems.

Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, Ballston Spa native Justin Carey made quite a name for himself performing classic country music all over New York State and beyond. His contributions to the regional Country Music scene were so much appreciated that he was inducted into the New York State Country Music Hall of Fame in Cortland, New York. In addition to receiving several Northeast Country Music Association Awards, Carey's fan base was growing rapidly with people who longed to hear traditional Country Music.

It's been a few years since we've heard from Carey, now we're learning from his mother that he's had quite a mountain to climb over the past few years, she says: "I send this to you now to tell you that having had 5 open heart surgeries over the years..... His last being in '07, Justin sits in New York Presbyterian hospital waiting for a heart transplant. He has been here for a week and the first thing he did was get on the computer to make sure he could listen on line. Justin is also blind."

We would like to encourage all fans and friends to leave your get well wishes for Justin Carey in the comment section below. While Carey checks his computer from the hospital, we hope to light up his day with a few messages of support.

More on Justin Carey:

Justin Carey learned how to play the piano at the tender age of four but it was his love of country music that was the driving force behind his desire to play the guitar. Now, at 34 years old (born Aug. 22, 1978) and a lifetime enthusiast of traditional classic country music, his performances are exclusive to the great pioneers of country music.

On April 30th,2000 he was inducted into the N.Y.S. Country Music Hall of Fame in Cortland, N.Y. He has opened for such artists as: Loretta Lynn, Charlie Pride, Billy Walker,and Randy Travis. He performed at the Turning Stone Casino at a disaster benefit. He is locally well known for organizing a Music Marathon "MUSIC AID" a week long fundraiser held in Wiswall Park from Sept. 15,2001 through Sept 21,2001.Over $11,000.00 was raised to benefit The World Trade Center disaster. Born blind and with congenital heart disease this young man helped by doing what he does best....entertaining. In 2002 Justin recieved the Sunrise Award from Northeast C.M.A., the key to the village of his hometown... Ballston Spa and The Robert Uplinger Award from The Lion's Club to name a few.

Justin’s first CD ‘Country Legends’ was released in June 2001. His first single ‘6 P.M. Texas Time’ was recorded on December 19, 2002 and released in January 2003. Justin’s second single ‘With a Man Like That (for Santa Claus)" was recorded in September 2003 and released in November 2003. This song was also recorded on The Songwriter’s Workshop Christmas C.D. He finished production of his third single “Scrapbook’ in May 2004 and recorded and released it in June 2004.

Justin received the prestigious “Spirit of Country” Award from the Northeast Country Music Association in 2005. This award goes to the performer who has promoted country music and its traditions above and beyond in the great northeast. In February 2008 Justin spent a week in Nashville, Tennessee with Eddie Stubbs, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, and The Hager brothers. Justin performed at The Commodore and at the Broken Spoke during his time in Nashville.

Carey is pictured above with Marty Stuart and Connie Smith. Carey is pictured below with Kenny Rogers.

Check out Justin Carey's CD by clicking here.