Hallmark goes country in the greeting card aisle

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Hallmark has signed a new licensing agreement with the Country Music Association to bring music from some of the most popular country artists into the greeting card aisle.

With this contract, Hallmark says it will leverage the prestigious CMA Awards brand to feature products using songs from CMA-member artists including Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Craig Morgan, Brad Paisley, and Carrie Underwood.

"People love to connect with each other through music, and we're thrilled to bring some of today's hottest Country Music artists to Hallmark cards," said Kelly Reichman, director – Hallmark Licensing. "Capturing the spirit of today's CMA-member artists, this collection celebrates good times with friends."

The collection includes 12 song cards to help consumers recognize birthdays and other celebratory occasions. Priced at $4.99, each card features a 15-second sound clip from some of the artists' top songs including No. 1 singles such as Carrie Underwood's "All-American Girl" and Brad Paisley's "Mud On the Tires."

"This year marks the 50th anniversary of the CMA Awards, and we are excited this partnership with Hallmark gives our fans another way to celebrate," said Emily Evans, CMA Director of Strategic Partnerships. "Country Music tells the story of everyday living and these cards are a memorable way to mark life's special moments."

The cards will first appear in select Walmart stores in mid-October. The line will then be distributed through multiple retail channels nationwide by November.