For newer fans, how did your passion for music and career come about?
I grew up in a poor family. My Daddy was a barber, but made a side living playing Steel Guitar for the "Seven Rowe Brothers Band." I spent many a day in the corner strumming along and singing while they practiced. Then one day, they started letting me go around with them (for free of course). They called it my Harvard education, but I didn’t care. I was hooked!
What song that you have recorded means the most to you and why?
My upcoming single “Go Away Joe” means a lot, because it Lets me be a voice that says what I believe most Americans would like to say, but might just be afraid to.
Who have been some of your biggest musical influence growing up and do the same artists currently continue to influence you now?
George Jones, Johnny Cash, Bob Wills, Hank Sr. and Jr., Elvis, and even an old friend singer/songwriter Craig Wensel. They still influence me to this day. I can’t think of a decade that their music ever slowed down. Their work is just Timeless.
You are returning to the studio to begin work on new music. What has changed in your life between recording your last album and this one?
I have become re-dedicated to my Christian faith and values. Hopefully people will be able to hear this in the songs I write and record.
At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What hope people take away from your songs?
I believe that there is still true Love, prosperity, and good people left to be found in the world, despite all the baloney we have to endure in the media. I also believe that words like loyalty, honor, bravery, and integrity actually still mean something, and are not just the punchline to some bad joke!
Was there ever music playing in the kitchen growing up?
Heavens Yes! (chuckling). Every night when Mom was cooking supper, she’d be rocking out to a Helen Reddy 8-track of "I am Woman Hear me Roar."
How do drink your coffee?
Black! I’ve never gotten used to those Espresso places where ya gotta make five decisions for a cup of coffee.
Home cooking or going out for dinner?
Home Cooking! I’ve never bought a meal out that compares to my wife, Alicia’s, cooking.
What is the one place you have always dreamed of dining?
Ok, so, we love this Gordon Ramsay show "Hell’s Kitchen!" I’d eat there just to hear him yell. Nobody makes yelling an artform like that guy.
If you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand, who would it be and why?
It would be Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc. One, I love Dr. Pepper. Two, this company recently committed 1.5 million dollars over the next three years to The American, and Canadian Red Cross.