I changed my mindset and figured, Why not try to be really entertaining instrumentally?

I go to eat dinner with my folks when I'm home. I think that's the trick.

Pilgrims travel to Jerusalem to see the Holy Land, and the foundations of their faith. People go to Washington, D.C. to see the workings of government, and the foundation of our country. And fans flock to Nashville to see the foundation of country music, the Grand Ole Opry.

When they say you're the best, I always remember that the majority of the audience probably thinks someone else should have gotten the award.

I imagine there's a market for total depression. I grew up on George Jones and that really dark stuff.

Deep down, I'm just a West Virginia hillbilly.

Even on the most serious ballads, I'll throw in a tongue-in-cheek remark.