I came along at a time when the industry was eating its young.

Being born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised in the very rural parts of Kansas led me to believe that everything was simple, everything made sense and that anything was possible.

It's a great feeling to be recognized by your peers. It's an even better feeling to be welcomed and accepted by country radio and its listeners. If desire is any part of this equation, then I'm a contender!

I grew up in a very modest house. We were poor-we lived on the poverty level. We all got jobs as young kids.

If I wanted to be a pop singer, I would have done that 20 years ago. I love country music.

All I ever wanted to do was write songs and get on a bus and go play them for people.

I recruited my dad to be my bass player and fired him on several occasions. He stayed on as a bus driver.