An important mentor for me, in terms of teaching me that there's a right way and a wrong way to do things, was probably my football coach. And playing football was one of the first times in my life that I realized nothing is given to you. You have to work really hard.

I was on one bus with my band and crew for seven years. I didn't come to town with a karaoke tape. I didn't get on a TV show. There were no shortcuts. Anybody who wants to follow my model is welcome to it. You don't want to follow my path.

I can't believe that I get to stand on the stages I stand on every summer, and get to sing the songs that I sing.

I grew up in east Tennessee, and everybody knew everybody's business.

I have 120 employees on the road every day, and about 30 other employees off the road.

You'd think I'd have been happiest in my life playing music in front of 50,000 people at Gillette Stadium. But let me tell you, it's an odd feeling to feel alone in the spotlight.

Nothing positive at all in my life came from my marriage, I can tell you that.