A lot of people don't have near the amount of success as I've been blessed to have, and it's all about working hard and hoping that continues.

If there are people out by the bus, I'll come off the bus and sign autographs, too. I always want to be accessible. I always tell my fans, 'If I ever get on the bus and don't come off, it's because I'm under the weather or I'm really tired.'

People hear me talk and they know my background and they immediately stereotype me as being a real, real country guy, and that's the right stereotype. But you also want people to know you're a little broader than that, too.

When you get performance slots for award shows - that's a big deal for me.

I want to be comfortable on TV. If I'm comfortable, they're comfortable watching me. I think nothing's more icky than watching icky on TV.

Anything I've ever read by John Irving has been really well written.

I think the attraction to country music is the fans, the lure of the hardcore fan base.