You always have to work to become a better singer, songwriter and performer.

Every day I wake up and I lay in bed counting my blessings and saying my prayers for how fortunate I am to have great fans and health and family.

I always look back to awards shows and think about being a kid watching them.

My first memories of music were country music and Ronnie Milsap. Where I grew up, it was what you listened to. And anything else, you were somewhat out of place.

I'll always have songs with a farm connotation on my albums. It's in the fabric of my music, and I plan to keep it that way.

Life's up and down from the time you get here to the time you leave.

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.'