|
Sunday, 16 September, 2007 1:48 PM
CMA New Artist Spotlight: Luke
Bryan
PHOTO
BY JUAN PONT LEZICA
Capitol
Nashville recording artist Luke Bryan.
| By
Kristen Scherer |
| ©
2007 CMA Close Up News Service |
Luke Bryan comes by his
Country-as-cornbread credentials honestly.
Growing up in rural Leesburg,
Ga., the young singer/songwriter spent a good deal of his time farming
peanuts, corn and cotton on surrounding farms and helping his dad
in the fertilizer business. Country Music was everywhere, and Bryan
grew up on a steady diet of Alan Jackson, George Strait, Conway
Twitty and Hank Williams Jr. His dad bought him an Alvarez guitar
and was soon taking him to Skinner's, a local watering hole, to
let the youngster display his already-impressive vocal and guitar
chops with local bands.
After high school, Bryan
seemed destined for a Country Music career when tragedy struck the
family. Just as the singer was preparing to leave for Nashville,
the news came that his older brother Chris had been killed in an
auto accident. Devastated, Bryan resolved to put aside his plans,
enrolled in Georgia Southern University and after graduation, took
a "real job" in the area at his father's agriculture business,
to stay close to his family.
Finally, with his family's
encouragement, Bryan moved to Music City in September 2001, secured
a publishing deal with hit songwriter Roger Murrah's company and
began writing the songs that would lead to a contract with Capitol
Records Nashville.
Bryan co-wrote all 11
tracks on his self-titled debut released on Aug. 14, which was produced
by Jeff Stevens, and includes debut single, "All My Friends
Say," written with Stevens and Lonnie Wilson.
"I'm glad I waited
before moving to Nashville," Bryan said. "Not only am
I a better writer and singer with more performing experience, but
I've also lived a lot more. I'm ready."
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
Who is your musical
hero?
"Randy Owen."
Which song would
you secretly like to cover?
"'Single Thing in Mind' by Conway Twitty."
What song do you
wish you had written?
"Earl Thomas Conley's 'Might Be What I'd Say.'"
What word or phrase
do you find yourself saying over and over again?
"We'll get it handled."
Who is your dream
duet partner?
"Dolly Parton."
On The Web:
www.lukebryan.com
AmericaJR.com
is Detroit's exclusive media outlet for this syndicated weekly column!
|
