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 Kbel and local YourNews.com partner to interview upcoming
Owa-Chito headliner Joe Diffie.
Q: At what age did you start performing, and after that,
did you ever consider doing anything else?
A: I actually began playing music when I was just a little kid. My dad played
the banjo, so music was always around our house. I worked in a foundry and had
many other “real” jobs, so I’m no stranger to hard work. For a period of time I
was really interested in medicine and wanted to be a doctor, but once music
took off for me I knew it was what I was meant to do.
Q: You are a legendary song writer and artist, which do you consider closer to
you, and is one separate from the other?
A: That’s a tough question. Songwriting is where I got my start when people
like Hank Thompson, Conway Twitty, and Holly Dunn recorded my songs. Jo Dee
Messina had a #1 hit with her version of “My Give A Damn’s Busted” and that was
very flattering, so songwriting is very dear to me. I’ve recently been writing
with some young, new artists and it’s nice to be the “mentor” in the room.
There’s nothing that will ever replace the feeling of playing in front of an
audience, though. When I look out and see a crowd of people singing the words
of my songs back to me, there’s just no bigger thrill.
Q: You have a string of top ten hits and many accolades, which has been the
highlight for you so far?
A: Being nominated for a Grammy was great, and so was being awarded
Humanitarian of the Year by the Country Radio Broadcasters for my charitable
work. Like most country singers, though, becoming a member of the Grand Ole
Opry is still the biggest career honor I’ve been blessed with.
Q: You obviously have a very successful musical career, but how do you define
success?
A: I guess I could talk about hit records, awards, and things like that, but to
me success is really measured by the fact that after over 20 years I’m still
the first one on the bus and ready to roll. I love making music and people out
there seem to still like what I do.
Q: You have been a staple on the country music scene for many years now, what
is your favorite part about being a country music artist?
A: People often come up to me at our shows and tell me stories about how one of
my songs has helped them through a hard time, or was played at their wedding,
or somehow meant something to them. Knowing that you’ve had an impact on
peoples’ lives in some small way is a feeling that never gets old.
Q: You will be the headliner for this year’s Owa-Chito concert, what can the
audience expect on the 19th?
A: We’ll definitely bring out the fan favorites like “John Deere Green” and
“Pickup Man,” and we’ll throw in a few surprises, too. Our summer tour is just
getting started and we’re really looking forward to the show!
Since he first topped the charts in 1990 with Home, Joe has remained on a
steady course, staying true to his roots and delivering hit after hit totaling
twelve #1’s, twenty top 10’s and four gold and platinum albums. When you attend
a Joe Diffie concert, you’re not waiting for him to sing his hit - you’re
waiting for him to sing your hit. Whether it’s Ships That Don’t Come In, Pickup
Man, John Deere Green, or If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets), Joe’s music
always makes you remember where you were the first time you heard it.
Joe’s success as a recording artist is matched by his achievements as a
songwriter. In addition to the numerous hits he kept for himself, Joe’s songs
have been recorded by Hank Thompson, Holly Dunn, Tim McGraw, Tracy Lawrence,
Conway Twitty, Doug Stone, and most recently Jo Dee Messina, who’s recording of
My Give a Damn’s Busted became a #1 hit.
Vern Gosdin once described Joe Diffie as “the man with the golden voice.” He’s
won a Grammy, CMA Awards, and been honored as Humanitarian of the Year by the
Country Music Broadcasters. He’s a member of the Grand Ole Opry, recorded with
George Jones, and toured the country numerous times. You would think that would
be enough, but not for Joe Diffie.
He’s got a lot of great music left to make, and fans everywhere will be
anxiously awaiting his first project for Rounder. You know Joe – he’ll deliver.
VIA YOURNEWS.COM
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