Singer Tracy Lawrence Has Earned His Stripes

Time marches on.
Nearly 20 years have marched on since Tracy Lawrence hit number one with his first single, “Sticks and Stones” in 1991. Several major record labels have come and gone. Hits came and hits went. Personal stability, it’s his. Kids, he has two.
So when Lawrence opens the Appalachian Fair in Gray, Tenn., on Aug. 18 bear in mind that life as he knew it in ’91 sure is different than life as he knows it now.
For example, Lawrence awoke early Tuesday morning. He had an interview to do with the Bristol Herald Courier, but that’s not what had him up so early.
“Hey, I’ve got two little girls, ages 5 and 7,” Lawrence said from his home in Mt. Juliet, Tenn. “They have got so much energy.”
Bystanders could say the same of Lawrence. After signing with Atlantic in 1991, Lawrence’s debut album spawned an impressive four top 10 singles. Major tours followed, including with the legendary George Jones.
“I toured with George Jones and John Anderson so much, I watched them and soaked it up,” Lawrence said. “They made [performing] look effortless. There’s a lot to be said about a seasoned performer.”
While Lawrence has yet to attain legendary status, he has earned his stripes as a seasoned performer. Then again, the Texan turned 50 in January and is widely regarded as a standard-bearer of traditional-based country.
“It’s my lifelong dream, everything I wanted to do since I was 12,” Lawrence said. “I feel very blessed. I’m been able to enjoy great accomplishments and goals. I feel fortunate in life. My career has been a blessing.”
But what is country music? Late country songwriting legend Harlan Howard famously said that country music amounts to three chords and the truth.
“Country music is Americana,” Lawrence said. “It’s everyday people. It’s American music, uniquely American made music. It’s getting harder and harder to tell what it is though.”
Not so much with Lawrence. His latest album, last year’s “For the Love” on his own record label Rocky Comfort Records, features his ever-distinctive nasal twang of a voice.
However, as with most musicians nowadays, he faces a music-buying public that no longer listens to one certain kind of music. Fans are as apt to buy a Tim McGraw country album as a Nelly hip-hop album.
“People now have such eclectic tastes,” Lawrence said. “Plus, today’s country singers stretch the boundaries more.”
Include Lawrence among those with widespread musical tastes.
“My iPod ranges from John Anderson and Merle Haggard to Justin Timberlake and John Mayer and Avril Lavigne. I listen to everything,” he said.
Yet while Lawrence listens to everything, he sings one thing – country. Folks who turn out to hear him at the Appalachian Fair in Gray will not hear pop, rock or some concoction thereof. As for the show, Lawrence had a question.
“Where is Gray, Tenn.?” he asked.
Near Johnson City and Kingsport.
“I’ve never been there, but I love fairs,” he said. “Most of the fairs have low ticket prices, and families can come out and bring their kids and be entertained. A lot of people can’t afford that now. I’m glad I can give them a show.”
Ditto the family band Jypsi. The four-person act will close out the Appalachian Fair with a style as vibrant as a newly birthed rainbow. Their story is at your fingertips, just look inside on Page B6.

IF YOU GO
  Who: Tracy Lawrence
When: Aug. 18, 8 p.m.
Where: Appalachian Fairgrounds, Gray, Tenn.
Admission: $7 per show ticket; $8 fair admission adults, $3 children ages 6-11, children ages 5 and under admitted free to the fair
Info: (423) 477-1420
Web: http://www.tracylawrence.musiccitynetworks.com
Also: http://www.bestofshoware.com/appalachianfair

APPALACHIAN FAIR MAIN STAGE LINEUP
Aug. 18 – Tracy Lawrence, $7
Aug. 19 – Josh Gracin, $7
Aug. 20 – Jake Owen, $5
Aug. 21 – Heidi Newfield, $5
Aug. 22 – Chris Young, $5
Aug. 23 – Jypsi - $5

TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at .