I was talking to a guy the other day about his company and he told me his philosophy was to be passionate about what you’re doing and it’ll never seem like you’re working.

Isn’t that what we all strive for?

I’ve met those people. People so passionate about what they’re doing, they literally can’t see themselves doing anything else. Several country artists come to mind.

About a month ago I was at a festival catching up with a buddy who’s just about to make it big in the country music biz. I gave him a hug and he said, “You better watch out, I’ve been wearing these same clothes for three days straight!” (no, it wasn’t Luke Bryan – he doesn’t wash his jeans on purpose!)

I laughed and gave him a hug anyway (he smelled great, by the way) and asked him why he was wearing the same clothes. He told me they’d been on the road so long, playing shows back-to-back, they honestly hadn’t had the time to do laundry.

That’s passion.

That same weekend I ran into a country music veteran who has penned countless number one hits for himself and other artists over the past two decades. He doesn’t have to tour to make money, but he was at this little festival in Alabama, playing the “barn” stage. Not the headliner stage, the barn stage.

I asked him what brought him out to this and other small venues I’d seen him before. He said he just can’t NOT play for an audience. He said he plays colleges and frat parties just to be on the road and play for people.

That’s passion.

It’s what we’re all striving for. If you’re doing it because you just can’t NOT do it, you’ve found your passion.

One of the coolest things about my job in radio is getting to go backstage at concerts to meet artists.

Such was the case Saturday night when Luke Bryan played the Amphitheater at the Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Waiting in the meet and greet line with my daughter, Maddie, was like waiting to go on the best ride at the fair. The squeals of delight emanating from the room ahead of us were almost palpable. The continued giggles and glow on the faces of the girls as they exited the “ride” were even better: “O my GOD, he is SO cute!” “AAAAAHHHHHHH! That was SO AWESOME!” and so on.

When it was our turn, it was immediately obvious what all the fuss was about. Cute, yes, but Luke Bryan made that experience. I didn’t tell him I was from a radio station at first, just introduced myself and Maddie. He welcomed Maddie to her first concert, telling her he was honored she chose to come to see him. He asked us a couple of questions while he signed our cards and posed for pictures. He made us feel special.

As we were shaking hands and leaving, I told him where I worked and he stopped short. He grabbed both of my hands, shaking them vigorously, and thanked me profusely for playing his songs and supporting him.

I was taken aback, rendered speechless. I think I uttered some lame, “You’re welcome… uh, have a great show…” and we parted ways.

I walked out of there still processing; he was thanking me? You’ve got it backwards, dude. I should be thanking you. Thanking you for providing exceptional music. Thanking you for writing songs everyone can relate to. Thanking you for sharing your talent.

Then it hit me: this wasn’t the first time I heard a country artist say “Thank you.” They do it all the time. Blake Shelton just hit #1 (again) and his first Tweet (because you know he HAD to) was to thank his fans and radio for all their support.

(From Twitter)

Blake Shelton ‏ @blakeshelton
Guess what… “Drink On It” has become my 11th #1 single!!!! Thank y’all for requesting it and radio for playing it!!!!
Country artists “walk the talk” of the songs they sing: lovin’ God, mama, and country and being hospitable and humble. When Luke and others thank radio for playing their songs,or to fans for buying their album or concert tickets, they honestly mean it. They’re doing what their mama’s taught ‘em: be grateful and humble and say, “Thank you.”

I Love Country Music

Well, I love all kinds of music. A random trip through my iPod will tell you that. Old school rap, new wave, alternative, punk, classic rock, pop, classical, and of course, a heavy dose of country.

What I love most about country music is its reflection on real life. It’s relatable to just about anyone. On my way to work this morning my station played Brad Paisley’s “Just a Guy” and Toby Keith’s “Beers Ago” back-to-back. Now that’s some awesome programming (thanks, Kev!).

Those two songs got my day started off right. Brad’s lyrics made me chuckle out loud reminding me of my own “guy,” MacGyver who, I’m convinced Brad interviewed and watched extensively before sitting down to write his song.

I was still laughing when Toby’s song came on with quite possibly one of the best tongue-in-cheek lines: “Where the man in the moon works his magic On the second runner up of the 4-H pageant.” Of course he couldn’t land the winner. This scene jumped into my head. I could see an awkward Toby making smooth moves on Miss-Also-Ran. And I kept on laughing.

Country music evokes emotion like no other genre. Whether I need a good laugh or a good cry (I’m talking to you, Rascal Flatts), I can count on country.

Zac Brown Band at the ACMs

The ACMs hit television last night – the culmination of a bunch of country artists taking over Las Vegas for a week. I gotta say, I love country artists. Of all genres of music, these guys are the real deal. What you see is what you get. No freaky meat dresses, no over-the-top make up or hair dos, no “f” bombs during their acceptance speeches. Even without all the drama, it makes for good entertainment. Take note Pop music.

One of my favorite moments was when Brad Paisley jammed with The Zac Brown Band to “Whiskey Gone.” Not only did he show off his amazing guitar skills, he OWNED that Zac beanie! And of course, the camo shirt. I often forget what a talented guitarist he is so to see him really burn it up was awesome.

On a side note, I couldn’t help but notice that Zac Brown has the BEST teeth in country music. They’re like a freshly painted, bright white picket fence behind some serious shrubbery. Which led me to realize Zac Brown’s band has the most facial hair per capita than any other band in country music. Muttonchops ROCK.

Thanks for keeping it real, country music. Y’all did your genre proud!

The BEST Calvin and Hobbes cartoon

What makes me laugh is a varied as my iPod which includes Hank Williams, Jr., Nelly, Aaron Neville, Kenny Loggins, The Black Eyed Peas, Greenday, Nirvana, George Straight, Flo Rida, Run DMC, and, shamefully, one Cher song. And that’s the short list.

I am a diehard Python fan, Mad TV cracks me up, Tosh 2.0 is hilariously irreverent (you know you think it’s funny), and Ron White has some of the best one-liners EVAH. Some of the most clever humor is nestled neatly among “kids” movies like Madagascar 2 and Finding Nemo. Oh, and don’t even get me started on Sponge Bob.

So this page will include some of my favorites, but I invite you to post your favorites, too. Go ahead, make me laugh.