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.”