Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight to Feature John Anderson

John Anderson's voice and songwriting typify traditionalism with which he was first associated in the late 1970's and early 1980's.  His vocal sound and songs have a distinct and modern quality, while remaining firmly rooted in the honky-tonk music styles of the 1950's.

Playing with a rock band in high school, he moved to Nashville in 1971.  There he worked the Nashville club scene and signed on as a writer.  He also signed with Warner Brothers in 1977.  He did not have a top ten hit until 1981, when his "1959" went to number seven, Anderson's biggest hit was 1983 with the novelty song, "swingin" co-written by Anderson and Lionel Delmore.  In fact it was the CMA's Single of the Year.

Anderson's career faded during the late 1980's and early 1990's as his singles found little success on country radio and his albums began to stray more toward R&B and southern rock.  Anderson's first musical influences were not country artists but rock and roll musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones.  By about age 15 when he discovered the music of George Jones and Merle Haggard, he turned to country.  John lives in Smithville, Tennessee, its been his home for over 30 years.  Born December 13, 1954.

Sunday August 19th, its a Country Classic Extra featuring John Anderson, his life and music at 11 AM.  Join me for the Country Classic Show starting at 9 AM to 1 PM, the radio address is 98.1 FM 98 Country.