American Idol winner Scotty McCreery is bringing his country music stylings to Stagecoach. The twangy singer and picker has been growing as a musician, and as a person, since winning Idol when he was 17. Now 31, the country star has elevated his songwriting, and increased his comfort level in his blazing and serenading brand of country pop rock. A stacked repertoire of modern country jams, and a one-of-a-kind voice loved by America for years, makes McCreery’s set on Sunday, April 27, one not to miss!
What was the first concert you attended?
My parents took me to a James Taylor concert when I was really young, but my first concert that I picked for us to go to was the triple bill of George Strait, Reba McEntire and Lee Ann Womack. It was a great night. I loved singing already as a young kid, and for the first time, I realized that people could make a living performing music. It inspired me to want to be an entertainer.
What was the first album you owned?
Elvis Presley’s Greatest Hits by Elvis Presley.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I am loving what Zach Top is doing. He’s making great music.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
(McCreery did not answer this question.)
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I would have loved to have seen the Gap Band in their heyday. I love their music (and I’ve been known to occasionally do “You Dropped a Bomb on Me” in my live show). Their lead singer, Charlie Wilson, is a hero and friend of mine. I’ve been honored to have the opportunity to sing with him a time or two.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
I don’t feel guilty about listening to anything. If I like it, I’m proud to listen to it.
What’s your favorite music venue?
My favorite places to perform are at the Grand Ole Opry House and the Ryman Auditorium, both in Nashville, Tenn. All the legends of country music have performed on those stages as part of the Grand Ole Opry, and you can feel their presence when you are on those stages. It was my dream to join the Opry, and a little over a year ago, they invited me. It’s the biggest honor of my career to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
The lyrics to “White Christmas” are always running through my head. I sing a verse of that song almost every day—in the shower, in the car, sitting around, etc.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Elvis Presley. When I was young, I got a cassette with Elvis on one side and Little Richard on the other side, and I loved it. Then my grandmother gave me a book (about how to be like Elvis). I was hooked, and that inspired me to be a singer. I even dressed as Elvis for Halloween. I met Priscilla Presley a few years ago, and she told me, “Elvis would have loved you. He loved those low voices.” I don’t think I could get a better compliment than that.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I’d ask Darius Rucker: “When are we setting our next tee time for a golf match?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“It Is Well With My Soul.”
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
That Lonesome Song by Jamey Johnson.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Fall of Summer” by Scotty McCreery, of course!
