Thomas McAleer interviewed Earl Dibbles, Jr’s friend Granger Smith before his big Midnight Rodeo show over the weekend. Click HERE to read the entire article…if not, here are Granger’s answers to a few of the questions Tommy McA asked him:
Who are your songwriting influences?
There have always been songwriting heroes of mine such as Dean Dillon, Bruce Hornsby, Aaron Barker and Rory Burke. I was lucky enough be build relationships with Aaron and Rory during my time with EMI Publishing. They taught me so much about the craft of writing during some pretty influential years.
When and where was your first public performance?
1995 at the Mesquite Opry in Mesquite TX. I auditioned to sing 2 songs on a Saturday night. I was terrified but the end result, the lights, the crowd, the feeling…was addicting.
What was the first record or cd you purchased with your own money?
Garth Brooks “No Fences.” in 6th grade. “The Thunder Rolls” was the song that got me.
What was the first live concert you attended?
George Strait Country Music Fest at Texas Stadium, Irving TX, 1995. I was a member of the GS fan club so I camped out at the stadium a few months in advance to get 2nd row tickets. Changed my life.
What is the best career advice you’ve been given, and by whom?
Don’t sign anything. -a fellow singer/songwriter named Brent Lamb. It really proved to pay off for me several times.
Which venue would you most like to play that you haven’t yet/ and which is your favorite venue to play?
He didn’t answer this one??
What is your best story about life on the road?
I was actually just talking to the guys yesterday that we would love to play New York City. Such amazing history with music there. My favorite experience would have to be Christmas Day 2009 in Baghdad Iraq for the soldiers. It was very impacting on so many levels for me. I’ll never forget sharing that holiday over there.
Who are you listening to now?
The new records for Zack Brown and Green River Ordinance. Refreshing, inventive, dynamic.
What recordings are available to the public and where can they be purchased?
We currently have 6 studio albums, 2 Eps and 1 live album available on grangersmith.com, iTunes or any other digital distribution outlet. The next studio album will be available in the spring of 2013 with the first single for that this fall.
I know we all love Earl, I just really miss Lionel. I haven’t seen him in forever. I think he might have enrolled in the Witness Protection Program!
~Rb
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