I came to Nashville in 1993 to write songs and am still pursuing the dream of having my songs recorded by recording artists and played on the radio.I Love the music scene here in Music City, but TEXAS is where I seem to write what I feel are my best songs. I grew up in the capital city of Cass County... Linden, Texas...population approximately 2,400. I so enjoyed the talent around Cass Co growing up and will always fondly recall spending time with. The Linden Lions Club Follies band members ( Paula/Greg/David/John and others) served as early influences. I didn't have to look farther than the Cass County Line for some really good musicians.
Also, listening to The "Dixie Rebel Band" in the High School FFA talent contest was a lot of fun and watching Ron Watson and Michael Sharp had to have an impact on my someday purchasing a guitar and trying to write songs. In fact, they took me to my first real concert. (Hank Williams Jr ) and soon after I was hooked. It took a while, but I finally got playing ball out of my system and traded a 34 inch Easton bat for a Martin guitar. H.T. (Scoot) Burrow sold it to one summer, and I recall him saying "Now Big Mo, take care of this guitar and go write some good country songs that I like to call Three Chord Knockers". I also have to say that Mae Luster Stephens, a former Language Arts Teacher, was very influential as she taught me the basics of rhyme scheme and meter etc back in my days at L-K Jr High.
So I came from Music City Texas to Music City Tennessee. I interrupted my songwriting pursuits to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, but I love animals so this has been a real blessing. I Love all music, BUT Traditional Country Music is my favorite. I also dabble in "Children's Music" and have a CD that helps kids learn to be potty trained. (Funny I Know) This project is called, "Big John and The Potty Train". My biggest inspiration is THE SONG. I love and grew up listening to Hank Williams, (Jr. and Sr.) George Jones, Merle Haggard, George Strait , Alabama etc. with my mamma and daddy and sisters but it was THE GREAT SONGS they sang that motivated my music. I feel that THE SONG is everything....and truly the factor that makes any artist what they are.
Making a name as a songwriter doesn't come easy. It is a very competitive endeavor, and it has been said that approximately 1000 songs are composed each day on Nashville's Music Row. Despite the odds, people come from every corner of the globe to try to become a hit songwriter. The odds are against it, no doubt, but I have never been afraid of taking a chance, or rolling the dice.
After many years in Nashville, I have been fortunate enough recently to now have some people interested in some of my material. I currently have approximately 15 songs that have been "kept" by major record label artist since May of this year for consideration for their upcoming projects. Some of these artists include Dierks Bently, Lee Brice, Rodney Atkins, and new acts such as Sweetwater Rain, JT Hodges, and Mo Pitney to name a few.
Music and my love for animals are my passion. I feel fortunate to be able to work with the two things I love most. Thank you everyone for listening to my songs. Curtis
