A. J. Masters

Arthur John Masaracchia (December 20, 1950 – January 12, 2015), better known as A. J. Masters, was an American country music singer. He charted eight singles on the Hot Country Songs chart, between 1985 and 1987. He also wrote songs for John Berry, Faith Hill, and Jennifer Hanson.

Biography Masters was born in Walden, New York but raised in Compton, California. He played bass guitar in his brother's band, and had his first cut in 1978 when Mickey Jones recorded "I'm No Cowboy".

Masters signed with Bermuda Dunes records in the 1980s, charting with eight of his releases for the label. The highest peak was number 48 with "Back Home", his second release, in early 1986. A review of "I Don't Mean Maybe", his fourth single, praised his "full and assertive voice."

Masters received an Academy of Country Music shortlist nomination for New Male Vocalist of the Year. In the 1990s, Masters played guitar for Charlie Rich and wrote the songs "Change My Mind", which was recorded by both The Oak Ridge Boys and John Berry, "Someday" and "Moo La Moo" by Steve Azar, "Last Request" by Frazier River, "Love Ain't Like That" by Faith Hill, and "Half a Heart Tattoo" by Jennifer Hanson. He died on January 12, 2015, of prostate cancer.

Discography

Year Single Peak chartpositions US Country 1985 "Lonely Together" 861986 "Back Home" 48 "Love Keep Your Distance" 54 "I Don't Mean Maybe" 651987 "Take a Little Bit of It Home" 58 "In It Again" 70 "255 Harbor Drive" 67 "Our Love Is Like the South"A 77 AB-side to "255 Harbor Drive".