John Anderson

Early career Raised in Apopka, Florida, Anderson's first musical influences were not country artists, but rock and roll musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones. He played in a rock band until the age of 15, when he discovered the music of George Jones and Merle Haggard and turned to country music. Anderson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1971, arriving unannounced at his sister's home, and took on odd jobs during the day – including one as a roofer at the Grand Ole Opry House – while playing in clubs during the evenings.

The club appearances finally paid off in 1977, when he signed his first recording contract with Warner Bros. Records. He first hit the Billboard country chart in 1977 with the song "I've Got a Feelin' (Somebody's Been Stealin')",

"Swingin'" and mainstream success

The release of Anderson's fourth album, Wild & Blue, in 1982 led to his breakthrough to mainstream country when the single "Swingin'" hit the airwaves early the next year. Co-written with his long-time writing partner, Lionel Delmore, the song broke into the country charts and reached number one by March, while at the same time crossing over to the Billboard Hot 100, reaching a peak of number 43. The single became the biggest-selling record in the history of Warner Bros. Records.

Anderson's success with Wild & Blue carried on through several more albums, but none would match its chart numbers or sales. In 1986, Anderson and Warner Bros. parted ways. The album twice has been certified platinum, the highest of any of Anderson's albums, and he was nominated for three CMA Awards – Male Vocalist, Song of the Year,and Album of the Year.

Anderson has recorded for several labels since his departure from BNA, with moderate chart success.

Over his career, Anderson has collaborated with a number of different artists. He worked with Waylon Jennings on his last live album before Jennings's death in 2002, Never Say Die: The Final Concert, where he performed a duet with Jennings on the track "Waymore's Blues". He has also worked with John Rich of Big & Rich on his 2007 album Easy Money, and co-wrote Rich's 2009 single "Shuttin' Detroit Down" He has been named an honorary member of the MuzikMafia, of which Rich is also a member.

Anderson lives in Smithville, Tennessee, his home for more than 30 years with his wife and two daughters.

Discography

Billboard number-one hits "Wild and Blue" (2 weeks, 1982) "Swingin'" (1 week, 1983) "Black Sheep" (1 week, 1983) "Straight Tequila Night" (1 week, 1991-1992) "Money in the Bank" (1 week, 1993)

Awards and nominations Grammy Awards 1982 "I'm Just an Old Chunk of Coal (But I'm Gonna Be a Diamond Someday)" Best Male Country Vocal Performance

American Music Awards 1984 "Swingin'" Favorite Country Single

Academy of Country Music Awards 1980 John Anderson Top New Male Vocalist

Single Record of the Year Song of the Year Wild & Blue Album of the Year

"Straight Tequila Night" Single Record of the Year

John Anderson Career Achievement Award Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles Album of the Year 1995 John Anderson and Tracy Lawrence Top Vocal Duo of the Year Country Music Association Awards 1982

Male Vocalist of the Year

Single of the Year Song of the Year Wild & Blue Album of the Year

Song of the Year Video of the Year

Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles Album of the Year