Sammy Kershaw

Sammy Kershaw (born Samuel Paul Cashat; February 24, 1958), is an American country music singer. He has released 16 studio albums, with three RIAA platinum certifications and two gold certifications among them. More than 25 singles have entered the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including his only number one hit "She Don't Know She's Beautiful" and 10 more Top 10 hits: "Cadillac Style", "Anywhere but Here", "Haunted Heart", "Queen of My Double-Wide Trailer", "I Can't Reach Her Anymore", "National Working Woman's Holiday", "Third Rate Romance", "Meant to Be", "Vidalia", and "Love of My Life".

Kershaw tried to enter politics, running as a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Louisiana in 2007 and 2010. In 2007 he finished third in the jungle primary, but Democrat Mitch Landrieu won strongly in the general election. In 2010 he carried more parishes than any other candidate, but placed third. He endorsed Republican Jay Dardenne, Secretary of State, for the position, who won the general election. From 2001 to 2007, Kershaw was married to country singer Lorrie Morgan.

Early life and career Samuel Paul Cashat was born in the Acadiana town of Kaplan, located in South Louisiana. He is the third cousin of singers Rusty and Doug Kershaw. Subsequently, he opened shows for Ray Price, Merle Haggard, and George Jones while still in his teens.

Musical career One of Kershaw's demonstration tapes made its way to Mercury Records, which released his debut album Don't Go Near the Water in 1991. This album was certified platinum by the RIAA, and it produced four hit singles. The lead-off, "Cadillac Style", went to No. 3 in late 1991 and early 1992, followed by the title track at No. 12, "Yard Sale" at No. 17, and "Anywhere but Here" at No. 10. Kershaw was initially reluctant to release "Cadillac Style" because he felt that it was not suitable for his style; however, his co-producer, Buddy Cannon, convinced him to give the song a chance. Kershaw's often honky-tonk material and singing voice led to critical comparisons to George Jones, and he covered one of Jones's early singles, "What Am I Worth", on his debut as well.

In 1993, Kershaw received an initial nomination for the Academy of Country Music Award for New Male Vocalist of the Year. He was nominated alongside Billy Ray Cyrus, Tracy Lawrence, Chris LeDoux and Collin Raye; Cyrus, Lawrence and Raye would make the final three.

Kershaw's second album, Haunted Heart, followed in 1993. Its lead-off single, "She Don't Know She's Beautiful", became his only Number One hit, in April of that year. Following it were the title track, the Dennis Linde–penned "Queen of My Double-Wide Trailer", and "I Can't Reach Her Anymore", all of which hit the Top 10 as well. Although Kershaw had been told by others that radio audiences might not identify with the subject matter on "Queen of My Double-Wide Trailer", Kershaw wanted to release the song because he had an experience similar to its story line. Like his debut, Haunted Heart was a platinum album. But he finished third in overall votes behind Dardenne and Democrat Caroline Fayard. Kershaw endorsed fellow Republican Dardenne in the runoff election, joining him at campaign events, and giving Dardenne a "bear hug" at his victory celebration.

In the 2011 race for lieutenant governor, Kershaw endorsed Dardenne's opponent, fellow Republican Billy Nungesser. Dardenne ultimately defeated Nungesser 53%-47%.

2010s and Beyond Kershaw continues touring throughout the year with his band, as well as performances with his often sold-out acoustic "Roots and Boots" tour, which has featured himself onstage with other artists including Aaron Tippin, Joe Diffie, Pam Tillis, Darryl Worley and Collin Raye.

Discography

Studio albums Don't Go Near the Water (1991) Business Is Pleasure (1992) Haunted Heart (1993) Feelin' Good Train (1994) Christmas Time's A-Comin' (1994) Politics, Religion and Her (1996) Labor of Love (1997) Maybe Not Tonight (1999) I Finally Found Someone (2001) I Want My Money Back (2003) Honky Tonk Boots (2006) Better Than I Used to Be (2010) A Sammy Klaus Christmas (2012) All in the Same Boat (2013) Do You Know Me: A Tribute to George Jones (2014) I Won't Back Down (2015) The Blues Got Me (2016) Swamp Poppin''' (2017) Cross Road Blues'' (2024)

Awards and nominations TNN/Music City News Country Awards 1993

1994 Country Music Association Awards 1993 Sammy Kershaw Horizon Award