(Photo left) Daryle Singletary sings the playful hit "(Mama Used To Whoop Me With A George Jones Album) That's Why I Sing This Way" to country music fans at Cody's Saloon. (Top to bottom) Rhett Akins coaxes the audience to sing with him on "She Said Yes"; Chad Brock displayed strong pride in being an American and a family man after singing "Ordinary Life"; Jeff Carson delighted the crowd with his energetic performance and songs from his CD "Real Life".
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The Honky Tonk Tailgate Party
Returns to St. Louis
Photos and Story by Bob Moore, SLFP.com
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com) September 28, 2003 - To fans of country music, the scene is more than just big hats, buckles, cowboy boots and blue jeans. It's a reflection of an American way of life that has spanned several generations.
Thirty years ago, traditional country singers toured as a packaged show. That concept is starting over again with a new generation of artists, according to Rhett Akins.
"This is the third year that we've had the Honky Tonk Tailgate Party, stated Akins in an interview prior to his performance at Cody's Saloon in Earth City, MO, Friday, September 26. "Daryle Singletary, Jeff Carson and myself played here in 2001. In 2002, it was Daryle Singletary and Wade Hayes and myself. To start this year off, it was myself, Daryle, Wade Hayes and Chad Brock. Wade left in July and Jeff Carson came back."
"It's not a new idea," continued Akins. "They used to do this in the fifties and sixties - Porter Waggoner, Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely. All the people that are famous on the Grand Old Opry used to do these packaged shows all the time. People just haven't done it in about thirty years and are just starting to do it again."
Akins, who launched his career in 1995, has had several singles at the top of the charts including "She Said Yes," "Don't Get Me Started," "That Ain't My Truck," "Better Than It Used To Be," and "More Than Everything."
Daryle Singletary, known for his baritone voice, stated that the tour has been awesome. "We all get along. It's all pretty much country music which we grew up listening to." Singletary acknowledged that he was a big fan of traditional country singers including George Jones, Merle Haggard, Johnny Paycheck and Randy Travis.
When asked where he got his deep singing voice, Singletary responded with a laugh, "It's from smokey bars."
"Actually, I grew up singing gospel music," he continued. "I'm as big a gospel music fan as I am a country music fan. I guess it's just God-given, because I've never had a day of voice training. I took a course in high school. I've always had a passion for singing, whether it was here tonight or in the church singing gospel music. I just love to sing," stated Singletary.
Singletary stated that his music was inspired by personal experiences. "You hear people talk and just listen to the conversation. Somebody makes a comment and you say, 'Wow that would make a great song'. Unfortunately, I'm not that talented. But I have been fortunate to get with some great songwriters that can put good lyrics together," he said.
Bigger than life Chad Brock engaged in lively conversation with the audience about his family during his set. On a more serious note, he proudly display a T-shirt bearing an American flag and spoke strongly about what being an American meant to him. The fans cheered loudly in response.
Following the performance he explained why his family was so important. "I've got a sixteen year old and a one year old," stated Brock. "They are my life. My children are my life. My family is my life. I think that is a big part of what I do. That's why I'm out here doing what I do," said Brock.
"I should say that I'm a very conservative Republican," acknowledged Brock in response to a question about the T-shirt. "I believe in this country. I believe that what President Bush is doing is correct. He's the first one who's had the guts to do something about what's going on in the world today."
Brock commented that he served in the Navy and had a Navy radio show. "I believe that we are sacrificing as we have done for over two hundred years. We are a force of volunteers. Not like it was before Vietnam where you were drafted. Now if you want to be in the Army, you can. If you don't, you don't have to join. I believe we are doing something for a reason."
Brock emphasized that his political feelings did not interfere with the music. "My music reflects what I call happiness. I think we should be out there having a good time with music instead of worrying about everything else. Music should make you happy and me happy. My new single coming out is called, "You Are". It's similar to "Yes". That was a huge hit for me."
The Honky Tonk Tailgate Party with Jeff Carson, Chad Brock, Daryle Singletary and Rhett Akins was a rekindling to an old tradition of country music and fun in St. Louis with fans stomping their feet and dancing in the correl.
Country music fans dance during a live performance featuring Rhett Akins, Chad Brock, Jeff Carson & Daryle Singletary at Cody's Saloon.
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