JOE BRIAN HARRISON

JOE BRIAN HARRISON BLAZES A TRAIL IN COUNTRY MUSIC

I’ve made some pretty good money but that’s not my goal it’s really just an outlet for my creativity to be released into the universe. - Joe Brian Harrison

by David C. Lannan

OPENING ACT

Joe Brian Harrison first got into music like many musicians did - playing in a band in high school. He never had lessons but joked, “Just hung out with my wife’s family and learned through osmosis.” He said he was just. songwriter until he learned a few chords, playing acoustic guitar. His wife, Kelly, has an all girls bluegrass band called the Grass Skirts and both of his sons play - Luke playing keyboard and guitar, Jake playing electric guitar.

Let’s jump in and learn more about Joe.

Q&A WITH JOE BRIAN HARRISON

DL: What are some of your favorite songs you have written and why?

JH: “Autumn Leaves” is a catchy song with a great hook. It’s about a girl named Autumn that well, leaves. And “Jesus Is The Door” is a special song because of the impact it has had on folks. And it was my first #1 song. The hook in it is Faith is the key to heaven and Jesus is The Door.

DL: Who are some of the biggest musical influences in your life?

JH: I do love Randy Travis. I always have loved his voice but after watching the documentary “More Life” I realized what an epic monumental person of influence and impact on the country music industry. He is as real as it gets. A true gunslinging horse riding Cowboy!

DL: What is your favorite style or genre of music and why?

JH: Southern style blues to bluegrass. Country and western.

DL: What awards have you won or been nominated for?

JH: I won traditional song of the year with “Autumn Leaves”, Traditional Male Vocalist

DL: What is a unique opportunity you have had when it comes to performing?

JH: I was able to play a songwriter round with my songwriter hero Tommy Barnes who wrote “Indian Outlaw” for Tim Mc Graw and “My Love for Little Texas” . That was pretty huge! I also am going to be singing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville next spring as a finalist in the Sound of Small Town America competition. So that’s super exciting.

DL: Where is/are your favorite place(s) to perform?

JH: The Tammy Wynette Legacy Center, Link Center in Tupelo. Also the Mississippi Songwriter Festival in Ocean Springs is always fun.

DL: Do you remember the first song you sang in public?

JH: Yes, it was my original song “Autumn Leaves” at Robert’s in Nashville at a songwriter contest. I was so nervous I left right after I sang it. I didn’t say my name or the name of the song. I just sang it and walked out . Haha I may have won and will never know.

DL: What is your inspiration for your songs?

JH: GOD, family and real life everyday type ideas and thoughts.

DL: What do you find most challenging about the music business?

JH: I just do it for fun. I really hate the business side of it. Never did much for money. I’ve made some pretty good money but that’s not my goal it’s really just an outlet for my creativity to be released into the universe.

DL: What is your favorite part of the music business and why?

JH: I just love writing songs and I sing ‘em til someone else wants to. But writing is my favorite, I guess.

DL: If you could perform with anyone in the music business who would it be and why?

JH: I guess George Strait. He is the best that’s still around, going strong and good as he ever was.

DL: What advice do you have for anyone wanting to get in the music business as a singer/songwriter or musician?

JH: Do it cause you love it. Be thick skinned and don’t be a sell out. Be like Toby Keith, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and Waylon and Willie and blaze your own trail.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Joe said he is “Really super excited to be singing at the Grand Ol Opry next spring” and if he had to choose, “I am a songwriter first and foremost but I don’t mind singing and playing, but at the end of the day it’s all about the song!”

HAVE A LISTEN

https://www.reverbnation.com/CALLMECOUNTRY

In addition to writing this blog for KICR, David C. Lannan is a freelance writer with feature stories publik

8km8hed across the country and a graphic designer. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors for The Branson Opry. If you would like to be considered for a future blog, go to

https://tally.so/r/mJP9ZR answer questions and submit form.