The stage is dark except for a single spotlight on the microphone. An old studio mic like the old mic's you see on "KNOX" publicity shots from the '40s and '50s. There is a crackling sound of an electric guitar being plugged in and a figure walks into the spotlight. After a brief "Hello" the artist strums once on a $100 guitar he bought from some pawn shop and turns loose his emotions in a heart sending version of "All Around The Watertank" and old Jimmy Rogers song. After 3 minutes of pure country sound, the audience is on their feet in a frenzy of applause. Applauding the voice sound-seasoned with years of heartfelt renditions of songs from all the great Country Legends along with some of his own stories put to music. It is easy to understand how an audience like this can go crazy over an entertainer like this ... like Gerald Curry.

For singer/songwriter Gerald Curry, country music runs in the family. "My dad used to sing on the radio," says Gerald. "He used to sing with Eddy Arnold way back when Eddy Arnold was just Eddy Arnold." Unfortunately, Gerald's father didn't pursue a career in the music business. Adds Gerald, "My dad didn't think that Eddy Arnold or himself would amount to anything if they didn't get a real job. He didn't think there was any money in music. I guess Eddy proved him wrong."



With influences that range from Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings to Hank Williams Sr. and Marty Robbins, Gerald's love for country music first blossomed at the age of 14 when his father bought him his first guitar. According to Gerald, it wasn't much longer before he started performing. "I started playing around the house when I was 15. Then I started playing around other people's houses from the ages of 15 to 20. From there I started playing in churches, and when I was about 25 I started playing in clubs."

His love for performing other people's music soon gave way to performing his own songs. In all, it's difficult for Gerald to say just now many songs he's written over the years, but one thing that he does acknowledge is that love for song writing has never wavered. His debut album, Reflections, which contains four Curry-penned songs, is a testament to just that fact. "One song is about my mother, Titled 'She's The One (Mother).' It's kind of my reflection. I also wrote 'Sharp Bottom Boogie,' which is about the place where I live called Sharp Bottom. I also wrote 'More and More' about my wife. I really just love writing songs."



It was Gerald's songwriting that, in a round-about way, led to the recording of Reflections, My son, Greg Curry, like my songwriting," says Gerald. "So for my birthday, he had a friend of mine record eight of my songs. When I got the tape, I liked it, but wasn't crazy about the music. So I went and made my own album."

The album, which contains several of Nashville's seasoned studio musicians, is comprised of 10 cuts and is driven by Gerald's distinctive, yet somehow familiar, vocal styles. "To me, I don't sound like anybody," admits Gerald. "But some people say I sound like Willie Nelson or 'Boxcar' Willie and even Hank Williams. So, as a joke, they decided to call me Willie 'Boxcar' Williams."



Gerald, who likes to appear primarily at benefit concerts, says that he enjoys it. "I'd like to perform all the time," says Gerald. "I like people and I love to perform for them. People mean more to me than anything."

Born with county music in his blood and lyrics in his heart, this singer/songwriter seems not to sum up his musical goals, but his life in general. "I'd like to play at the Grand Ole Opry. I'd like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry. As far as being famous, I really don't care about being what you call 'famous.' I just want to make a living and be happy."


CD
"Chief Blue Feather"
GERALD CURRY
1590 Gtn. Rd.
Michie, TN 38357

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