This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Sammy Kershaw.
Grammy-nominated country artist Sammy Kershaw, who, since his debut on the music scene in the early 90's has remained one of the most consistent power hitters in country music, will be performing at the new Craig Ranch Regional Park Amphitheater Friday, October 23.
Kershaw’s platinum albums include such hits such as “She Don't Know She's Beautiful," “I Can't Reach Her Anymore," “National Working Woman's Holiday," “Love Of My Life," “Cadillac Style," “Don't Go Near The Water," “Haunted Heart," and many others.
His plan for country music is re-claiming its roots and recapturing the spirit that made it great “Man, for someone like me who had George Jones' music imprinted in my DNA before birth, the last few years have been rough as a fan of country music," noted Kershaw candidly in a recent national interview. “Country music is not a formula…it's a music with its own soul…and I'm all about saving that soul!"
Often referred to as the “heir apparent" to the legendary “voice” himself - George Jones - Kershaw helped make the '90's a shining decade for country music. It's a comparison not lost on the singer, who grew up in the Cajun country of Louisiana on a diet of crawfish and country music. The oldest of four children, the tragic loss of his father, matured him even faster than the clubs and honky tonks he was performing in at 12 years old.
He speaks openly today of years spent battling substance abuse and addictions. “It's not a period of my life I'm proud of, but I do talk about it to encourage kids not to follow in my footsteps," Kershaw recently noted.
Helping others is a subject close to the heart of Kershaw, who has established the Sammy Kershaw Foundation. Its outreach has extended through donations so far of more than 2 million dollars in aid to children and child related charities. The foundation exists to fulfill Kershaw’s goal of improving the lives of children.
Sammy Kershaw Official Website