The Charlie Daniels Band
Charlie Daniels is partly Western and partly Southern, His signature “bull rider” hat and belt buckle, his lifestyle on the Twin Pines Ranch, his love of horses, cowboy lore and the heroes of championship rodeo, Western movies, and Louis L’Amour novel identify him as a Westerner. The son of a lumberjack and a Southerner by birth, his music - rock, country, bluegrass, blues, gospel - is quintessentially Southern. In fact, even his bent for all tings Western is Southern, because of his attire, his lifestyle and his interests are historically emblematic of Southern working class solidarity with the “lone cowboy” individualism of the American West.
It hasn’t been so much a style of music, but more the values consistently reflected in several styles that has connected Charlie Daniels with millions of fans. For decades, he has steadfastly refused to label his music as anything other than “CDB music”, music that is now sung around the fire at 4-H Club and scout camps, helped elect an American President, and been popularized on a variety of radio formats.
Widely known as a creative and passionate visionary of country and rock music, Daniels is still one of today’s most prolific artists. Best known for his fiddle inspired hit “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”, Daniels is one of the most versatile artists.
Approaching his seventy-second birthday on October 28, Daniels music has transcended half a century. Approaching each of his 50 albums released with the same creative passion, he has encompassed many different genres through his vision in artistry and no boundaries.
Bryan And Its Coast Magazine caught up with Mr. Daniels for a Q&A, about his visit to Richmond Hill, his music, the economy and everything in between.
What inspired you to write “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”?
We were putting together a fiddle album, so I put together some music and later came the lyrics. The next thing you know it’s a hit, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Your music spans many different genres. Who were your influences?
Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins made it possible for me to get involved in music. They paved the way for many country and rock-n-roll artists. Their style of music opened the doors for a country kid like me to be able to have a music career.
Have you ever performed in Richmond Hill or the Savannah area?
We play in Georgia quite a bit, but it has been many years since we played the Savannah area. We‘ve never played in Richmond Hill so we are pretty excited about playing the Seafood Festival. We understand it is a pretty fun event.
What is your most memorable performance?
I can’t say there is any one performance that sticks out. Every time it is such a joy just to get on stage with the band and play. When everything is clicking, there is no greater joy than entertaining for an audience.
Most of your songs are about the blue-collar working men and women of our country. How important is that to you with the current state of the economy being what it is?
Well, my music is about entertaining first, but the situation we are now in is a direct result of our government being out of control. What aggravates me is that they are first republicans or democrats, then Americans. You don’t need to tell anyone how backwards that is.
You’ve obviously seen some important elections in your time. Do you see this year’s election as one of the most important?
Definitely. There are no unimportant elections, but this one is very important to our future. The presidential election is important, but what slips a lot of people’s minds is our congressional elections. I don’t belong to either party, but I will be voting carefully come election day.Who was the most influential person you have ever met? My grandfather. I admired him for the way he treated people. We go through a lot of phases in our lives, but if we can remember to always treat people with dignity and respect, then we will grow and learn throughout those phases. I also admired Bob Dylan as somebody who could put the English language into writing in such a powerful way. He gave me something to shoot for in my own writing.
What has enabled you to write music and perform for 50 years?
I truly love getting on stage with my band to entertain. I also have a great staff, many of which have been with me for over three decades now. We take care of our people, and I take pride in knowing we have kept people steadily employed for more than 30 years
What are the biggest changes in the music industry in the last 50 years?
Technology, and the music styles. Music has changed dramatically in the last 50 years, but things need to change to progress. Technology and the digital world is pretty nuts. I’m amazed when I look back at when I started.
So is there ever a moment away from touring, and what do you like to do with your time?
As a matter of fact, I had a day off yesterday. I love the outdoors. Yesterday I got in some target shooting, some fishing…though the fish weren’t biting, a four wheeler ride around my ranch and then I hit some golf balls.
What do Americans need to know about Charlie Daniels?
I’ve been blessed to do what I do, and as a Christian I thank God for all my blessings. Life comes in phases. It is important to me to treat other people with respect, and surround myself with people who are interested in accomplishing like goals.
On Saturday, October 18, Daniels and his Band will bring their act, for the first time to Richmond Hill, as the headlining act of the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival. They’re slated to hit the stage at 9 p.m.
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