You Want Me to Autograph What?!
Big & Rich
Posted on June 30, 2007 at 8:13 AM
Today's Fan Question: "What is the craziest item you've ever autographed?" Betty Fox, Mission, TX
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Big Kenny:Well Betty, it's unbelievable. You would not believe how many times women walk up and, the first thing they do is pull out this big set of boobies and want you to sign them. I promised my wife I wouldn't look, but I try to oblige everybody. So I just reach over there with one hand across my eyes with that Sharpie pen and try to sign somewhere amongst them big boobies. And sometimes they're just little boobies. But either way, by God, that is the craziest thing anyone's ever asked me to sign. I just don't know how to be any more honest than that.
References, Please.
Big & Rich
Posted on June 29, 2007 at 9:10 AM
Today's Fan Question: "Kenny and John, can I have a job doing whatever you can think of? I am a paralegal, but I can do many things like making chili to checking lists of tour necessities!" Cathy Brucker, Springfield, OH
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John Rich:Well, interesting. We have quite a big crew out here as it is but I have been thinking about taking my Granny Rich out next year on tour with her own catering truck so she can cook that country food for us every where we go. If we do that, if you can make chili better than her then by God, you've got yourself a job.
Why They Write
Big & Rich
Posted on June 28, 2007 at 9:08 AM
Today's Fan Question: "You both write such diverse lyrics, and while we know the stories behind some of your songs ("Last Dollar," "Rescue Me"), I'd love to know what your biggest driving force and inspiration is when writing a song?" Kristina Gilles, Hampton, VA
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Read John Rich & Big Kenny's Answer:
John Rich:Well basically Kristina, it's to get filthy rich. We'd like to make as much money as we possibly can while we can, and have as much influence as we can because our microphone gets louder and we can talk about important things and help people out that need to be helped — and also have a good time out onstage rocking. Honestly, writing great songs does a lot of great things for you. It builds your fan base, it builds your concerts, and it makes money for you that gives you freedom to do things that really mean something. "Save Darfur" is a big drive that we have right now. The people in the Sudan are going through such a horrific situation right now.
Writing songs like "8th of November," "Save a Horse," "Lost in this Moment" build our audience up so we are able to tell them things that are important to us, like "Save Darfur." There are all kind of reasons to write a song. Sometimes it's because you are out partying and you want to write one. Sometimes it's because you hear a story like Niles Harris and you want to write his story, in the song "8th of November." Sometimes you are just writing for no reason whatsoever. It's just something we do.
Who's the Lucky Lady Behind "Lost in This Moment"?
Big & Rich
Posted on June 27, 2007 at 8:06 AM
Today's Fan Question: "Was the song "Lost in this Moment" written for anyone in particular? If so, she is one lucky lady." Susanne Weidinger, Fallston, MD
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John Rich:Actually "Lost in this Moment" was written about five or six years ago. Me and Keith Anderson and a guy named Rodney Clawson wrote that song. We were all bachelors at the time and had nobody in mind that we would marry at that point. We just had that melody and had that idea. I thought it would be one of those kinds of songs that would be a wedding anthem. It just had the lyrics, had the title, had the music and we wrote it. I am sure at some point, it will be played at many, many weddings.
Sobering Moment
Big & Rich
Posted on June 26, 2007 at 6:04 AM
Today's Fan Question: "What song brings out the most emotion in you (either a song you have written or one you sing)?" Tara Lyckman, Carthage, MO
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John Rich:I'd say probably "The 8th of November" is the most emotional song that we sing because of what it's dealing with — our veterans. I grew up with my Grandfather who is a World War II veteran and was real close to him and heard those stories and lived with that real emotion of war my whole life. So, I'd say "The 8th of November," without a doubt, in the show, is always a sobering moment for me.
Comin' To Your City
Big & Rich
Posted on June 25, 2007 at 9:59 AM
Today's Fan Question: "What do you like to do in your down time when you are on tour?" Jeanine Smith, Sweetwater, NJ
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John Rich:Well this year, we are taking out a trailer. I've got my Escalade in the back of it, the long one that seats like 7 or 8 people. We like to get out during the day and find bowling alleys, little bars, Hooters or anything interesting in the little town we are in, try to get a feel for it before we play the show that night. A lot of times, we'll find a place in town that we want to go to after the show. Most of the time, it's a little 'ol beer joint, something that's real small. After the show we'll go there and hang out with the locals, throw down and then roll to the next town. It's a good time.
If You Build It...
Big & Rich
Posted on June 24, 2007 at 9:56 AM
Today's Fan Question: "I have been a big fan of you guys for almost three years now. I even dressed up like Big Kenny for Halloween last year. I know Big Kenny is married, but John, are you married? And if you aren't, do you have anybody in mind?" Kelli Spinks, Jacksonville, FL
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John Rich:First of all, dressing up like Big Kenny for Halloween — I have to wonder about you because Big Kenny, that's kind of his own outfit. It would take you a little while to figure that out. A chick dressed like Big Kenny, I gotta see that. No, I'm not married yet. I'm in the process of building a gigantic house right now in Nashville. It's going to be pretty cool. When that's all said and done, there is a very good chance that I would not want to be living there by myself, if you know what I mean.
Country Rap
Big & Rich
Posted on June 23, 2007 at 10:53 AM
Today's Fan Question: "Besides each other, who would you want to record or write with, in any genre?" Robin Scharer, Toledo, OH
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John Rich:I'd like to write with Eminem. I don't know that he would ever write with me. I think he writes it all pretty much by himself. Whether you hate or love him, he is a genius lyricist. He has a real way of saying what's really on his mind. I think there's a real small gap between hip-hop and country anyway. To me, to sit down with Eminem would be a pretty radical situation.
But Seriously, Folks…
Big & Rich
Posted on June 22, 2007 at 5:50 PM
Today's Fan Question: "I can't wait for the new CD to come out! How do both of you choose what songs to put on your album?" Jen Bell, Groveville, NJ
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John Rich:Well, we basically strip down to our underwear and run through the woods with paintball guns. Whoever gets shot first has to give up the decision on what song that goes on the record next. We go through this process about 12 times until we've decided the entire album. It's quite painful, but it is effective.
Who Would You Meet?
Big & Rich
Posted on June 21, 2007 at 4:20 PM
Today's Fan Question: "If you could meet any three people, dead or alive, who would they be? Heather Hollen, Indiana, PA
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John Rich:Oh goodness. I would say Jesus, of course, would be No. 1. No. 2 would probably be my grandmother's father, who was a great farmer out in Texas. He was a legendary character out there. I understand that I am a lot like him. I would have loved to have met him. His name was Grandpa Benton, Bill Benton. He was a cool dude. I think it would have been cool to meet the guy who made the lightbulb, Thomas Edison. Thomas Edison would have been a cool cat 'cause I've got so many crazy ideas. I could have thrown some of them at him and he probably would've known what to do with them.
Doggone Big Time
Big & Rich
Posted on June 20, 2007 at 1:51 PM
Today's Fan Question: "In the final scene of the video for "Big Time," you are seated at the step of the "Moonshine Gulch" saloon and a black Labrador retriever is lying between both of you. As you raise your hands and sing 'We're living in the big time,' the dog yawns! Was this planned or was it just spontaneous? My dog looks just like him and he yawns when I sing 'Big Time" to him as well." Gene Hall, Bloomington, IL
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Read John Rich & Big Kenny's Answer:
John Rich:That was not planned. I don't think we could have ever planned that. When we were editing it, and we saw that dog yawn when we were supposedly having a "Big Time," it was very ironic and funny and we had to put it in there. Apparently it worked because Gene, you saw it man, that's cool.
Non-Cooks Need Not Apply
Big & Rich
Posted on June 19, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Today's Fan Question: "This question is for John please. Can you tell us what qualities you are looking for in someone who would be your "soulmate"?" Valerie Vander Wall, Wheatfield, IN
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John Rich:Yeah, well I'd say the main thing is loyalty. Kenny and I have pretty much gone from broke to rock and roll status in about three or four years flat. You've really got to watch people and their ulterior motives. Transparency is a good quality in a soulmate. You'll know what they're thinking and what they're really after in a relationship. I have been thinking about taking my Granny Rich out next year on tour with her own catering truck so she can cook that country food for us every where we go. If we do that, if you can make chili better than her, then by God, you've got yourself a job.
Before They Were Big & Rich
Big & Rich
Posted on June 18, 2007 at 9:49 AM
Today's Fan Question: "Have you ever considered re-releasing LuvjOi Volumes 1 and 2 and Rescue Me or possibly even re-recording them and mixing them into a new album?" Jim Alves, Selma, CA
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Big Kenny:Sure, we've considered re-releasing all of these albums. As you know, this first Big Kenny album, Little Little got released last year. John's album, Rescue Me from his BNA days, got released. Believe it or not, we've been on a mad search to find the original digital 48-tracks from the LuvjOi album and found them just this past week. So we've got a couple of interesting ideas that we are working on with that. Watch out for something pretty exciting, maybe coming your way one of these days, as soon as we have time. Life's busy. We've got this new album coming out called Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace.
Melon Head
Big & Rich
Posted on June 17, 2007 at 5:46 AM
Today's Fan Question: "Who wears the biggest size hat?" Pam Olson, West Allis, WI
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Big Kenny: My head is bigger than John's. I have a big 'ole melon-sized head. Every hat that I wear has to be like an extra large, actually 7 ¾.
Help Somebody
Big & Rich
Posted on June 16, 2007 at 7:39 AM
Today's Fan Question: "It appears you guys never run out of song ideas. I am an aspiring lyricist who gets a lot of writer's block. How do you break your writer's block?" Tia Payne, Norfolk, VA
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Big Kenny: Well Tia, I've never really had writers block. If I'm not writing, I'm so busy doing something else that I'm always being inspired. I would say jump into something else. Try some community service, something to help humanity somewhere and I'll bet that you'll be inspired so much, you just can't imagine. Go check out your local children's hospital. Just go help out somewhere. Watch what happens, I promise.
A Garth Brooks Collaboration?
Big & Rich
Posted on June 15, 2007 at 3:43 PM
Today's Fan Question: "I am a big Garth Brooks fan and am wondering if you have ever considered working with him in some way. I came to your music and the rest of the Muzik Mafia looking for other artists who expanded the genre and appreciated all musical expression. I think you guys and Garth have the same musical outlook and would cut a great song together. The combined stage energy also would be off the charts!" Ryan McNutt, Freeport, FL
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Big Kenny: Ryan, I agree with you, brother. I'm a big fan of Garth Brooks also. What an incredible entertainer and songwriter. I know John and I would both love to make music with him one of these days. He's not really in Nashville a whole lot anymore, and with our busy schedules we don't necessarily run into each other that much. But I have met him a couple times and he seems to be a wonderful, kind person. I've run into Trisha also. They're great people. I hope one day we get to make some music with them.
The Love Shack
Big & Rich
Posted on June 14, 2007 at 3:38 PM
Today's Fan Question: "What is the weirdest thing each of you have seen while on stage--and did it distract you?" Kayleigh Lowery, Kodak, TN
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Big Kenny: Kayleigh, we've definitely seen some weird things. Or just fun things. All the freak paraders that come dressed up — I love seeing that. But the first year we were out, I remember this show we played. It was in an old auditorium. The floor was wood, the ceiling rafters — everything was wood. This place was packed probably a little too full, and the floor started bouncing. The speakers were mounted on the floor so they were swaying back and forth. The stage was moving about four inches side to side. It just got pretty crazy.
And then lo and behold, for some reason all these brassieres and undergarments started flying towards the stage. I swear to goodness, there must've been 100 of them hanging off of things. It got crazy. It got a little out of hand. I actually thought that building was gonna be coming down. It was definitely the love shack, for a moment.
The One That Got Away
Big & Rich
Posted on June 13, 2007 at 3:23 PM
Today's Fan Question: "Of all the great songs that you have written either individually or together, which one do you wish that you would have saved for yourselves to record instead of letting someone else record it first? Right now I'm thinking of "Last Dollar," which was recorded by Tim McGraw." Linda Long, Hermiston, OR
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Big Kenny: Well Linda, I don't have any regrets of letting anyone record a song of mine. I am so absolutely thrilled that Tim McGraw recorded "Last Dollar" and took it to No. 1 on the charts. That's the first time I'd ever seen that spot. I've got a whole lot more songs out there. Heck, Willie Nelson just recorded one of my songs, called "Bob." You've heard that on the Big & Rich Fan Pack. The more of'em that record them, God bless'em. Kenny Chesney's got a bunch of'em right now. There's a bunch of songs sitting out there that hopefully other artists will record. Great songs need to be heard. We can't sing'em all.
How We Met
Big & Rich
Posted on June 12, 2007 at 3:19 PM
Today's Fan Question: "How did you guys meet?" Pam McGurran, Amery, WI
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Big Kenny: Well Pam, we actually met at a club in Nashville, Tennessee. It's a little longer story than that. You ought to go back and read our first bio. That explains the whole deal. I was playing music, John was out listening with some friends. It was a pretty cool setup, really.
Climb Every Mountain
Big & Rich
Posted on June 11, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Today's Fan Question: "What have been your life goals and do you think you've reached any of them?" Emerald Robbins, Burlington, KY
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Big Kenny: Well Emerald, this is Big Kenny here. I for one, had a goal to move to Nashville and become a songwriter, and be able to play my music for as many people as I possibly could. I would say that dream has come true and is still coming true today. It took awhile. I actually packed my clothes and moved to Nashville in 1994. It's 2007 now, that's not too bad. So I climbed that mountain. It's a beautiful view. But I know there's still so much more to come.
One of my goals right now is to try to do everything I can to help stop this genocide in Darfur over in the Sudan, and to bring human rights to all of those people. To make sure there's no starving children anywhere. That's a real big one. I could any help anybody's got out there. God bless you.
No Future in the Past
Big & Rich
Posted on June 10, 2007 at 8:56 PM
Today's Fan Question: "What is the one career decision you would like to go back in time to change?" Sandra Stabler, Nashville, TN
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Big Kenny: Well Sandra, I'd have to say I wouldn't change nothing. I really wouldn't. It doesn't even do any good to think about that. I'm thinking about tomorrow, baby!
Completely In Love
Big & Rich
Posted on June 9, 2007 at 11:06 AM
Today's Fan Question: "You guys are great songwriters & performers. What inspired you to record a wedding song? Love the song, by the way." Harriet Abusaid, Marietta, GA
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Big Kenny: Golly, Harriet. This song was just absolutely incredible. We knew we wanted to put a love song on this album. I'm completely in love. I got married and I have a little boy now. John had written the most incredible love song with a couple of his buddies, Keith Anderson and Rodney Clawson. It was just a shoo-in. It had to go on the record.
Song Catcher
Big & Rich
Posted on June 7, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Today's Fan Question: "I'm a big fan of your song writing and was wondering, do you go any place special to write your songs--and do you plan to write them or do they just "come" to you and you roll with it?" Stacey Best, Canton, OH
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Big Kenny: Stacey, I'd have to say there's no rhyme or reason whatsoever. I've written songs, and then John and I have written songs, and it always starts differently. Whenever my wife and I and the boy get to take family trips, I'm always inspired by whatever I see. There are song ideas flying around everywhere. You've just gotta reach out and catch them! Take the time to sit down with them and let them live, and become a real song. I hope that gives you an idea.
Calling All Angels
Big & Rich
Posted on June 6, 2007 at 10:53 AM
Today's Fan Question: "Who has been the biggest influence on your life, outside of music--and why?" Diana Ginter, Chassell, MI
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Big Kenny: Deanna, I'd have to say that my parents have been the most incredible influence on my life. Just my family in general — and that includes all of my friends. Man, I'm like a pinball going through a pinball machine. You know how it's always bouncing off of something and going ding-dong, lights are flashing? That's me. All the great angels that I've run into in my life have steered me in the direction I'm in right now. God bless all of those people.
Move Your Butt To Nashville!
Big & Rich
Posted on June 5, 2007 at 6:29 AM
Today's Fan Question: "Do you have any advice for new musicians trying to make it in country music? I love your new song, "Lost in This Moment"! Timmy Kay, Carlsbad, CA
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John Rich: Well thank you. We're glad you like that song. Hope you go out and get a copy of our new album June 5. We'd really appreciate that. As far as musicians trying to make it in country music, there's only about 9 million of them that live here in Nashville trying to make it. They're parking cars, they're waiting tables, doing whatever they have to do until they get that break. So I would suggest you move your ass on out here to Nashville, Tennessee.
Oooh That Smell
Big & Rich
Posted on June 4, 2007 at 9:24 AM
Today's Fan Question: "When you are on the road, what comforts from home do you take with you?" Kassandra Clocherty, Mountain Home AFB, ID
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Read John Rich & Big Kenny's Answer:
John Rich: I take a box of Nag Champa incense, because that's what my house smells like. I also take a scoop of bulldog manure, because my bulldog craps on everything. If I don't have a little pile of dog crap somewhere around the bus, I just don't feel like I'm comfortable.
Big KennyWhen I'm out on the road, I try to take my wife and my little boy, Lincoln.
John Rich: That's a definite step up from what I take.
Big Kenny: Those are the greatest comforts from home I could possibly have with me.
John Rich: I also take Advil.
Big Kenny: Lots of it.
Keeping Life Normal
Big & Rich
Posted on June 3, 2007 at 8:21 AM
Today's Fan Question: "What is the hardest part of being in this business?" Brandi Blagg, Bakersfield, CA
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John Rich:Well Brandi, I'd have to say the hardest part of being in this business is when you do start having some success. You're running in 50 different directions at the same time and a lot of things are pulling on you. Being able to allocate your time and just keep your life together and normal, [while you're] moving at rocket speed.
It is an absolute blessing to be doing what we're doing. That's the way we consider it, every day. So there's really not too much about it that's too hard, other than it's just hard work.
You Want Me To Autograph What?!
Big & Rich
Posted on June 2, 2007 at 8:12 AM
Today's Fan Question: "What is the craziest item you have autographed?" Betty Fox, Mission, TX
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John Rich: Well, I've signed a lot of things that should remain nameless, as I'm sure you can all guess. Anatomy.
Big Kenny: People have asked, 'Please sign here, because I'd like to get a tattoo of your signature'.
John Rich: Yeah I've seen that. We've signed stuff and they come back a year later, and they've made it into a tattoo. So if you sign a body part, you always make sure it looks good.
Sticking With It
Big & Rich
Posted on June 1, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Today's Fan Question: "I am an aspiring songwriter with close to 120 songs written. Any advice on finding credible publishers in Nashville and how to get the songs pitched?" Priscilla Melton, Litt Carr, KY
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John Rich: Well, the first thing you've gotta do is come to Nashville. I'm sure Litt Carr, Kentucky is a nice place to be, but there's no country singers living there, as far as I know. You've gotta come to Nashville, darlin'. Get down here and let everybody start hearing it. Get up and play and put your music out there, see if it's good enough to hang.
Big Kenny: And don't set any time limits on yourself. You've just gotta stick with it as long as it takes. Just keep climing the mountain and I promise you, when your music is great enough, somebody in this town is gonna hear it and they're gonna want to record those songs. So just come on down, man. Nashville, Tennessee.
A Special Kind of Body Building
Big & Rich
Posted on May 31, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Today's Fan Question: "Apart from performing onstage, do either of you do any specific kinds of exercise to stay in shape?" Shay Zielinski, Eagan, MN
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Read John Rich & Big Kenny's Answer:
John Rich: Why, yes we do.
Big Kenny: Absolutely.
John Rich: There's a certain jug of Crown Royal — it's the 1.75 liter — and it weighs approximately 7 lbs. when it's full. I find that lifting that to my mouth about 80 times a day really keeps my right bicep in great shape.
Big Kenny: And John, I find that whenever I'm home or my wife's around, she just drives me crazy. Besides jumping up and down onstage like we do, making passionate love with her keeps me in perfect physical form.
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