New Artist Spotlight: John Corbett
By Gary Voorhies
© 2006 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.
John Corbett is best known for acting in television series including "Northern Exposure" and "Sex and the City," and in films including "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and "Raising Helen."
But his heart is that of a musician.
"Music has always been central to my life, much more so than acting," Corbett said. "Acting is how I make my living. Music has always been a passion. It's something I love, something I can't live without."
Corbett grew up in Wheeling, W.Va., just a few blocks from the Capitol Music Hall, home of the Wheeling Jamboree, a long running Country Music radio show.
As a youngster, Corbett hung out at his Uncle Phil's music club, Club Madrid, where his mother was a waitress. The Country musicians who would stop by after shows at Capitol Music Hall became early musical inspirations.
Today, in a return to his first interest, Corbett has recorded an album of Country and southern rock songs geared toward Country audiences, set to be released on his own imprint, Fun Bone Records, on April 4. The self-titled album was recorded in Nashville and produced by D. Scott Miller and Corbett's longtime musical partner, Tara Novick and features material written by top Nashville tunesmith's including Hal Ketchum, Jon Randall, Darrell Scott, Mark Selby and Rivers Rutherford.
The current single, "Good To Go" written by Rodney Clawson and Tim Nichols, debuted at No. 48 on the Billboard Country Singles chart, a record for an independent label release.
Corbett has opened shows for Asleep at the Wheel, Charlie Daniels, Buck Owens and Josh Turner. He expects to be on the road playing for more fans soon.
"I'm completely devoted to this," he said. "I can't tell you how excited I am. This is what I want to do. This is what I should be doing. I know that now."
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
What CD is on your stereo?
"Jon Randall's Walking Among The Living."
What book is on your nightstand right?
"Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole."
What actor would portray you in a biopic about your life?
"Tom Hanks."
What word or phrase do you find yourself saying over and over again?
"Who's thirsty?"
Do you have a lucky charm?
"No, but I eat them."
On the Web: www.johncorbettband.com
April 4, 2006
© Bo Derek
