New Artist Spotlight - Todd Fritsch

New Artist Spotlight: Todd Fritsch

By Gary Voorhies

Willow Springs, Texas, native Todd Fritsch credits his high school basketball coach, four years in the Future Farmers of America and his father, a successful cattle rancher, for instilling discipline in him.

"I started driving a tractor when I was so little I had to stand up to reach the clutch," Fritsch said. "By the time I was 13 or 14, I was building up my own herd of cattle." Fritsch was an active athlete, but his sister encouraged him to sing. He balanced performing with his other interests during high school and came to love the music of Garth Brooks, Merle Haggard, George Strait and Keith Whitley.

Today, Fritsch maintains his residence in Texas near the family ranch. He stays busy training and riding horses, roping and helping to maintain the ranch. He makes frequent trips to Nashville to confer with his manager, producer and publicist.

Produced by Doug DeForest, his self-titled CD features the single "Small Town Radio," written by Fritsch and DeForest. It follows Fritsch's cover of Eddy Raven's 1984 hit "I Got Mexico" that was the first single from the album, released on DeForest's DMG label in November 2005. Fritsch, who wrote four of the tracks on the album, toured during February to Germany, France, Switzerland and Holland to support his CD.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

Who is your musical hero?

"George Strait."

What CD is on your stereo?

"Mel Street's Greatest Hits."

What book is on your nightstand?

"The Bible."

Who is your dream duet partner?

"Miranda Lambert."

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

"When Do I Get To Sleep?"

When they look back on your life in 50 years, what do you hope people say about you?