In 2008, I had the pleasure of hosting and producing my first Classic Country Party with Whisperin' Bill Anderson at the Saratoga Music Hall.  I was a bit nervous to see if we'd sell enough tickets to pay the bills, but with close to two sold out shows, this legend more than proved that he still had it!  Now, in 2011, he celebrates 50 Years on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

Of course what makes this man so great is that he's still writing, singing, and having success in modern Country Music.  In December, WGNA listed Bill's new single, "Thanks To You," as the Number One new recording from a legend in 2010 (Based on radio airplay and requests on The Sunday Morning Classic Country Hall of Fame Show).  Bill also filled the charts over the last decade writing hits like "A Lot of Things Different" for Kenny Chesney, "Give It Away" for George Strait, "I'll Wait For You" for Joe Nichols, "Joey" for Sugarland and "Whiskey Lullaby" for Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss. 

Bill's career and impact on Country Music is simply amazing.  Especially when you realize that there's only a small group of singer-songwriters from the 1950s that are actually still making music and being accepted by today's Country Music industry and fans.

Wondering if Bill will ever slow down, according to billanderson.com Bill says that option is not in his future.

 "As long as I still enjoy it and feel like maybe I've got a little something to contribute, I'll keep doing it. When I had him on my radio show, I asked Willie Nelson, 'When are you going to retire?' He said, 'I don't do but two things: I play golf and make music. Which one do you want me to quit?' So that's kind of the way I feel. Retire from what? It's hard to give it up if it's in your blood."

I had the chance to visit with Bill Anderson backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in 2008.  I hope you enjoy this visit with one of my favorite people in Country Music.

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