Florida-born country singer to open for Alabama in Stockton
Southern rock band Alabama will play at the Stockton Arena on Friday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m., with the Floridaborn and Nashville-based country singer Easton Corbin as the opening act.
The News-Sentinel spoke with Corbin, who has been performing for 20 years, to discuss his musical background and influences.
Q:How did you get your start in music, and who are some of the more famous artists or bands you’ve shared the stage with?
A:I’ve been playing music all my life, I grew up around it. My grandpa was always singing, listening to country music, my dad, too. It’s Just something that comes naturally. I’ve been performing since I was about 15, playing guitar in a band. I’ve opened for Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw. I’m very fortunate and blessed to open for Alabama, I will say they’re a big name.
Q:What was it like growing up in Florida, and how are you liking Nashville?
A:I grew up on a small farm, showing cattle, FFA, all that stuff. A lot of people, when they hear “Florida,” they think of Miami, but it’s a big place, and I grew up in a small farm town. Nashville is a cool town, it’s definitely grown since I moved here. I’ve been here for 11 years, and it really took off in the last three to five years. It’s definitely a different Nashville, I guess it’s kind of hip to live here, now.
Q:Who are some of your favorite artists to listen to these days? What other hobbies do you have besides music?
A:Blake Shelton is good, Justin Lloyd, he’s a buddy of mine, Chris Stapleton is pretty good. I love hunting, fishing, just being in the outdoors. I’m also kind of a history nerd. I love Western history, the Wild West, the Civil War, the Revolutionary War. Any type of history, especially war, has always fascinated me.
Q:If you could share the stage with any artist, living or dead, who would it be, and why?
A:Keith Whitley, George Jones and Merle Haggard, those are my three biggest heroes.
Q:What advice would you give to young musicians about to embark on their first tour?
A:Watch and learn, you can learn a lot by watching other acts. Take good advice when you can get it, and surround yourself with good people.
Q:Is there anything else that you would like our readers to know?
A:I’ve got a new single out, called “A Girl Like You.”