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Twelve Interesting John Anderson Facts That Not Everyone Knows

John Anderson Facts
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

American country music artist John Anderson, who was born on December 13, 1954, is regarded as one of the industry’s crown jewels. That’s why. It’s only natural that he obviously has a big list of unknown facts that everyone must be curious about.

John Anderson was born and raised in Apopka, Florida, where he had the opportunity to develop his musical skills and talents. As a result, he was able to succeed in all facets of his music endeavor during the course of his nearly 40-year career. His ability to win several awards and the success of his songs on the charts are undeniably admirable.  

Anderson has scored more than 40 tracks on the Billboard country music charts since the release of his debut single, “I’ve Got a Feelin’ (Somebody’s Been Stealin’),” including five number ones: “Wild and Blue,” “Swingin’,” “Black Sheep,” “Straight Tequila Night,” and “Money in the Bank.”

John Anderson has a distinguished musical career and a fascinating personality. That’s why here is a list of interesting and little-known John Anderson facts you might want to know.

1. His First Love Was “Rock n Roll” Not “Country”

Rock and roll performers like Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones were Anderson’s earliest musical inspirations rather than traditional country music acts. His older sister Donna, who performed in a country band, gave him the urge to transition from playing in a rock band till he was 15 years old. As a result, he began listening to country music after discovering George Jones and Merle Haggard.

2. He Was Part of the Hall of Fame

On October 5, 2014, Anderson was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

3. He Received Multiple Awards During His Career

Anderson was able to win the Academy of Country Music Awards (1994), Country Music Association Award for Single of the Year (1983), Country Music Association Award for New Artist of the Year (1983), and Country Music Association Award for Album of the Year (1994).

4. He Grew Up in a Family of Eight

The supervisor of landscaping at the University of Central Florida has a family of six children, including Anderson.

5. He Moved to Nashville to Pursue His Music Career

He relocated to Nashville in 1972 after finishing high school. He originally remained at his sister Donna’s residence since she had arrived before him in the renowned “Music City”.

6. He Once Work Odd Jobs to Make Ends Meet

He held a variety of odd jobs throughout his formative years in Nashville, one of which was as a roofer at the Grand Ole Opry House. While at night, he performs at the bars on Lower Broadway.

7. Warner Bros Signed a Contract with Him

He joined Warner Bros. records in 1977 after releasing singles for two indie labels.

8. He Helped Signal the Rise of the New Traditionalist Movement

His self-titled debut album, which was released in 1980 has received favorable comments and played a part in the emergence of the new traditionalist movement.

9. “Money in The Bank” is the Last To Stay On Top

“Money in the Bank” is the last of John Anderson songs to chart at the top till 2022. The song captures the ingenuity and good times of the pumped-up, honky tonk-inspired tunes of the early ’90s.

10. Anderson Once Suffered from A Health Condition

In the late 2010s, Anderson experienced unreported health issues, which he detailed in his 2020’s Years album.

11. He Made a New Album Called ‘Years’

On April 10, 2020, the Easy Eye Sound label released Years, his most recent album. The emphasis of the album revolves around his life experiences.

12. He Has a Family of His Own

With their two gorgeous daughters, Anderson and his family are presently residing in Smithville, Tennessee. Over the course of their marriage, he and his wife had many highs and lows, but they never wavered in their dedication to one another.

John Anderson is without a doubt, one of the top country musicians to ever live. When we are having a bad day, listening to his tunes somehow eases the heaviness we feel. Hopefully, you got to learn a thing or two about the less-known John Anderson facts we’ve shared today. Now it’s your turn to spread the word about them.

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