Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

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.

Latest Stories

Alan Jackson Sings a Heartfelt Cover of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

Alan Jackson Sings a Heartfelt Cover of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

Debuting his gospel album on February 28, 2006, Alan Jackson made his own rendition of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen H. Lemmel. The song was featured as the ...

Tori Kelly Reminds Us That We Are “Never Alone” With Jesus

Tori Kelly Reminds Us That We Are “Never Alone” With Jesus

In 2018, American singer Tori Kelly released a gospel song titled “Never Alone” as part of her album Hiding Place.  The song instantly became one of Tori Kelly’s greatest hits, ...

FloydFest 2024: What You Need To Know

FloydFest 2024: What You Need To Know

Festival Title:FloydFest Horizon 2024Festival Duration:July 24-28, 2024 2024Venue:5826 Floyd Highway FestivalPark in North Check, VirginiaPerformers Include:Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Black Pumas, Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, and moreTicket Information:Get Your Tickets ...

FairWell Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

FairWell Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Festival Title:FairWell Festival 2024Festival Duration:July 19-21, 2024Venue:Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Central Oregon, OregonPerformers Include:Kacey Musgraves, Caamp, Billy Strings, and moreTicket Information:Get Your Tickets Here Deschutes County Fairgrounds is gearing up ...

Post Malone and Blake Shelton's “Pour Me A Drink,” the Collab of the Century

Post Malone and Blake Shelton’s “Pour Me A Drink,” the Collab of the Century

In 2024, American rapper Post Malone released the country bop “Pour Me A Drink,” featuring country superstar Blake Shelton – and let’s say, it was far beyond what people expected. ...

Country Singer Mark Chesnutt In Recovery After Emergency Heart Surgery 

Country singer Mark Chesnutt from Beaumont, Texas, shared a health update on his Instagram account following an emergency heart surgery earlier in June 2024. In his post, he wrote, “Well ...

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose Trade Abuse Allegations in Divorce Battle

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose Trade Abuse Allegations in Divorce Battle

Billy Ray Cyrus claims estranged wife, Firerose, has verbally, emotionally, and physically abused him during their seven-month marriage. The claims came about after Firerose filed a response to Cyrus’ divorce ...

Sonny James' Timeless Cover of the Classic Hit “Young Love”

Sonny James’ Timeless Cover of the Classic Hit “Young Love”

In 1957, legendary country singer Sonny James released one of the timeless covers of the classic hit song “Young Love.” The song was originally released by Ric Cartey and Jiva-Tones ...

Best Country Fiddler Doug Kershaw’s Performance of “Diggy Diggy Lo”

In 1969, Doug Kershaw released his solo version of the hit song “Diggy Diggy Lo,” which surprised fans. The song was originally released by Doug and his brother Rusty in ...

Rock the South 2024: What You Need To Know

Rock the South 2024: What You Need To Know

Festival Title:Rock the South 2024Festival Duration:July 18-20, 2024Venue:York Farms in Cullman, AlabamaPerformers Include:Eric Church, HARDY, Jelly Roll, and moreTicket Information:Get Your Tickets Here The biggest party in the South, Rock ...