10 Questions with ... Darryl Worley

1) Congrats on a great new single, "Keep The Change," which has caused quite a bit of discussion. What particular events inspired the song? You introduced it for the very first time in Detroit, correct?

We saw the title on a bumper sticker and we really didn't know what the song was until we sat down and started discussing our feelings about the way things are going. Most of the change that the song addresses is change that has been coming about for thirty or forty years. We first played the song on the radio in Detroit.

2) As a progressive liberal, and a supporter of President Obama, tell me why I would embrace this song?

Everyone has their own interpretation of a song and that's exactly how it should be, but I can tell you, as one of the writers, this song is not about President Obama. I believe that if you are truly a caring individual, and you love this country, the song could serve as a wake up call. It's not about politics; it's about a way of life and one that could be in great danger. I would wager that you are not happy with everything that's going on and it might be time to take a little closer look at things. We are blessed to be Americans and we should stand up and voice the way we feel about things. We should also do what our forefather's did and respect one another and realize that it's okay to have differing opinions. They made great decisions together because they knew everyone involved wanted what was best for the nation and its people. Seems like all we do nowadays is fight back and forth and worry about the next election.

3) You have a new CD, "God & Country," coming out this fall-can you tell us a little bit about it?

It's got a few patriotic songs and a few secular songs that have a spiritual overtone. I'm very proud of the music we have made and I feel very confident that the country music listeners will love it.

4) How does your faith and patriotism inspire your music and your career?

Patriotism has always been a part of my music but this is the first time I've let my faith infuse the music like this. It felt good to sing about things I have always believed in and not worry that someone would be offended.

I am inspired by the fact that we have so many wonderful people in our military that serve our nation in such a selfless fashion. I am also inspired by the fact that my God continues to bless my efforts as an artist. I have a precious family and they are truly a gift from the Lord. They are also a huge inspiration.

5) I love your phrase that "It's not red or blue, it's RED, WHITE and BLUE." Do you think that when two people on opposite sides of the aisle can stop screaming at each other, and actually listen-that they find they actually have a lot in common?

I believe that with all my heart. It's not an easy proposition but we all do have a lot in common. I think the problem goes back to what I said before. It shouldn't be such a competition and we should try to work together to come up with the best possible solutions. Hashing it out is healthy, but we are all too concerned about who's going to win the contest. I think Congress and government at all levels are a terrible example for us. I thought those guys were supposed to work together to make things better for all of us and all they're concerned about is winning the contest.

6) Its obviously very important to you to support the troops-you have backed that up with so many of your visits to the Middle East. What first inspired you to get involved?

We have a lot of military in our family and it just seemed like the right thing to do. The Army asked us to go to Afghanistan in 2002 and we did. The experience was overwhelming. I came home and wrote "Have You Forgotten" to honor those men and women. I think it's important that everyone try to figure out how to do their part to support our troops.

7) Do you ever get to a point where you just need to shut off the news for a while because it can be so depressing?

I have shut it off for a while. My wife said she was sick of hearing me rant and rave about all that's going on. It's hard to listen to sometimes.

8) You have a wife and baby girl. How do you guys spend down time together to have fun as a family?

We don't have any down time right now. In the music business, you have to make hay when the sun is shining.

9) As a native of Hardin County, you gone above and beyond with the charity work that you have done and you are to be commended for events like the Tennessee River Run. That event has really grown each year. Do you have big plans for this year's event?

We prepare for the event all year long. We try to cover all the bases and get great entertainment every year. It's a great cause and I believe that it will go well again this year. That is my prayer.

10) This year ground was broken on the Darryl Worley Cancer Center. Can you tell us about that, and what inspired such an undertaking?

The groundbreaking was a few months ago and it was hard to believe that we had already raised enough money to start the construction. We live in a very rural area and we have a high cancer rate. I watched both my grandfathers and many other family members suffer and die from the dreaded disease. There was no place to go for treatments unless you wanted to travel an hour or two. I am very excited about the fact that our people in the local and surrounding areas will be able to get quality care right there at home. The folks around home have really stepped up with huge donations and amazing support. This facility will be a blessing to our community and I am very proud to be a part of it.

1) Do you talk politics with Bill Catino (President of Stroudavarious)?

We have talked politics a few times and we seem to be on the same page.

2) Who is your favorite liberal? Since we used to hear you sometimes on his radio show, we are guessing its Senator Al Franken.

That's a good guess. I don't agree with all of his politics, but I really admire his support of the troops. Al is a really good person and I consider him a friend.

3) What was the very first concert you ever attended?

Hank Williams, Jr.