Greg Shirley Raised on the Run

Greg Shirley laughs when he talks about the title track of his new record. "My son Dallas had heard so many stories from me and my family about our childhood, he said, 'Dad, you should write a song titled 'Raised on the Run.' So he did. A rambling reminiscence of a life lived on the road, the song set the tone for what would become his debut album. And in many ways, Raised on the Run brings Greg full circle. Years after he left Nashville to raise his family and start a business, Greg found himself back in Music City studios. He'd tried his luck here two decades earlier, when he sang demoes in studios and played under Music Row spotlights. But this time, Greg was singing for himself. "It was like seeing a close friend I hadn't seen in years," he says. "I was really excited, but I still felt comfortable being there." Supporting Greg on his debut is a virtual who's who of Nashville players. Jim Moose Brown, a veteran multi-instrumentalist who has lent his talents to Waylon Jennings, Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, and Bob Seger, plays keys. Drummer Eddie Bayers has earned the prestigious Academy of Country Music Drummer of the Year award for eight years straight. Bassist Kevin "Swine" Grantt's resume includes work for Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Colt Ford, and Willie Nelson. Engineer T.W. Cargile recorded Greg's vocals in Jamey Johnson's Big Gassed Studios. The co-producer of Johnson's Grammy-nominated "In Color," Cargile's track record with Alabama-based songwriters is undisputed. In addition to Greg's own compositions, the album includes contributions from some of Nashville's most celebrated songwriters, notably Bernie Nelson and Chris Wallin. Kenny Chesney, Chris LeDoux, and Randy Travis have all taken Nelson's songs to the top of the charts, and the smash "Daddy Never Was the Cadillac Kind" earned him Million Airplay status in 2002. Wallin has enjoyed his share of chart success as well: his recent "Something to Be Proud Of" kept Montgomery Gentry at number one for weeks. His songs have appeared on albums by everyone from Trace Adkins to Confederate Railroad to Diamond Rio. Though he's made a name for himself among Nashville's elite, Greg Shirley is happy to call Alabama his home. Performing to fans throughout his adopted home state, he has built a loyal following that recognizes him as one of their own. Pretty impressive roots for someone raised on the run.