Is it true that some Texans are still a bit standoffish about women artists these days? Some folks say it might be. Well, hopefully Charla Corn is gonna change all that. Singer, songwriter and CMT personality, this gal can do a bit of everything and then some. I had the chance to talk with her recently about Nashville Star, songwriting and being a Texan.
Roothog Radio:
You’re from Texas. I’m from Texas, too. I didn’t appreciate it that much growing up, but once I left it, I was amazed at what a strong influence it had on me. It has produced a lot of strong women, with mettle you don’t always find other places. Did your raising help your perseverance?
Charla Corn:
Definitely! I had such amazing parents. My mother was very independent and my father was the hardest worker I’ve ever known. It was ingrained in me from the start to be a strong, Texas woman.
Roothog Radio:
What was it like being on American Idol and Nashville Star?
Charla Corn:
I will tell you one thing, the Lord did not intend for the ‘”reality tv/talent show” route to be my path. I was intended to take the long road, pound the pavement, get my hands dirty and pay my dues……which is what I am in the process of doing now.
Roothog Radio:
A lot of folks like your song Almost Home. How did that one come about?
Charla Corn:
When I made the big move to Nashville from west Texas, I remember my Dad calling me every two hours or so to inquire about where I was, what mile marker I was on, and if I had made it to Memphis yet. He called one last time before I pulled into town to ask how I was coming along. I told him I had just passed the sign that said Nashville: 27 miles. To which he then asked, “Well, do you feel like you’re almost home?” I was thinking WHAT? ALMOST HOME? But I just left my home 4 states behind me. However, I soon found out that he meant Nashville would be my new home and I was going to find a new family of friends and I’d better treat it like my home. I’ve since found my way back to Texas, which will no doubtfully always be my HOME.
Roothog Radio:
I really enjoy the lyrics to Sing To Me. That is my kind of song. There is a certain poetry to it and a very nice storytelling flow. A very nice narrative, no overly harsh rhymes. Then, the “sing to me” part is very…….mmm…….old fashioned. I can really imagine someone doing it. Those are the kinds of songs I like personally, where I fall for the story hook, line and sinker. I don’t care if it’s true to life, I just want to believe it for those three minutes. What inspired you to write that one?
Charla Corn:
I wrote this with my older brother, who also produces all of my music. We wanted to write a kind of tribute to our Mom and Dad, as well as our small little town of Farwell, Texas. Life was so simple when we were growing up and our folks made our childhood so special that we really tried to capture that simplicity in a song. Our parents are growing older every day and that little town seems to be getting smaller. I made Sing To Me the hidden track because it is so special to me. I knew there would be a handful of true lovers of music who would find it and cherish it as I do. I could really care less if it is ever a well known song, but to the select few who appreciate its simplicity, I am thankful.
Roothog Radio:
I know you’ve written songs with other folks. Any one stand out in your mind, either as a hit or one that you especially enjoyed?
Charla Corn:
I’ve been blessed to write with some of the top writers in the industry including Blair Daly, Tia Sillers, Pete Sallis and Jim Lauderdale. However, above all of those greats, writing with my brother Clay stands out the most. When we sat down to write Sing To Me, it was a day I will not soon forget. We actually had to write the song in two separate rooms because it was too emotional writing about our parents and our childhood. He wrote the verses and I wrote the chorus. When we were finally able to join each other’s company, neither of us were ever able to make it through the entire song without tearing up. It was a precious day and will always hold such a special place in my heart…..just like the song itself.
Roothog Radio:
People see Texas as just country music, but it’s very diverse. I grew up listening to the blues like it was second nature. I’m not sure I’ll ever get it out of my bones. Were you influenced by country music growing up, or did you listen to other things?
Charla Corn:
Boy howdy, you said it! Blues runs through my veins like the struggling creeks in south Texas. We may wander away and our souls may be dried up by the road, but blues will always flow through us. Growing up close to Lubbock and my dad being a huge lover of the blues, he would sneak me into Stubb’s BBQ so we could get just a taste of the musicianship…..and the ribs of course. I incorporate a few blues cover tunes into my set including one by Susan Tedeschi, who is my all time hero!
Roothog Radio:
What do you see on the horizon for yourself?
Charla Corn:
Only the good Lord knows. He just laughs when I try to make my own plans.
