14 Apr Let’s Hear It For The Boys (Cont.)
We have more stellar male musicians to highlight for our 2014 season! As promised, here are the rest of your favorite male performers.
Robin Thicke
What you know: This Canadian-American singer-songwriter has been belting out sexy tunes for more than 10 years. The heartthrob/heartbreaker sends social media into a frenzy and movement into our toes whenever he seems to open his mouth.
The SunFest veteran began creating music at a very young age, and at 14 years old Thicke was invited to co-write a song with singer Brian McKnight. McKnight would become a mentor to the budding star.
Thicke has released six studio albums to date, and it is his last that has earned him the most media attention. His single “Blurred Lines,” featuring T.I. and that ageless Pharrell, grabbed more than 1 million views just hours after its release. The song hit number one on the Billboard “Hot 100” and also stole the top spot in 13 other countries.
When he’s not performing his own songs, he can be found writing for others. Thicke is responsible for Usher’s “Can U Handle It?,” Angela Via’s “Wrong For You,” Lil’ Wayne’s “Tie My Hands,” and Jennifer Hudson’s “Giving Myself.”
Thicke performed at SunFest in 2007 (the same year he went on tour with Beyonce), and if you can’t currently claim, “I saw him when…” now is your chance. Don’t miss his sweet seduction on the Ford Stage on Thursday, May 1.
What may surprise you:
Thicke’s mother was an actress on “Days of Our Lives” and his father starred in “Growing Pains.”
Thicke and Miley Cyrus’ VMA performance currently holds the record for the most tweeted about event in history.
Justin Moore
What you know: This 30-year-old singer-songwriter first began making his own country tunes while in high school, and upon graduating joined his uncle’s band and moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
Since 2009, Moore has released three albums, “Justin Moore,” “Outlaws Like Me,” and “Off the Beaten Path.” His first, self-titled release debuted at number three on the “Top Country Albums” chart.
His singles, including “Small Town USA,” “Backwoods,” and “Point at You,” have charted eight times in his rising career.
His most recent accomplishment? Moore was awarded “New Artist of the Year 2014” at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
If you like slipping on your boots and line dancing from time to time, Moore is not to be missed. The country star will help close out Saturday, May 3 on the FPL Stage.
What may surprise you:
Moore was recently named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Armed Forces Foundation.
Josh Thompson
What you know: This country singer-songwriter will take the stage just a few hours before Justin Moore, so once you find your perfect spot by the sea, don’t move!
Thompson wrote or co-wrote every one of his debut album’s songs. The album, “Way Out Here,” has had three singles reach the “Top 40” charts. You may be familiar with his tracks, “Beer on the Table,” “Way Out Here,” and “Won’t Be Lonely Long.” (If not, turn them on now.)
Thompson has a bright career ahead for him, and a growing fanbase thanks to performances with Brad Paisley, Eric Church, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
There’s much to learn about this country star, but I find his Facebook list of influences pretty revealing: “Jesus, Momma, Daddy, family, friends, hard work, sweat, tears, laughter, sadness, love, lust, pain, joy, happiness, a sunrise, the moon, living on the road, drinking in the bars, worrying about paying bills, people I love, people that piss me off, everyday life, [and] country music legends like Waylon, Haggard and Jones.” That all sounds perfect to me.
What may surprise you:
In an radio interview, Thompson announced that he cut off his signature ponytail and donated it to Locks of Love.
Last but not least, David Nail.
What you know: Our last American cowboy of the day is David Nail. The singer-songwriter came onto the southern rock scene with his debut album in 2009 and quickly became known for his sadder songs. His heartbroken songs “Let It Rain,” “Red Light,” and “Turning Home” have all nestled in the hearts of country fans.
“Let It Rain” became Nail’s first number one single in 2012.
There isn’t a ton of details swirling around the Internet about this Grammy-nominated artist, but I have a feeling that will change as he continues to share his heartbroken songs with fans.
Come see Nail on Saturday!
What may surprise you:
Nail released an EP in 2012 that includes a cover of Adele’s “Someone Like You.”
He has also participated in the 2010 Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game, and hit a homerun in Angel Stadium.