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T.G.
Sheppard has always had an unstoppable passion for music. That passion,
combined with a steadfast dedication to entertainment, has made
him one of the most popular live performers in country music today.
With a show chock full of chart-topping hits like "Last Cheater's
Waltz", "I Loved 'Em Every One", and "Do You Wanna Go To Heaven",
it's only natural that T.G. has developed a reputation as a solid
performer who delivers exactly what audiences want.
T.G. knew early in his life that music was more than a hobby. He
left his home in Humboldt, Tennessee, at the age of 15, journeying
to Memphis to begin his career in earnest. Working in various bands,
he began to develop his stage skills, learning how to put his own
touch on the myriad of songs required to survive on the club and
party circuit. Using the name Brian Stacy, he released his first
record, "High School Days", which caused a few ripples on the pop
charts in 1966. The resulting acclaim brought him gigs as an opening
act for some of the biggest acts in America, including The Animals,
Jan & Dean and The Beach Boys.
The fledgling star veered off his musical course in 1965, reverting
to his given name of Bill Browder and getting into the record promotion
business. In a short time his passion for music, now redirected
to furthering the careers of others, made him one of the industry's
most successful record promoters.
In 1972, T.G. found a song that would change his life forever.
His astute ability to pick a hit song and promote it had paid off
for numerous artists, yet T.G. kept thinking of his own musical
aspirations. He knew Bobby David's composition "Devil In The Bottle"
was destined to be a hit, yet had no success in pitching the tune.
After being turned down by eight record labels in 18 months, T.G.
decided to cut the song himself. Heading to Nashville, he was signed
to Motown, the mammoth R&B label that was trying to establish
a presence in country music.
When he released "Devil In The Bottle" as T.G. Sheppard by night,
he soon realized which of the two jobs would get his undivided attention.
While promoting records for RCA, T.G. formed a close personal and
professional relationship with Elvis Presley. The legendary performer
appreciated T.G.'s unique style and personality. As a token of their
friendship, Elvis gave T.G. his first tour bus in 1976, helping
to provide him with the confidence to give up the promotion business
and hit the road full time. During his first year on the road he
scored numerous hits with the Motown imprints of Melodyland and
Hitsville, including "Trying To Beat The Morning Home" and "When
Can We Do This Again".
Named "Best New Male Artist" in 1976 by CASH BOX, T.G. signed
with Warner Bros. when Motown decided to get out of country music.
His career then skyrocketed as he scored 10 consecutive number one
songs, including such classics as "Only One You", "Party Time",
and "War Is Hell (On The Homefront)". In 1982, following this impressive
"debut", T.G. was honored as Music City News "Most Promising Male
Vocalist".
His sound - a smooth fusion of R&B rhythms, pop arrangements
and solid country songwriting - was a blueprint for country music
in the late 1970s and early 1980s. During this period, his style
rarely changed, and fans came to rely on his substantial recordings
of well crafted, slickly produced country-pop rhythms, highlighted
by his evocative vocals.
The "promise" of T.G.'s early career continued into the 1980s,
as he racked up one hit after another. His duet with Karen Brooks,
"Faking Love", scored yet another number one, and "Make My Day",
a duet with Clint Eastwood featured in the feature film "Sudden
Impact" crossed over onto the pop charts.
In 1985, T.G. signed with Columbia Records, where he again found
himself at the top of the charts with songs like "Fooled Around
And Fell In Love", "Strong Heart", and "One For The Money". During
his Columbia days, he worked with renowned producers Rick Hall and
Bob Montgomery to create four more albums to add to his repertoire.
By 1990, country music traditionalists had changed the course of
the format, and T.G. found himself wondering how he fit the new
mold. He chose to withdraw from recording at this time and instead
concentrated on his live performances, touching audiences night
after night with his tried-and-true repertoire of hits, delivered
with non-stop energy and the same excitement he felt as a teen.
He also made a name for himself as an astute businessman. In 1988,
he opened his private residence in the Great Smoky Mountains as
a bed and breakfast. The 160-year-old log home, built high atop
Moon Mountain, was an instant success and is still a popular tourist
destination, although T.G. no longer owns the property.
The popular performer, who learned firsthand the kind of entertainment
experience fans craved, was one of the original investors in the
highly popular chain of country nightclubs, Guitars & Cadillacs.
The clubs, located throughout the Midwest, serve as showcase venues
for many emerging country singers as well as some of the format's
biggest stars.
T.G. also served as the national spokesperson for the Folgers'
NASCAR racing team for eight years. During a six-year span, he served
as host/performer on "Folgers' Wakin' Up Country Tour", which headlined
throughout North America.
In 1995, he took a two-year hiatus from the road to perform exclusively
for eight months a year at T.G. Sheppard's Theater In The Smokies,
a state-of-the-art theater in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.
For the first time in his musical career, he enjoyed the luxury
of going home every night after a show. But the wanderlust of a
road musician was inescapable, as he returned to the road in 1997.
Charity work is a crucial part of T.G.'s career. Throughout the
year, he works with many of the nation's top charitable organizations
such as Cerebral Palsy, Inc; St. Jude Children's Hospital; The Alzheimer's
Association; The United Way; and ChildHelp USA.
As the flagship artist for the newly formed Destiny Row Records,
T.G. has fulfilled yet another musical dream. A collection of classic
love songs of the forties and fifties entitled, "TIMELESS".
This long awaited new CD will be his first in many years. Available
at all retail stores in September 2004.
T.G. Sheppard's ardor for life and unceasing energy allow him
to fulfill his unrelenting passion for music. "TIMELESS"
is the latest means by which he shares that passion with the rest
of us.
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