I grew up very heavily involved in a United Methodist Youth organization. I grew up going to church camp for years. I ministered, and country music stole me away. It was just where my heart wound up. It's what I wanted to do.

I always wanted to be in charge of my own career. I like having my own imprint.

Everyone wants to be an arena act, and it's making country music evolve. People are cutting things more for that arena environment. But who's to say that that is a sign of any more of a successful career than what James Taylor has been able to do, when he still comes and plays the Ryman every two years?

I've never been one to stay in a complacent place where I just let the grass grow around me.

I have a nice little movie career, and I write plays and do my act.

I try not to look back on my career.

When it comes to the president, we have to respect him, we have to protect him, and we have to correct him. And in my career, since he'd been on the national stage at least, I've had - I've always respected the president.

I had great teachers, great ensembles, and great companies to work with who supported my career.