Josh Turner remains true to his craft amid changing music industry

By on Monday, August 7th, 2023 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

JOHN DAY – Country Music Superstar Josh Turner was on KJDY’s Coffee Time with host Logan Bagett, Monday morning. It’s been twenty years since the artist released both the song Long Black Train, and album of the same name. During a stop on his 20th Anniversary Long Black Train Tour, Josh took some time to talk about the iconic album and life on the road.

Turner said while the industry may have changed, the way he does things creatively is relatively the same after twenty years:

“The way I’ve done things, you know, really hasn’t changed a lot as far as the core values of what I’ve tried to accomplish. Obviously, I’ve learned a whole lot over the last 20-plus years, so, because of what I’ve learned, I think I’ve saved myself a lot of time, trouble and heartache [chuckles].

But, as far as the way I listen to songs, choose songs, and go about singing a song—none of that has really changed…”

Talking about the ever-changing country music industry, he said it is, “…kind of tough to navigate that as a traditional country artist…I get bored with hearing the same old thing over and over anyway, so, that kind of works to my advantage because, yes—what I do is going to be a little more on the traditional side—but at the same time, I’m always trying to find ways to kind of push the envelope, and you know, think outside the box but not lose the integrity of the music and the song.”

Turner will be the headlining entertainment at the Grant County Fair on Friday, August 11th. Doors to the arena open at 6 p.m. Rising Nashville star Alana Springsteen takes the stage at 7 p.m., followed by Josh Turner’s performance at 8:30 p.m.

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