Sammy Kershaw has long been one of Country Music’s most definitive voices, with a string of hits ranging from the rowdy “Cadillac Style” to the romantic “Love of My Life.” If you look at the title of his newest disc, The Blues Got Me, you might think he’s taking off in a different direction. But, Sammy says you might need to think again – the Blues have always been a part of the music that influenced him.

“You know, people like George Jones, Hank Williams, Ronnie Van Zant, or Mel Street were country soul singers. There’s just a few that can make me cry like that. Those guys could. That’s rare. I hear it. I feel it. They moved me. I like to think of myself as a country soul singer, so the Blues would be something naturally for me to want to do and like.”