MICHAEL PETERSON: ‘DRINK, SWEAR, STEAL & LIE’

Celebrating a remarkable 20 years since the release of his self-titled, gold selling major label debut that spawned five hit country singles, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and multi-talented performer Michael Peterson talks with Big Blend Radio about his career and the release of “Drink, Swear, Steal & Lie,” an extraordinary album featuring dynamic re-recordings of his greatest hits and re-imaginings of seven genre classics that he performed nightly during his two year run in Branson, Mo. as a lead performer and musical director of the hit show “Raiding the Country Vault.”

The 12 track collection, released on 37 Records, includes Peterson’s three Billboard country Top Ten songs, including the #1 “From Here To Eternity,” “Drink, Swear, Steal & Lie” (#3) and “Too Good To Be True” (#8); and fresh versions of Johnny Lee’s “Lookin’ For Love,” Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman,” Charlie Rich’s “The Most Beautiful Girl,” Johnny Cash’s “A Boy Named Sue,” Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” and Waylon Jennings’ “Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.”

“Drink, Swear, Steal & Lie” also has one original, the heartfelt ballad “Borderline” (penned by label owner Steven McClintock, Tim James and Jeff Pearson) – Peterson’s live version of the hilarious old-time country novelty hit “I’m My Own Grandpa.”

“Lookin’ For Love” is already a bona fide hit single on the European country charts and is garnering rave reviews from critics and country fans alike in the U.S. and Canada. Capitalizing on the increasing popularity of country music on the continent, the singer is planning to tour Europe this summer, performing in, among others, Poland, Lithuania, France, Spain and Germany.

While certainly best known for his self-titled 1997 debut, the million selling artist and CMA award finalist has recorded a total of 18 albums – including many popular independent projects after his major label days – and done nearly 2,500 performances in 19 countries during a unique career that spans now over 30 years and includes five #1 hits. According to G.A.C. “From Here to Eternity” has the distinction of being the fourth most popular country wedding song of all time. As a songwriter, he has had the good fortune to have had his compositions recorded by Hall of Famers and Grammy winners in country, rock, pop, gospel and Latin music, including Travis Tritt, Timothy B. Schmit (Eagles), Deniece (Let’s Hear It For The Boy) Williams, The Imperials and Bacilos.

Peterson’s breakthrough as a Nashville songwriter was the #1 CCM hit “Taking Your Love for Granted,” recorded in 1993 by gospel legends The Imperials.

In addition, Peterson is a contributing author to eight books, including the #1 New York Times bestselling “Chicken Soup for The Soul” series. He is also the recipient of numerous distinguished public service awards, including the prestigious Bob Hope “Spirit of Hope” medal from the USO following his 11 tours and over 150 performances for service men and women deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and South Korea. His wife, Col. Jill Chambers (Ret) is an Army Women’s Hall of Fame inductee.

Since 1982, he has spoken to nearly one million people and received the National Educator’s Award from the American Legion for his work. He has created successful initiatives for the U.S. Army, The New Holland Corporation, The City of Huntsville, Ala. and the International Agri-Center to name a few.

More at www.MichaelPetersonOnline.com.