Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Jamey Johnson, the man who more than any other has defined outlaw country music, will perform Thursday at the Civic Center of Anderson for the first show on the new stage.
Johnson will be joined by Blackberry Smoke and Megan Moroney, with music beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Johnson, who said his induction into the Grand Ole Opry earlier this year is a dream come true, is an 11-time Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter who is one of just a few people in country music history to win two Song of the Year Awards from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.
His breakthrough album “That Lonesome Song” is certified platinum for one million in sales. His double album, “The Guitar Song,” debuted at No. 1 on the country album charts and is certified gold. In 2012, Johnson released a Grammy-nominated project honoring one of his heroes, “Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran.” As a songwriter, he has written songs for George Strait, Willie Nelson, Trace Adkins, James Otto, Joe Nichols and others.
Blackberry Smoke is a Southern rock band from Atlanta, consisting of Charlie Starr, Richard Turner, Brit Turner, Paul Jackson, and Brandon Still. In 2020, they added touring personnel Benji Shanks and Preston Holcomb. They have released seven studio albums, two live albums and five extended plays. Their show will be an energetic acoustic set Thursday night, the result of drummer Bill Turner's recent heart attack.
Georgia native Megan Moroney has found success in country music since her debut EP last year and her hit "Hair Salon" has remained on the charts since being released earlier this year.