Keith Anderson: Seven years to overnight success

When Keith Anderson burst onto country radio in 2005, he seemed like an overnight success as his debut single, "Pickin' Wildflowers," shot up the charts into the Top 10 country hits.

But that success was actually the reward for seven years' hard work building a reputation as a songwriter in Nashville while supporting himself as a waiter and club act.

Since the Oklahoman arrived in Nashville in 1998, he's co-written "Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In?)" recorded by Garth Brooks and George Jones, and "Lost in the Moment," which was a No. 1 for Big & Rich in 2007. His own hits have included "XXL," "Every Time I Hear Your Name," and most recently, the poignant power ballad "I Still Miss You," which reached No. 2.

Sunday, Anderson will sing all the hits he's written for himself and others when he plays two shows at Lake Winnepesaukah.

In a phone interview this week, Anderson said "I Still Miss You" was originally written as a breakup song.

"We finished it and recorded it, and about six months later my mom was diagnosed with cancer. At that point it took on a whole new meaning for me," a fresh perspective reinforced by fan reaction. "Most of the e-mails from fans were about somebody they'd lost in the war or a kid or parent who died," he said.

Anderson was a high school athlete who admits to getting into songwriting "to get the attention of girls."

"My older brother, who works for NASA, got up to sing in a high school talent show. I saw this quiet older brother of mine get up with a guitar, and the girls went nuts."

Anderson taught himself piano, learned guitar from his brother and began "putting down words to music and trying to express my emotions." It wasn't until after graduating from Oklahoma State University (tops in his class with an engineering degree) and moving to Dallas that he knew music was his calling.

"When you've written a great song ... nailed it melodically and lyrically, it's a good feeling and a good release emotionally. But there's nothing like the rush of being onstage and having 10,000 people screaming the words back at you on a song you've written. It's just like the old football days -- that big adrenaline rush."

Anderson said he's sorting through 20 singles, choosing tracks for his third CD, which he hopes to release by May. He projects its first single will hit the airwaves by the end of this August.

If You Go

* What: Keith Anderson in concert.

* When: 3 and 8 p.m. Sunday.

* Where: Lake Winnepesaukah, 1730 Lakeview Drive, Rossville.

* Admission: Free for adults with $5 gate admission; guests under 18 must be accompanied by adult, purchase an all-day ride pass for $21 or a value strip of 14 tickets for $12.

* Phone: 866-5681.

* Web site: www.lakewinnie.com

Jobs Keith Anderson has worked as a:

* Houseboy in a sorority house

* Construction worker

* Engineer

* Six Flags Over Texas singer/dancer

* Founder of Romeo Cowboys singing telegrams

* Landscaper

* Personal trainer

* Model

* Waiter

* Jingle singer/songwriter

* Club performer

* Country singer/songwriter

Sources: Internet sites