Bearded balladeer

photo Jamey Johnson, country musician

If You Go

• What: Jamey Johnson in concert.• When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18.• Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.• Admission: $35-$44 plus fees.• Phone: 642-TIXS, 757-5050.• Website: www.ChattanoogaOnStage.com.

With his flowing beard and gritty country songs that play havoc with the heartstrings, it's hard to imagine Jamey Johnson as either a frat boy at Jacksonville State University, sign salesman or a U.S. Marine.

But those experiences, in combination with the musical influences of Randy Owen and Hank Williams Jr., to whom he listened while growing up, all helped shape his songwriting style.

Moving to Nashville in 2000, he wrote songs that became hits for Trace Adkins, Joe Nichols and George Strait before he cemented his spot eight years later as one of the industry's top singer/songwriters with his Grammy-nominated hit "In Color."

Johnson will play at the Tivoli Theatre on Sunday night in support of his new album, "Living for a Song."

Take Our Trivia Test

How much do you know about the bearded balladeer?

1 Johnson's newest album, "Living for a Song," is a tribute to whom?

2 Johnson collaborates with a dozen stars on the CD. Can you name three?

3 Johnson recently performed "Make the World Go Away" as a duet on "Late Show With David Letterman." With whom did he sing?

4 In what Alabama city did Johnson get his start singing in clubs? A: Birmingham; B: Montgomery; C: Huntsville.

5 Johnson won the CMA Award for Song of the Year (for songwriting) in 2007 and 2009. What were they?

• Bonus question: What Hollywood star directed Johnson's video for "Playing the Part?"

Answers to trivia test

Sources: CMT.com, wikipedia

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