Cody McCarver

This is a personal pick just because I like him. I like his music, and I like who he is.

He's an actor, a singer, a songwriter, a tireless fundraiser for just about anyone that asks, and he's a good guy. My co-worker Lisa Denton is also quick to point out that he has shiny hair.

The pride of Dunlap, Tenn., McCarver started playing the piano at age 9 in church. By 17, he was playing multiple instruments, which earned him a spot playing with Confederate Railroad for 12 years. When he went solo, he had a hit with "Red Flag," then another with "Through God's Eyes."

Shortly after he became a spokesperson for Big Brothers and Big Sisters and began working with the Amachi program, which helps children whose parents are in prison. He also had another hit with "White Trash With Money."

His film credits include "Cole Younger and the Black Train."

The reason McCarver, long known as a country artist, is performing on Sweet Tea Night is that his last CD, "The Lord's Will," was written upon learning that his father had passed away in prison, where he'd been for 15 years. McCarver says he wrote the gospel album, which features six original songs and four covers, after realizing that his prayers for his father's release had, in fact, been answered.

Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-6354.