At first glance, Ty Stone may seem like your typical new artist. However, when he opens his mouth, that opinion quickly changes. Whether he is speaking with an adoring fan, addressing an intrigued journalist, or vocalizing his tales of family, love, and life, you realize, this isn't Ty's first rodeo.
His story isn't that of an ordinary, run of the mill, overnight American Idol sensation. He's well versed and intellectual, candid yet humble, easy going but determined. Who he has become, as a man and a songwriter, is the culmination of both his personal successes and failures. He is truly a man's man; a musician's musician. He's "earned" every step forward he's taken on his walk of success.
The American Dream rolled into Rootstown, Ohio Saturday night to perform with Uncle Kracker and Sonia Leigh at the Dusty Armadillo. The atmosphere was intense to put it mildly. Ty rolled through a host of hits, including the power ballad Bob Seger, the rootsy Anywheres Better, thee electrifying "in your face" Line of Blood, and American Style, a track that is quickly becoming an American anthem. The pack of fans who stood listening attentively was joined by newcomers, whose hearts and ears had been won over by Ty's amazing vocal ability and commonly relatable lyrics, with each song he performed. The general consensus? Ty Stone is on the rise, faster and more powerful than anything or anyone the music industry has seen in a long time.
I had the opportunity to share a little bit of Ty's story with more than two dozen people through passing out flyers, recruiting names for his email list, and, most importantly, speaking of my personal experiences with the man. Everyone was very receptive of the information, many eagerly wanting to know where they could hear more of his music or learn more about him.
Ty emerged from hiding after a brief moment of downtime following his set, spending much of the rest of the night signing autographs, posing for pictures with fans, and making sure to take a few moments to touch base with everyone he came across. That is one of the greatest pleasures of attending a Ty Stone show, he doesn't make you feel like the fan of some "high on the hog" superstar. You feel like you are friends, enjoying great music and catching up on old times at your local backwoods bar.
In his song, "Wouldn't A Been," Ty sings, "I was just one of the boys, now I'm a man amongst men, if life hadn't a knocked me down, I wouldn't a been." Ty Stone is exactly that, a man amongst men.
---Robert Markle---
---March 11, 2012---
