Stats
Biography
In a move that's more common in the American country music scene than just about anywhere else in mainstream music, Phil Vassar broke into the music scene as a songwriter, working behind the scenes until his skill proved to be so great that it had to be shared with the world. However, Vassar did originally move to Nashville, Tennessee in his early 20's to pursue a career as a solo artist, but although he was able to secure a publishing deal, no solo hits were forthcoming. However, many other artists were impressed with his songwriting, and by the late 90's, artists like Neal McCoy, Tim McGraw and Jo Dee Messina were covering songs of his to massive critical and commercial acclaim. As a result of this, Vassar signed a record deal with Arista Nashville in late 1999, and began work on his debut studio album.
Vassar's debut efforts as a solo artist did not disappoint, and while his first single, October 1999's “Carlene” was a top five hit on the Billboard country charts, its follow up “Just Another Day In Paradise”, released after the his self-titled debut album dropped, went five better and topped the same chart a year later in November 2000. Thanks to the success of its singles, his debut album was later certified Gold for shipping half a million copies, and in the space of a little under two years, Phil Vassar had gone from a respected behind the scenes guy, to one of the hottest acts in American country music. Ever since then, Vassar has remained one of the most popular country acts of the modern age, even breaking the top ten of the Billboard 200 with his 2008 fourth album “Prayer Of A Common Man”. He may be something of a late bloomer by today's standards, but Vassar still comes highly recommended.
Live reviews
“Carlene” is the huge up-tempo song performed by Phil Vassar from the vantage point of this huge stage this evening. He is backed by his fantastic band complete with all of the country components that make it “country and western” such as a violin played in the style of a fiddle with plenty of slides and glissandos. There is also a Hammond organ adding to this sound too, washing over the top of this music. This song “Carlene” has everyone in what feels like the biggest backyard party I’ve ever been to, dancing and singing, with lots of women on top of burly dudes shoulders shaking it. “That’s When I Love You” is the mid tempo track that everyone knows all of the words to, just singing it at the top of their lungs. He climbs on top of his grand piano where it looks as though there is dry ice coming out from under the lid. Watch out Phil!
Phil Vassar is a wonderful performer and wonderful human being. Last October my sister met Phil at a meet and greet. My brother has cancer and asked Phil to sign a hat for him. He signed the hat and a T shirt. A few weeks later my brother received a get well card from Phil. It brightened his day. Phil is awesome no matter where I see him play. Valentine's Day was no exception. He was awesome!