Clay Walker cherishes his memories of growing up in Texas, singing and playing guitar in his family’s backyard.
Those feelings still resonate with the 55-year-old country star, who has never seen performing as a “job.”
“It was always something that brought joy to all of us,” said Walker, who plays the Pima County Fair on Saturday, April 19.
“We would have a barbecue on the weekends, and family members and friends would come over. There were always two to four guitars and people singing along and playing.”
When Walker’s songs began to make waves, he was apprehensive about changing to “professional musician.”
“For some reason, I thought it might take the joy out of it,” Walker added. “I always feel like that little kid singing and playing guitar in the backyard. It’s always been very special. I’ve always looked at it as a joy.”
Walker is touring in support of his latest single, “Cowboys in Heaven.”
“I decided the sound that people really love is more of that ’90s country sound,” he added. “You can’t ever go back, but I can pull those elements forward. ‘Cowboys in Heaven’ has a great message to it. I lost my brother-in-law and best friend Charlie Rizzo, a champion bareback rider and a true cowboy.
“He was a brave cowboy. The song is dedicated to those cowboys.”
To record his music, Walker delves deeper, drawing inspiration from rocker Bob Seger.
“Bob Seger tells a story from the stage,” he said. “My dad was a stone-cold country guy, but he loved Seger and some Motown stuff. Sometimes I will do ‘Night Moves.’ He’s such a soulful singer and he wrote so many great songs. What a talent.”
Walker called his team and band talented as well. The musicians are top notch and he, therefore, feels comfortable on stage.
Walker is quick to add to that, “Oh, we have a great sound man; a really good one we’re proud of. When you’re going on the road with guys who want to be there and are excited, we live for it. That comes across to the audience. We’re always looking to give people the best concert experience.”
Clay Walker
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 19
WHERE: Pima County Fair, 11300 S. Houghton Road, Tucson
COST: Visit website for information
INFO: pimacountyfair.com
This article appears in Apr 10-17, 2025.