Tim McGraw
discography 2001
Tim McGraw released April 1993
The odds of anyone actually making it in Nashville are not good. After a series of singles from his self-titled album failed to break through at country radio, the odds looked even worse for Tim McGraw. "I was told by one producer to pack up and go home. I would never make it," McGraw says, laughing. "The first record didn’t work- but some of the songs we were playing live were getting incredible reactions from the fans. My record company didn’t want me to record one song in particular-until they saw me do it live."
Not A Moment Too Soon released March 1994
That very song, "Indian Outlaw," was the break Tim McGraw had been looking for and before he knew it, Not A moment Too Soon, the album that soon followed, would become the biggest selling album of the year. Following the hit single ("Indian Outlaw") was McGraw’s first Number One record, "Don’t Take The Girl"- and the hits continued with "Not A Moment too Soon," "Refried Dreams" and "Down On The Farm." McGraw went from playing clubs and honky tonks to a headline touring act literally overnight. "It was a crazy time," says McGraw. "We just wanted to play. I think we played over 250 shows that first year."
All I Want released September 1995
Following a huge hit is always tough for an artist, but All I Want sold over three million copies and spawned the five week Number One anthem "I Like It, I Love It." "I love that album," says McGraw. "It has some of my favorite songs I have ever recorded like ‘Can’t Be Really Gone.’" And of course, the fans loved it. "That’s one of my guiding thoughts. I am a fan myself. I go to shows, I listen to the radio, I watch other acts. I like to think about what the fans want." By 1996, McGraw became one of the hand-full of top touring acts in country music. His choice of Faith Hill as the opening act for his "Spontaneous Combustion Tour" led not only to the most successful country tour that year, but also to their marriage in late 1996.
"Faith and my kids keep me focused. They are the most important thing me," adds McGraw. "Before Faith and the girls, it was just about making music. Then I saw the responsibility that comes with being a husband and a father. It required me to make some major adjustments."
Everywhere released June 1997
With his personal life in order, Tim went into the studio with co-producer Byron Gallimore and James Stroud. The result could be heard everywhere. Even the industry experts were singing his praises. McGraw began to win awards. CMA Vocal Event of The Year. Four ACM Awards. CMA Album of The Year. Everywhere became the first Album of the Year two years running in Radio and Records Magazine. The lead off single, "It’s Your Love" became the first single in modern history to spend 6 weeks at Number One in Billboard, and was declared Single of The Year in 1997. "Just To See You Smile" accomplished the same feat- 6 weeks at Number One in Billboard and another Single of The Year in 1998.
And the roll continued: A major tour sponsorship from Bud Light and success as a co-producer of Jo Dee Messina. "I’m really happy for Jo Dee," says McGraw. "She went through her own tough times. She almost lost it all. We knew the only answer was to make a great record." And they did. Her second album was recently nominated for Album of The Year from the ACM. "I love producing," says McGraw. "I try to bring an artist and fan perspective to the studio. But I really rely on Byron Gallimore. He and James Stroud have been my teachers in the studio. Any success I have had as a producer, I owe to them."
A Place In The Sun released May 4, 1999
Shortly after McGraw finished recording Everywhere, he began work on his next album, A Place In The Sun. "I have learned over the making of the first four albums how important it is to give yourself the time to make a record. With all the commitments an artist has, you just can’t wait until the last minute. We started looking for songs right away." The album contains 14 of the best songs Nashville has to offer. "Although I do write, it’s not where I spend my time. I either want to be producing, playing or hanging out with my family and friends. I leave it to folks who are great at it." But McGraw, who has earned a reputation in Nashville as an artist with a great song sense, is actively involved in the song search. "A lot of songs we find aren’t necessarily new songs- sometimes they are ones that have been around for a while. I’m always looking for something a little different. We dig deep to find the material. And I try to find songs that fit me. I have passed on hits, but they are hits for other singers, not me."
The team around McGraw aids in the song search. Producer Byron Gallimore, and his wife Missi, are the clearinghouse for most songs. "I have a team that works. We know each other so well, personally and professionally. They work really hard with all the publishers and writers to find what’s right for me."
The first single from A Place In the Sun was the Rodney Crowell/Will Jennings power ballad, "Please Remember Me." "The song remained in the Number One position on the charts for five consecutive weeks. "It's such a great song," says McGraw. "The musical track puts you in such a mood - that's what good music is supposed to do - create emotions." The second single, "Something Like That" also repeated five multiple weeks in the top spot.
McGraw had another active touring year in 1999. In addition to playing 18 stadium dates with George Strait, he kicked off his "Place In The Sun Tour" which featured the Dixie Chicks. McGraw also played several "Bread 7 Water" shows, his way of getting back into the local club scene. The proceeds from those shows, booked on a Friday night prior to a Saturday show in the same market, went to local children's charities. "I wanted to get back to where I started. And we decided to name the tour "Bread & Water" because that's what we'll get paid," exclaims McGraw. He and Faith also wrapped up 1999 with a New Year's Eve Blast in Nashville, McGraw's fourth consecutive year to celebrate at the Nashville Arena.
The Year 2000....
The beginning of 2000 brought the filming of his fifth national TV commercial for tour sponsor Bud Light. This time his father Tug McGraw, co-starred in the clip with him. McGraw also participated in the third "Strait" year of the George Strait Country Music Festival. "There's nothing like kicking back, drinking a Bud Light, and watching a master (Strait) on stage," says McGraw.
In April, McGraw was named Male Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music, his second straight win.
In June, McGraw was named "Father of the Year" by the National Fatherhood Initiative, a national non-profit organization, during a banquet in Washington, DC. Faith attended the dinner with McGraw and there was not a dry eye in the room as he paid credit to his mother, wife and daughters for giving him purpose in life.
On July 12, 2000, McGraw and Faith kicked-off the incredible sold out, "Tim McGraw and Faith Hill: Soul 2 Soul Tour 2000" "Something fans have been asking for," says McGraw. The tour runs through December 2000.
During the "34th annual CMA Awards" McGraw picked up his second consecutive win as Male Vocalist. During his acceptance speech, he thanked "my soul mate, my wife, who's my inspiration."
In addition to the music, McGraw will continue Swampstock, his annual charity concert and celebrity softball game in his hometown area of Rayville, Louisiana, which benefits local charities, including little league baseball. "This event is very important to me. I feel very strongly about giving back to the community that I came from. Faith and I are involved in other things here in Nashville - but doing something in your hometown is special."
Greatest Hits - released November 21st, 2000
"Greatest Hits" package contains 15 hits from previously released albums.Set This Circus Down - scheduled to be released April, 2001
And Beyond.....
"I have a lot of musical ideas I would like to explore. I want to do a live record at some point..... I want to coach my girls' little league team."