John Fullbright
June 2, 2012
Future Performances:
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Tony Arata was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia. While studying for a journalism degree at Georgia Southern University, he began performing his original songs in local bands.
In 1986, he and wife Jaymi moved to Nashville where his unique, soulful style began to get the attention of people like Allen Reynolds and Garth Brooks.
Garth recorded seven of Tony's songs and "The Dance" won song of the year at The Academy of Country Music and received both a CMA and a Grammy nomination, as well as most-performed song in Radio and Records magazine.
He has also had #1 records with "Here I Am" for Patty Loveless, "I'm Holding My Own" for Lee Roy Parnell and "Dreaming With My Eyes Open" for Clay Walker. Other artists who have recorded his songs include Trisha Yearwood, Emmylou Harris, Reba McEntire, Delbert McClinton and Hal Ketchum.
"One of my favorite songwriters has to be Tony Arata. He's a cat who doesn't care about appearance. He doesn't care about money. He cares about his children, his wife and his music. That's neat."--Garth Brooks
Although still in his early twenties, Okemah, Oklahoma native John Fullbright sings like he’s been around for years. Firmly rooted in a variety of American musical styles, including folk, country, blues, bluegrass, and jazz, John is beginning a musical journey that is sure to delight listeners from coast to coast. Already he has the ringing endorsements of many great musicians, including fellow Oklahomans Jimmy Webb, Kevin Welch, and Tom Skinner.
“…an extraordinary collection of surpassing depth and maturity. It’s just voice, guitar, the occasional harmonica and a whole bunch of words, each and every last one perfectly measured and placed.” — David Menconi, Raleigh News-Observer
“It was a gift getting to hear such a magical young talent perform. I hope we have many more such chances in the future.” — Michael Granberry, Dallas Morning News
