Rockin' the Country w/Joe Don Rooney - August 2013 - Early Influences Contd.

Growing up in the northeast corner of Oklahoma, in a small town called Picher, I was immersed in a vibrant local music scene from a young age. I got my first guitar, a Fender American Standard Telecaster, when I was 11 years old, and I just loved that guitar.

My dad, who was an accomplished working guitarist, regularly played the country music club circuit in that area, which borders Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas, and I was very fortunate, as a young teenager, to be able to go to some of his gigs and hang out with his many musical colleagues and guitar-player friends and watch them perform, which was very educational!

They were my informal teachers, and I learned a lot about not only country music but also blues and foundational rock and roll from various players who generously showed me some of their favorite licks and offered me invaluable playing tips.

[emilyocallaghand]

i met the Flatts the other day in a meet and greet. They were moving people really fast in the meet and greet line but when it was my turn, i told Joe Don that i look up to him a lot, and that i learned a lot of guitar stuff from him. We took the picture and he took the time to ask me how long iv'e been playing, and told me to keep playing and that he loved me for saying that. He's so right when he says that if your sweet to a teenager when they're learning music that they would remember it for the rest of there lives. I certainly will never forget that. (:

[JaxJordan]

I'm fucking shocked that Joe Don is into Sepultura, holy shit. HOLY SHIT.

[rigorhead]

This guy's great. Love me some country.

[nessmalone]

Joe Don Rooney RULES!!!
Listening Rascal Flatts mode on!!!

[pivetlord]

Wow. I thought that was insane how he was playing Metallica and Sepultura XD. I would have never expected that.

[skeetv]

lol well to be honest Rascal Flatts ended up being more pop rock/ country, though all three of them are rediculously good musicians in their own right. I just don't think they get that credit since everyone thinks they're just radio stars lol I'm sure the GW crowd at least.

[Fretdemonxxx]

It clearly says "Early Influences" in the title. It doesn't say anything about a lesson.