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You have to get up early for this country singer
By John Benson
Most musicians engage in some sort of publicity effort as part of their craft, usually in the form of print interviews and photo sessions.
Then there is the in-studio morning radio appearance, which is often viewed as not only the hardest but most demanding. For most stars, bedtime comes in the middle of the night, so getting up early is a struggle.
That’s what makes eight-time CCMA Entertainer of the Year Terri Clark’s decision to join a New York City country-music radio station’s morning show six months ago so interesting.
“It’s a lot of fun, and I’m having a blast,” said Clark, calling from the Big Apple. “I’m not the disc jockey. I’m sort of the dancing chicken making jokes and smart remarks over in the corner. It’s definitely challenging schedule-wise, but it’s something I’ve wanted an opportunity to do for a long time where I could branch out and do something different to add to what I’m already doing.”
Clark said her daily 3:30 a.m. wake-up call isn’t so bad on its own, but when she gets out for weekend tour dates — like this Saturday night at the Dusty Armadillo — it can be quite an adjustment getting her sleep schedule back on track.
It turns out Clark, who is known for hit radio songs “Better Things To Do,” “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” “Girls Lie Too” and “I Just Wanna Be Mad,” has thought about expanding her talents for years, but it wasn’t until Reba McEntire talked her into it a few years ago that she started to look for the right gig.
“Reba always said you should be doing more with your personality, so I just waited for the right opportunity to come along,” Clark said. “And whatever happens, happens. I’m very satisfied with the way it is right now as far as being manageable and also still recording, writing songs, making records and touring when I can.”
The only Canadian female artist to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry, singer-guitarist Clark said she plans on recording a new CD this spring with Jason Aldean producer Michael Knox. At this point in her career, with more than five million albums sold, the 45-year-old artist isn’t looking to recreate her image.
Instead, she admits she’s found a comfort zone that caters directly to her fans. However, she wouldn’t complain if that meant another hit single at country radio.
“As far as elevating my career, we don’t hope for that, but it’s kind of at a point now where I just want to do something that is very engaged with my core fan base and that they will love and will continue to garner me radio airplay in Canada,” Clark said. “And you never know — something could pop down here. Stranger things have happened. So I’m excited about that.”
Something else looming for Clark is Country Weekly’s currently open competition identifying the “Most Beautiful Woman” in country music. Though Clark downplays any calculated campaign on her part advocating for the nod — aside from the fact the competition is naturally listed on her website — she does admit it’s an honor to be named.
“I’m not putting together any such campaign, but I don’t know what my management is up to half the time,” Clark said, laughing. “I know that I made the top 10 list the last two years, which is flattering in itself because I’m not 22 anymore. So it’s nice to see them advocating for women who are a little bit older, not kids.”
Finally, if Clark is named the “Most Beautiful Woman” in country music, does that mean she’ll push for inclusion in People Magazine’s annual “Most Beautiful People” issue?
“I don’t think I’m on their radar, but that would be very flattering,” she said, laughing.