The singer-songwriter was months away from scheduled recording sessions when he first heard ‘Why Don’t We Just Dance,’ which became the debut single from his fourth studio album, Haywire. Josh placed the song ‘on hold’ with the music publisher so they wouldn’t allow anyone else to record it. But when another artist, expressed interest in the song, the publisher asked Josh to record the song to see if he liked it enough to keep it, and he did. The excitement over that song fast-tracked the recording process and inspired his songwriting, propelling him to write or co-write five of the album’s 11 songs: ‘Haywire,’ ‘As Fast As I Could,’ ‘Eye Candy,’ ‘Friday Paycheck’ and ‘The Answer.’
And that’s saying something, given what he’s accomplished so far. Since earning a standing ovation as an unknown singer on the Grand Ole Opry stage in 2001 with his impressive delivery of ‘Long Black Train,’ he has established himself as one of the most identifiable male vocalists in country music.
The Hannah, S.C. native has sold more than 4 million albums and garnered two multi-week No. 1s (‘Your Man’ and ‘Would You Go With Me’). His debut album was certified platinum for more than 1 million copies sold, and his sophomore album, Your Man, was one of only four country albums to reach double-platinum status in 2006. Six years after his Opry debut, he was inducted into the prestigious organization, becoming one of the youngest artists to receive such an honor.
‘When I wake up in the morning, I think about writing and performing and singing country music. I’m happy I get to go out on the road making a living doing what I love to do and it’s all because I chased my dream and never gave up.’ Blender magazine says Josh ‘is a country Barry White. His burring voice can tease our sensuality in unlikely places.’ His rich baritone brings an undeniable sexuality to a love song, so it’s no surprise that love songs have been among his most popular recordings. The majority of songs on Haywire are love songs; there’s not a heart-break or cheating song to be found.
