AboutCountry Staff: What is the most exciting thing, other than getting your record deal, that has happened to you so far in your career?

Josh Turner: Earning a gold record!!

AboutCountry Staff: What's in your CD player right now?

Josh Turner: I'm One Of You by Hank Williams, Jr.

AboutCountry Staff: What is your favorite track from Long Black Train?

Josh Turner: I have several favorites, but if I had to pick, it would be "Long Black Train."

AboutCountry Staff: Do you play other instruments besides the guitar? If so, which ones?

Josh Turner: No.

AboutCountry Staff: Which artist would you like to model your career after?

Josh Turner: I want to have my own individual career, but I draw from Randy Travis and Johnny Cash predominantly.

AboutCountry Staff: With fame comes fan recognition. Have you had to alter your lifestyle to accommodate this?

Josh Turner: Not really, unless you count the fact that I try to dress up a little more when I go out in public!!

AboutCountry Staff: Long Black Train is packed with traditional country sound. How do you choose the songs to include on your albums?

Josh Turner: I choose them with my heart. I look for songs that make me smile, cry, or tap my foot the first time I hear them. I look for songs that move me and challenge my brain. I hate generic melodies and superficial lyrics. Granted, I've written generic melodies and superficial lyrics myself, but I don't settle for that. I go above and beyond mediocre in my search for songs.

AboutCountry Staff: Were you nervous before playing the Grand Ole Opry?

Josh Turner: Very much so, but only right before I walked on stage. The rest of the time, everybody made me feel so at home.

AboutCountry Staff: If you could sit and talk with three other people, living or dead, who would they be and why?

Josh Turner: It's hard to narrow it down to three, but I'll try. I'd love to sit and talk with Jesus in person because I'd ask him for all kinds of advice. I'd want to hug him and tell him how much I love him for what He's done for me. Secondly, I'd like to talk with Hank Williams. I'd want to ask him all about the songs he wrote and the stories behind them, etc. I could ask him all kinds of stuff. Thirdly, I'd want to talk with Jerry Clower. I just know he'd make me laugh and forget about all my troubles. I think he was one of the kindest, most wholesome stars there's ever been. I met him when I was really really young and never got the chance again. (This answer is in hopes that I'll get to meet Randy Travis and President Bush before they die!!)

AboutCountry Staff: What was your inspiration for writing the song "Almost Home"?

Josh Turner:The hook was something that came to me when I was out on the road, telling my family on the phone that I was "almost home". Then the song really started coming together when I was in Nashville and drove past a homeless guy sleeping downtown and thought "he's almost home". The song just kind of came together after that.

AboutCountry Staff: If you could do a duet with any person living or dead, who would you choose and why?

Josh Turner: Randy Travis.

AboutCountry Staff: Did you have your own booth at Fan Fair this for 2003? Was it your first time attending as an artist?

Josh Turner: No, but maybe this year.

AboutCountry Staff: Do you prefer smaller or larger venues? Or doesn't it matter?

Josh Turner: If the crowd is lively and attentive, it doesn't matter!

AboutCountry Staff: How old were you when you decided you wanted to be a country artist?

Josh Turner: 15 or 16 years old.

AboutCountry Staff: Do you have any advice for any aspiring singer/songwriters?

Josh Turner: Sing from your heart, write from your heart. Take advice and be open to criticism, but don't let anybody change who you are.

AboutCountry Staff: How do you go about writing your songs? Do you sit down and think about what you want to write or do songs just come to you?

Josh Turner: The best ones come to me...words and music all at the same time.

AboutCountry Staff: I recently read that your album has sold over 200,000 copies so far. How does it feel to know that there are that many people out there who like your music?

Josh Turner: It makes me feel like I've done a great job with my record!

AboutCountry Staff:

Josh Turner: Sing from your heart, write from your heart. Take advice and be open to criticism, but don't let anybody change who you are.

AboutCountry Staff: What inspired you to write the song "Long Black Train?"

Josh Turner: I had a vision of a long black train roaring down the tracks out on the plains at night with people watching it go by. They were, of course, trying to decide whether or not to get on the train.

AboutCountry Staff: What was it like filming the video for "Long Black Train?"

Josh Turner: A lot of fun! We spent a day down in Chattanooga and enjoyed every minute of it.

AboutCountry Staff: Would you like to include a Gospel-themed song on your next album?

Josh Turner: If I find the right song, you bet I would.

AboutCountry Staff: Who are some of your favorite songwriters?

Josh Turner: Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Sr., Lyle Lovett, Kris Kristofferson.

AboutCountry Staff: What do you think about TV Shows like American Idol and Nashville Star?

Josh Turner: I don't watch 'em if that tells you anything.

AboutCountry Staff: Do you think you'd apply for Nashville Star if you weren't already on a label?

Josh Turner: Probably not.

AboutCountry Staff: Are you going to let Nashville and the suits change you to suit their idea of formula music, or stay true to your clear real country sound?

Josh Turner: I think you know the answer to that question!

AboutCountry Staff: Do you think country music should re-gain that stronger traditional sound?

Josh Turner: Traditional or not, country music needs more artistry. It needs artists that are identifiable and real instead of just singers that sing songs. There is a difference!

AboutCountry Staff: How long have you been playing guitar and singing? What guitar(s) are your favorites?

Josh Turner: I've been singing my whole life, but I started on guitar at 17 (a late bloomer!). My favorite guitars, other than the one I own, are the ones that sound good!!

AboutCountry Staff: What do you like coming out in the music scene, mainstream and independent, right now?

Josh Turner: I haven't heard much lately that really knocks my socks off (unfortunately.)

AboutCountry Staff: What don't you like, same areas?

Josh Turner: I don't like "country" boy bands singing soft rock songs.

AboutCountry Staff: Do you have any pets?

Josh Turner: I have a dog that I acquired when I got married!!

AboutCountry Staff: What would you like to say to all the fans reading this interview?

Josh Turner: Thank you for reading the whole thing! Thank you for loving your country! And thank you for all your support and enthusiasm!!