VOA常速英语:Easton Corbin Stays True to Traditional Country Roots

It's not every day when a new singer earns comparisons to the "King of Country" George Strait.  But, that is what's happening to newcomer, Easton Corbin.

Corbin's debut single, "A Little More Country Than That," reached Number One on the Country chart.  Although he didn't write the track, he says, "This song identifies who I am.  It shows character and that's important where I'm from."

Easton grew up in a rural farming town in Gilchrist County, Florida.  His parents and grandparents introduced him to traditional Country legends like Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley and George Jones.  While attending the University of Florida's College of Agriculture, Easton began making trips to Nashville.  Following graduation, he got married, and one month later made the permanent move to Music City.

It didn't take long for Easton to land an audition at Universal Music Group, which led to a recording deal with Mercury Nashville.  At a time when Country-pop is dominating the genre, the label allowed Easton to stay true to his traditional roots.

"When we went to write this thing [the album], the goal was to keep it traditional, yet keep it fresh," he said.  "[I] feel like we're filling a slot that probably isn't being filled out there right now.  Who am I to say?  I just do what I know and love what I do."

Easton co-wrote four songs on his album.  He worked in the studio with award-winning songwriter and producer Carson Chamberlain, a former member of the late Keith Whitley's band.  Carson is best known for writing hits for Alan Jackson and George Strait and producing albums for Mark Wills and Country star Billy Currington.

Easton began dreaming of a career in Country music as a young child.  He explains how it feels to have reached that goal.

"It's truly an exciting point in my life,"  he said. "To actually have a CD out there in stores is a dream come true.  To actually be able to go to Wal-Mart [department store], and see your face on the [display] stand there, this is certainly a milestone for me personally and for my career."

Easton has been given a coveted spot on Brad Paisley's upcoming "H2O World Tour," which begins in late-May and runs through September.