Country Music Has Always Been My First Love
Nate Fortner
Growing
up in the mountains of West Virginia, music has always been a part of my life.
From singing in church to family Karaoke parties at Uncle Sam's House on the weekends, music has been
running through these veins since my birth. I've always known that my life would revolve around Country Music. Although
I sing Christian Country Music, I have a deep passionate love for Country Music. I’ve
looked up to so many Artists over the years such as Keith Whitley, George
Jones, Alan Jackson, Tracy Lawrence, Garth Brooks, and of course the Man in
Black- Mr. Johnny Cash. I guess this is why my music is so deeply rooted in the
Country Music Twang. I love it, but as a Country Christian Artist, I promote
the message of Christ with the songs I sing.
I do listen to some Country Music. There was a time
span of two years where I didn’t listen to anything, but Christian Music. No
Country! In those two years, God was cleansing me and preparing me for the
call. I had always dreamed of becoming a famous Country Music Singer, but my
heart wasn’t right. Once God cleaned me up which took a period of about 7
years, He has allowed me to sing again. This time as a Country Christian
Artist. Although 7 years is a long time, it’s God’s perfect number of
completion. Even though I didn’t sing much in those 7 years, I’m thankful that
God is now allowing me to blossom for His glory.
I had the first line of this song in my head for over
a year. “How can I embrace the thought of Your grace, when I can’t see past the
shame of my disgrace?” I pondered on this for many months, and nothing ever
came to me. Sitting in my hotel room in Nashville, TN. earlier this year, I
pinned down the rest of the lyrics to this song. I guess I had to get to the
heart of the Country Music Capitol of the world for God to penetrate my heart.
When He downloaded this song into my spirit, I was ecstatic. I really believe
this song is going to bless many people.
Writing a song is not something I do very quickly. If
fact, many of the songs I’ve written have been over many months of praying and
seeking God’s guidance. However, when I feel a little song coming on, I grab my
pen, and jot it down right then. Most times, I see or hear something that makes
my mind race, and then I get an idea for a song. So, to answer your question,
Yes, I love when I get to write new songs. It’s like I’m sharing a piece of
myself with the world that they would otherwise never have gotten.
Well, I wrote my first real song about 8 years ago,
and I found some guys in Nashville to put music together for me. “Burnt Baked
Potatoes” was the name of the song. It’s not Christian for sure. I have it on
an mp3 file on my computer somewhere, but I never officially recorded it. That
would definitely be embarrassing for me if certain people would hear that song,
but again, it’s a reminder for me what exactly God has done in my life.
Definitely at the Opry. Growing up, all the major
concerts I would watch on TV were performed on the stage of the Opry. I went
there for a tour about 10 years ago, and I stood in that circle on the stage.
It was as though I could feel the energy of all those performers just rushing
through my body. It was so energizing and exciting. At that moment, I whispered
out loud to myself, “One day, I will perform on this stage!”
Without my faith, my songs would be in vain. My heart
would be in the wrong place. With what talent God has given me, I want to use
it to be a blessing to others in need. In a world of negativity, I like to
believe that my songs can be that positive boost in someone’s life.
Visit my website at: http://www.NateFortner.com
Subscribe to my YouTube Chanel at: www.YouTube.com/NateFortner
LIKE Me on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/authornate
Twitter: @NateFortner
CLICK HERE - to listen to my song "Renew Me I Pray"
Nate Fortner - Christian Country Music
P.O. Box 1513
Boaz, AL. 35957
Nate@NateFortner.com
