On Tuesday, November 22, 2011, Suite101 chatted with American Idol Season 4 runner-up winner, the incomparable Bo Bice. An Alabama native, Bo opens up about his musical influences, his experiences on American Idol, his latest album 3, as well as his charities and future plans in music.
Bo Bice Shares his Influences
“I grew up on bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers Band and the Marshall Tucker Band, as well as Bob Seger and Charlie Daniels,” says Bo. “I’ve had a pretty eclectic overview of music. Jim Croce was also a big influence and one of my favorites,” Bo reveals.
Bo Bice Talks “American Idol”
When asked about which song he performed on American Idol was his personal favorite, he revealed, “when I got to perform 'Sweet Home Alabama' with Lynyrd Skynyrd on the American Idol finale. That was the best!”
Yet another favorite vocal for Bo was “In a Dream” which he had performed while competing in the Top 3 on the Idol competition acapella, becoming the first contestant in the show’s history to undertake such a risk. His spellbinding rendition of this tune left the Season 4 American Idol judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, as well as guest judge, record producer and music executive Clive Davis in total awe of his talent.
“I did a version of ‘In a Dream’ for my new project entitled I Love the Road that I have out exclusively on my website, and people can download it. It’s the first time that I released that song since the show,” Bo says.
Bo Bice Talks Proud Accomplishments
According to Bo Bice, he states, “There have been a lot of great things that have happened in my career. Playing with Lynyrd Skynyrd was big for me, since I got to play with my musical heroes, and become friends with a lot of them. Also, getting to play on the Grand Ole Opry! By far, my proudest accomplishments are my three boys!”
Bo Bice Discusses his Album “3”
“3 has been out over the past year and a half, and we have been out supporting that. It’s a really great album, and I really enjoyed making it,” he says.
His 3 album features yet another American Idol alum, Melinda Doolittle. “Melinda came in and sang background vocals on a couple of songs on the CD. She sang on ‘If I Told You I Love You’ and ‘Get on and Ride.’ She did a great job and she’s a good friend of mine. She does a lot for charity too, and she and I will singing for ‘Christmas for Kids’ soon. Melinda is more of kind-hearted woman than she is a talent, and that says a lot,” Bo remarks.
Bo Bice Talks Balancing Family with Music
“I do my best! I put God first in my life to guide me. It’s been hard the past several years since I’ve been on the road so much, and I’ve been travelling. I try to dedicate more time to them. Now we are expecting our fourth child in April. My real gig is being a dad and a husband,” Bo shares.
Bo Bice Discusses his Dream Collaborations
“There are some great female singers out there. I’ve always been a fan of Stevie Nicks. I would also love to sing with Tom Petty or Bob Seger. That would be pretty cool,” he adds.
Bo Bice Talks About Carrie Underwood
“Carrie is a good girl. I really enjoyed my time on the show with her. I am very grateful for the show, and I know she is too. She has established a great career, and she has a lot to be proud of,” Bo acknowledges.
Bo Bice Talks About his Charities
Not only is Bo Bice blessed with a rich, husky voice, he is also a humanitarian. He works with such charities as The Red Cross, Wounded Warriors, Make-a-Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
“I do as much as I can with these organizations. They are very important to me, and I try to spend as much time with them as I can. I am also involved with ‘Christmas for Kids.’”
Last year, Bice participated in Don’t Forget the Lyrics and won $50,000 for his charity, MusiCares. “That was really cool! MusiCares is a very special organization since it has done so much for so many musicians. It was really nice to do that, and to meet Mark McGrath, since I am a big fan of his.”
Bo Bice Talks Future Plans and Fans
Regarding his plans for the future, Bo states, “I would love to have a music store and a school for teaching performance and music. I think it’s important to pass on the love for music and performance to the next generation.”
“Success for me is being comfortable with myself and with what I do. Contentment is my definition of success,” he admits.
“I love and care for my fans, and I wouldn’t have a career without them. I am very blessed that they follow us, and we are very lucky to have the opportunity to perform and spend time with them. Thank you for your dedication,” he concludes.
For more information on Bo Bice, visit his official website.
Many thanks to Bo Bice for granting this interview!
Source
- Telephone Communucation with Bo Bice. November 22, 2011.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
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