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By Robert White, Editor-in-Chief
John PayCheck is no stranger to country music, but it’s not just his legendary name that makes him stand out. As the son of outlaw country pioneer Johnny PayCheck, John grew up surrounded by country music icons and honky-tonk legends. Today, as a neo-traditional country artist, he’s carving his own path in the industry. With his second studio album More Days Behind set for release on November 1, 2024, John is blending the nostalgic sounds of classic country with a modern edge, proving he’s more than just a famous last name.
In our recent conversation, John opened up about what it was like growing up in a household filled with country music greats. While Johnny PayCheck may have been a legend to the world, at home, he was simply "dad." John reflected on the unique experience of having artists like George Jones and Waylon Jennings as regular house guests, casually playing music in their living room. “We had a wild household, for sure,” he recalled. “But at the same time, I had a pretty normal childhood, with family gatherings and birthday parties like any other kid.”
But life wasn’t always glamorous. John worked as a roadie for his father during the summers, learning the ropes of the music business from the ground up. A humorous memory from his teenage years still makes him laugh—mistaking Willie Nelson for a concert coordinator at an event in Texas. “I felt so dumb when I realized I’d been hanging out with Willie the whole time,” John admitted with a chuckle.
Despite growing up around music, John didn’t immediately follow in his father’s footsteps. After the tragic events of 9/11, he felt a calling to serve his country. He joined the Army, where he became an aviator, flying Blackhawks and other aircraft during his service. Even as he pursued other careers, including firefighting and intelligence work, music remained a constant presence in his life, calling him back to his roots.
John’s return to music was sparked in part by an emotional reunion with fellow country artists at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Encouraged by friends like Shooter Jennings, John decided to release his debut album We All Have a Story, which introduced his raw, storytelling style to country fans. Now, with his sophomore album More Days Behind, he’s taking his sound to new heights.
“This album is a mix of everything that makes country music what it is,” John explained. “We’ve got honky-tonk numbers, ballads, some Texas swing—it’s all in there.” Songs like “More Days Behind” reflect on the passage of time and the feeling of having more days in the past than in the future, a sentiment that hits hard for those in the midst of life’s transitions. Tracks like “Biscuits and Gravy” and “Drinkin’ and Cryin’” showcase John’s fun, light-hearted side, while “Foolish Ways” and “Desert Rose” dive into deeper emotional territory.
To promote the album, John has embarked on the Going Nowhere Fast pop-up tour, taking his music across more than 20 states. Traveling in true grassroots fashion, John and his crew are driving from city to city in a truck, just as his father did in the early days. The tour has allowed him to reconnect with fans and share his love for storytelling, one song at a time. “I’m just taking the music straight to the people,” he said. “No frills, just real country music.”
The tour will wrap up at the end of September, just in time for John to focus on the album’s November release. Fans can look forward to singles like “White Lights” and “Foolish Ways” in the weeks leading up to the full album drop.
John PayCheck may carry the weight of his father’s legacy, but he’s clearly making his own mark on country music. With his heartfelt songwriting, a deep connection to the genre’s roots, and a desire to honor tradition while forging ahead, John is proving that the PayCheck name still has plenty of country stories left to tell.
Listen to the full interview with John Paycheck on the Savoir Faire Audio Experience.
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