T.G. Sheppard was the first “Superstar” that I had the honour of interviewing when I was working in country radio. It was in May of 1984 at Hamilton Place. I even have this fuzzy photo as proof. I’m the awkward looking guy with glasses.

While he recorded a few pop singles as Brian Stacy for the ATCO label in 1966, he found his true calling in country music. Over the years, T.G. earned 29 Top 10 records, including 14 #1 songs on the country charts. Some of those songs, like Devil in the Bottle (1975), I Loved ‘Em Everyone (1981), and Only One You (1982) crossed over to the pop charts.

Fast forward 40 years – I had a chance to revisit with him – and his wife, singer/songwriter Kelly Lang this past June. They had just released their new album, Chemistry: The Duets Collection.

We talked about the new album, the night Kid Rock joined him on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, and we also discussed T.G.’s special relationship with Elvis Presley.

Portions of this interview aired on Oldies Without Borders on INDI 101-5.

Copyright Peter J. Maurin, The Vinyl Professor. Published under Creative Commons License: Attribution/Non-Commercial Use.