Phil Vassar “Stripped Down”

He’s a singer who writes hit songs and a songwriting piano player who rules the stage. Phil Vassar, a country music hit maker, is a piano-pounding powerhouse on stage who taps into his audience via social media for song requests during his more than 135 shows a year.

Vassar was writing hit songs before his own recording career began. His songwriting career blossomed in the 1990s, when he landed a publishing contract with EMI and penned hits for Collin Raye “Little Red Rodeo,” Alan Jackson “Right on the Money,” Tim McGraw “For a Little While,” Jo Dee Messina “Bye, Bye, I’m Alright” and Blackhawk “Postmarked Birmingham.” “Bye Bye, I’m Alright,” earned Vassar his first ASCAP Song of the Year.

In 1998, he signed a record deal of his own with the Arista Nashville label, and in 1999, Vassar was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year. His debut single, “Carlene,” was his first #1 hit as a singer, and his signature songs such as “Just Another Day in Paradise,” “Six- Pack Summer” and “When I Love You” were part of a sweep that included 10 #1 singles and 26 Top 40 hits. His first album, Vassar, went gold and its success led to tours with Kenny Chesney. In addition to recording, Vassar kept writing and a song he co-wrote, “My Next Thirty Years” was a chart-topper for Tim McGraw.

Phil Vassar continues to write incisive, soulful lyrics and infectious melodies that capture the heart and soul in his unique style. On his latest tour, “Stripped Down,” he will be bringing new insights to the songs and stories that have been become some of the biggest hits in music. His Lyric concert in February will follow the January release of his new acoustic EP, titled Stripped Down. Be one of the first to hear it up close and personal.