By Jasmine Franklin
He’s from Hobbema, grew up through the school system in Ponoka, and now that same young man, a Canadian country music star, is headed to perform on the same stage as Patsy Cline.
With his second album release date only one month away, 30-year-old Shane Yellowbird — Canadian country music artist, has big plans for the next few months.
His first stop is the North American Music Awards in Niagra Falls, NY where he was nominated twice and performed Oct. 3.
“I never know what to expect,” said Yellowbird smiling. “I just do what I love and hope it takes me where I want to be.”
After his first debut album “Life is Calling My Name” in October 2006, Yellowbird soared to the top of the charts where he has stayed.
The single “Pickup Truck” is still to this day one of the top 10 most played country songs in Canada.
But the new album “It’s About Time” is different, he said.
“I grew up along the way to this album, it’s more about my background.”
The song “Bare Feet on Blacktop” has been released with the music video already, however, the album will be released into stores Nov. 17 — the same day Yellowbird will sing at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.
“I went to Nashville 2½ years ago to take the Grand Ole Opry tour where all the greats have preformed. The new stage has a centre piece that belongs to the original Opry stage where greats like Patsy Cline have preformed,” Yellowbird said through chuckles. “At one part of the tour, they let everyone get up on stage and stand on that section – but I wouldn’t go up. They asked me why and all I said was — the only way I’ll stand up there, is when I’m invited.”
And in less than a month Yellowbird will be singing at the Grand Ole Opry Nov. 17, and the excitement in his face said it all.
“I love music, I don’t know where I’d be without it,” he said. “I listen to it when I’m in a certain mood, when I’m driving — I always have to have it on.”
Yellowbird has been singing his whole life. Raised on a farm near Hobbema, he was born with a stutter – his speech specialist suggested he try singing his sentences. That little push seems to have soared Yellowbird through the charts.
“The best part about it all is meeting the fans across Canada and the United States.”
Yellowbird is planning a tour in Europe over the new year or 2011.
He played with George Strait this past summer in Saskatchewan and said it was a humbling experience.
“You have a two-hour autograph line ahead of you but when you go backstage you can’t approach George Strait, you know, you’ve got to wait for him to come to you.”
The next hurdle Yellowbird hopes to cross is breaking through in the United States. He is on the verge of a record deal that could get him touring in the States.
“I want to make my friends and family proud” he said.