Bo Bice
from American Idol to pop star
by Tina Hall
August 2010
Bo Bice
Bo Bice first came to the attention of his fans everywhere when he finished second to Carrie Underwood on the fourth season of American Idol. Since then he has enjoyed a successful solo career. His third album 3, is a joint release from the SugarMoney/Saguaro Road labels. It features performances by The Black Crowes drummer, Steve Gorman and A.J Croce (son of Jim Croce) on keyboard.
Maximum Ink: Your mother was a gospel singer and your father played guitar. Did their influence have a major impact on your decision to become a musician?
Bo Bice: Of course, I think every family member contributes in different ways to an artist’s music whether it’s directly or indirectly. I known I’ve drawn inspiration from memories both good and bad from childhood experiences and on down the line.
MI: You were originally from Alabama and later moved to London. Was there much of a culture shock? How did the exposure to the cultures of both places affect your musical style?
BB: Living in London was extremely different from living in the states. But I have many fond memories of the UK and my time there. I started my first band at age 14 in a little town called Gerrards Cross and without my time and travels in Europe, I’m not sure I would be where I am today.
MI: You performed on a telethon to raise money for Second Harvest Foodbank and other charities to help those affected by the flood in Nashville. What was that like?
BB: Nashville is a very special city to me. It’s where I chose to start my family and to call home. To see all the damage from the floods was devastating but seeing the first response from our community was to help our neighbors; it was humbling to see such a big city join together to help every person that they could through music, donations, and a lot of getting your hands dirty..we are helping people to recover everyday in our city.
MI: As someone who has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award, do you believe celebrities and others than can help people less should be compelled to do so?
BB: Being at the White House for this award was a huge honor. There are a lot of people that give their time and energy to helping others. I don’t think it really matters what your status is, politician, social worker, teacher, actor, or musician; you give back to folks when you can, doesn’t matter what you do for a living.
MI: Is it true that the last thought on your mind during the American Idol finale was, ” Please God, don’t let me win this thing?” Where you relieved to not have the pressure of being labeled an American Idol winner?
BB: Yes, those were my thoughts but it was more because I really enjoy being a songwriter and performer. I felt I would have to walk in and record songs that I didn’t have much to do with. I enjoy being able to express who I am and was more worried at the time about having to change my image or being something I wasn’t.
MI: What is the most important thing you learned from your experience on American Idol?
BB: Hard work, dedication, and a lot of practice and luck is what has helped me throughout my career. Idol was a great launching pad and I am always grateful.
MI: If you could change one thing about the music industry what would it be?
BB: If I could change anything about the music business, more transparency. Treat people like you want to be treated and never expect anything back.
MI: What are some of your hobbies?
BB: I like to ride my motorcycle, write songs, I’m into painting and photography. Otherwise, I love spending time with my family.
MI: What do you think you’d be doing right now if you hadn’t of chosen to become a musician?
BB: I don’t know what I would do without music. Life would be pretty boring.
MI: Anything you’d like to say to your fans in closing?
BB: I love my fan base we call them the Bo Peeps. They are very enthusiastic and as excited as I am for the upcoming tour dates in support of the new album “3”. Check out BoBice.com for more info about dates.
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Bo Bice
CD: 3 Record Label: Saguaro Road Records
• Purchase 3 on Amazon
• Download 3 on Amazon