Published: September 18, 2009 07:52 am      

Aaron Tippin's 'got to move' during concert

By Brenda Tollett

Associate Editor



ADA — Those attending Nashville recording star Aaron Tippin’s concert Saturday night in Seminole better be prepared to have a really good time. Based on his new album, “In Overdrive,” Aaron Tippin said his performance at Mekusukey Mission will have a lot of “bells and whistles.” The 8 p.m. performance is in connection with Seminole Nation Days.

“I can’t just stand and sing,” he said. “I have got to move. If anyone misses this performance, they will miss the best one all year.”

After more than 20 years in the entertainment business, Tippin’s energy and love of music is demonstrated in his lively performances. Although Tippin has received several awards in his career, it is the cheering audience that gives him the greatest pleasure. “At the end of the night when everyone is cheering and applauding, that is my reward,” he said.

Tippin began performing in the 1970s. However, it wasn’t until after his competition on TNN’s “You Can Be a Star” TV talent contest in 1985 that Tippin landed a songwriter’s contract. It wasn’t long before artists such as Mark Colllie, Diamond Rio, David Ball and the Mid-South boys started recording Tippin’s songs. His success as a songwriter has continued as Garth Brooks, Charley Pride and Kenny Chesney recorded songs written by Tippin.

After his first Nashville nightclub show in 1990, Tippin landed a recording contract with RCA records. However, before he began a concert tour, Tippin was asked to join comedian Bob Hope on a USO tour to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War. This concert was just the beginning for Tippin’s annual tours to entertain the troops on the battlefield.

“I am proud to be their friend,” Tippin said.

Tippin’s music reflects his love of country, trucks and the working man. “In Overdrive” is a salute to truck drivers and features trucker classics “East Bound and Down,” “Drivin’ My Life Away,” “Prisoner of the Highway,” “Girl on the Billboard,” “Movin’ On,” “The White Night,” “Roll On,” “Truck Drivin’ Man,” “Long White Line,” “Drivin’ Fool” and “Danger Dave.”

During every performance Tippin assembles a bicycle that is donated at the end of the show to a local Toys for Tots program. Tippin said he has completed 900 bicycles since the project was started.

Tippin’s most recent project is the launch of his own lifestyle initiative and the introduction of his personal line of nutritional supplements, Aaron Tippin Nutrition. Tippin, a former competitive bodybuilder, said he developed the program after he was repeatedly asked how he managed to stay in shape. “My wife, Thea, straigtened me out about eating right,” he said. With her help, Tippin said he has learned to make better food choices and with exercise and staying active he has developed a healthier lifestyle. “We thought it was neat to share this with other folks. Maybe it will improve their life so they can enjoy 20 more years,” he said.

For more information about Seminole Nation Days, visit the Seminole Nation Website at www.seminolenation.com.