Darryl Worley Hasn't Forgotten His Roots, Part 1

Darryl Worley topped the charts with three #1 hits, "Have
You Forgotten, "I Miss My Friend," and "Awful, Beautiful Life,"
and recorded a string of top 20 country music hits. It all began
in Hardin County, TN, where his musical talent was forged on his
family's front porch. 


Worley's blue-collar roots ring true in his songs and stories.
His dad worked at the area paper mill before being ordained as a
United Methodist minister. His mom, who Worley describes as a
"prayer warrior," always sang in the church choir and played a
key role in his love for music. 


The family moved around following the call of his dad's ministry
during his early teen years. By the time he was a senior, Worley
had returned to his home community and graduated from Hardin
County High School in 1982. Although he began playing the guitar
and other instruments as a child, few of Worley's classmates knew
the extent of his musical gifts.


It was those formative years growing up in the Pyburn community
that Worley had big dreams. But it wasn't a career in music. He
had aspirations of becoming a doctor.


Worley spent his first two undergraduate years at Martin College
in nearby Pulaski, TN. From there, he transferred to the
University of North Alabama, near the magical, musical town of
Muscle Shoals and Fame Recording Studios. However, the young
student focused on his arduous courses while earning a biology
degree. It wasn't until after he graduated that Worley allowed
his love of songwriting and performing to blossom. 


Under the direction of Fame Studios' legendary founder, Rick
Hall, Worley worked diligently to develop his songwriting skills.
Others, such as Larry Roser in Savannah, TN, and Jimmy
Pyle of nearby Mississippi, encouraged him to pursue his
recording career in Muscle Shoals and Nashville. Steve Bigbee of
Tuscumbia, Alabama, was also instrumental in Worley's early
development. 


With the DreamWorks Records release of his debut album, Hard Rain
Don't Last, featuring the songs, "A Good Day to Run" and "Second
Wind," Worley built the foundation of a loyal fan base. 


But it was the release of his albums in 2002 and 2003 that sent
Worley to the top of country music charts. 


"I Miss My Friend," a heart-wrenching ballad claimed the number
one spot for several weeks. Worley's biggest hit came in 2003
when he released "Have You Forgotten," a patriotic anthem that
inspired a generation of American troops sent overseas to fight
America's war on terrorism. 


Worley's life is easily found in the songs he sings. "Awful,
Beautiful Life," Worley admits, contains lines about his
immediate family. "Sounds Like Life to Me" is another. It's a
story reflecting the struggles of an average, working-class guy,
much like the lives of the people Worley holds dear.


Even though Worley was a late-bloomer to the country music
charts, his longevity is a testament to his authentic heart and
lifestyle, his deep love for his family, and devotion to his
country and community. Part one of this two-part
episode provides a glimpse into Worley's legitimacy and
integrity, both on and off the stage.