His first number One hit was doubly special. Not only because the song "A Woman in Love" hit the top of the charts; but also because one of his musical idols, Ronnie Milsap, was the artist who took it there. The top of the charts is a familiar place for Curtis, who has penned huge hits for artists like Clay Walker, Shenandoah, Darryl Singletary, Conway Twitty, John Anderson and Steve Wariner and enjoyed a recording career of his own.
Curtis began his impressive musical journey after leaving his home state of Pennsylvania in 1976. He hit the road, touring the East Coast with Alan Syms and Company, playing clubs from Maine to Florida. In 1980 he became a member of the Super Grit Cowboy Band, "the South's Hottest Honkytonkers" from Kinston, North Carolina. In 1984, he moved on to join Cimmaron, a goup of old friends from Roanoke, VA . Curtis recorded original songs with both bands, (two albums with SGCB, and one with Cimmaron), before moving to Nashville in January of 1987. This Jan. Curtis celebrates 22 years in the Music City.
Once in Nashville, He quickly landed a staff writing deal with David Briggs' and Will Jennings' publishing powerhouse, Willin' David Music. Curtis began singing demos, a jingle here and there (Burger King, Maxwell House and others) and background vocals for artists such as: Tracy Lawrence, The Eagles Tribute Album, Clay Walker, Billy Dean, Tim McGraw, John Anderson, and the "Voice" Vern Gosdin, just to name a few. Curtis also toured 2 years as a member of Vern's KMA band. There aren't many avenues that Curtis hasn't been a major player in.
He got his first cut by a major artist when Patty Loveless recorded his song, "You Saved Me", in 1988. By 1995 he had topped the charts with the Milsap tune and songs like "Next to You, Next to Me", & "Rock My Baby" for country group, Shenandoah, Clay Walker's first career 1 "What's it to You", and "Too Much Fun"- the career launching smash hit for Darryl Singletary. The song found the number four position in 1996 and was awarded as one of ASCAP's 50 most performed songs of the 1990's. Curtis also found time to record and produce his own self titled album on Liberty Records as well as the Orrall and Wright duo project for Giant Records, leading the duo to a CMA award nomination for Duo of the Year!
In addition to songwriting, Curtis is an in-demand background session singer in Nashville. His vocal talents can be heard on over 90 records from artists like Tim McGraw, Tracy Lawrence, John Anderson, Clay Walker, Travis Tritt, Pat Green and countless other major country acts - most recently you can hear Curtis on Reba McEntire's latest album "Room To Breathe" and the much awaited new CD by pal, Michael Peterson; set for release in 2007.
Curtis currently lives outside of Nashville with his wife Ginger, their daughter Caitlin, and son, John.
This profile was made at Whateverlife.com! :)
