Interview: John Michael Montgomery Talks About Catfish & Frog Legs

After Jenna wrote the article about John Michael Montgomery’s new album, we got in touch with the fine folks over at Hallmark Direction Company to find out if they would help us out with getting a few questions answered by Mr. Montgomery himself. Unfortunately, it’s still a little early in the album planning game, so there aren’t many details surrounding the album. However, we came up with a few random questions and tried to have some fun with them. John Michael was kind enough to answer them and show that he has a sense of humor as well.

How did you decide that it was time to reunite with Hallmark Direction Company and release a new album?
I have always followed my instincts when it comes to music and life in general. They were telling me very loudly that it was time for John D., Hallmark and I to get back together.

This is your longest break to date between studio album releases, what have you been doing with all the spare time?
I have been trying to heal my body from surgeries over the last five years - from my broken leg, tonsillectomy, wisdom teeth, eagle syndrome and hip. Needless to say, it’s been a very painful process.

Is there any chance you’ll have a duet with your brother on your next album? Or possibly a collaboration with both Troy and Eddie?
We talked about it and really want to make it happen, but it’s still up in the air as to when.

What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
Never forget where you came from.

Have you tried everything at your restaurant and what dish do you recommend?
I have. I would certainly recommend the deep fried catfish and one of the large salads with rolls.

I ate 60 chicken wings in a contest one time; do you think you could beat me in a head-to-head contest?
No, I don’t think so. Not chicken wings anyway, but I might try with some frog legs.

What is your biggest pet peeve? (Stupid questions is not an option)
People who are doing everything else except driving when they are out on the road in a vehicle.

How do you get yourself prepared before performing on stage?
I really like a few minutes (half hour or so) with time to myself, a little peace and quiet - just to think with no interruptions. That’s not easy in the music biz, especially out on the road.

I feel obligated to ask, so what is the craziest thing a fan has ever done to get your attention?
It still surprises me when I see girls pulling their shirts up to give me a flash. I try not to look but sometimes they catch ya off guard.

Out of the songs that you have recorded, which is your favorite?
I think “Life’s a Dance” is certainly still my favorite. “High School Heart” is one I really like and ”I Miss You a Little” will always touch me deeply.

If you could choose any person to sing a duet with, past or present, which would it be?
Lionel Richie or Bob Seger. I listened to them more than anybody else growing up

We know some of your biggest fans have been trying to organize an unofficial fan club of sorts. Do you ever plan to relaunch the official fan club?
It’s on the table with a lot of other things, I certainly plan on it.

All of us here at The 9513 very much appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions. Is there anything else you’d like to say to your fans?
I hope to start, finish and release an album by this fall. I’m very excited about that. And, thanks for their years of support and patience.

I personally want to thank Amy at Hallmark Direction Company for her help and John Michael Montgomery for taking the time out of his busy schedule to spend a little time answering these for us. We’re certainly glad all of John Michael’s ailings are behind him and wish him success in his future endeavors. That frog leg eatin’ talk sounds a lot like a challenge to me, though. Maybe a CMT special?