Randy Houser Finds All "Goes" Well

Universal Records South threw an industry showcase for their newest acts, Randy Houser & Jonathan Singleton And The Grove, on January 27, 2009 at Nashville's Mercy Lounge. Randy Houser photo by Kay Williams, courtesy of Universal Records South.

April 28, 2009 — Randy Houser’s first experience with a hit record came behind the scenes in Nashville when he and Jamey Johnson co-wrote the Trace Adkins hit "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk."

Now he knows what it’s like to get some name recognition, too, since Randy’s the guy who sang "Anything Goes," a post-breakup song in which he sings with the same kind of from-the-gut soul as Ronnie Dunn. "Anything Goes" is filled with guilt and regret, but it was an atypical way to introduce Randy to the general public.

"Most people go with a big ol' up-tempo single ditty for their first single," he told The Los Angeles Times. "I didn't want to do that. At the same time, it was tough for me to put a song out there that I didn't write as my first single. But those guys had really written a great song, and I sure didn't mind it getting on the radio."

"Those guys" are Brice Long, who also authored the Gary Allan hit "Nothing On But The Radio"; and John Wiggins, who wrote Joe Nichols’ "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off."

Randy’s shown a distinct appreciation of traditional country, but it’s hardly all he does. In a recent Nashville showcase, his band exhibited as much alt-rock influence as honky-tonk, making for an interesting blend of genres.

"Pop country is what's been hip here for the last 10 years," Randy said. "We're just not into it. We're trying to make country cool again."

Randy and his "Badonkadonk" pal Jamey cross paths again May 28 when they play a benefit for the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Also on the bill will be another successful Music City songwriter: Jerrod Niemann, who co-wrote Garth Brooks’ salute to Chris LeDoux, "Good Ride Cowboy."