Phil Vassar's "Prayer" Answered With No. 3 Slot

Phil Vassar photo by Jim Wright, courtesy of Universal Records South.

May 2, 2008 - Phil Vassar found a ready and waiting audience for his fifth album, "Prayer Of A Common Man." Released April 22, the CD vaulted to No. 3 on the Billboard country album chart and No. 10 on The Billboard 200, which measures all genres.

With the release, Phil tried something brand new, holding a satellite radio tour from his own home in Nashville, allowing him to chat live on individual stations across the country from the comfort of his living room — even if it was wired with a staggering amount of cable.

With that project under his belt, Phil is the subject of a GAC special that debuts Saturday, Origins: Phil Vassar — Prayer Of A Common Man. The special takes viewers to Phil's hometown, Lynchburg, Va., including a visit to 419 Lakewood, the address of his boyhood home, remembered in the lyrics of his 2002 hit "American Child." The program also features an exclusive, intimate concert taped at Nashville's Ocean Way Studio, where he recorded the new album.

Origins: Phil Vassar — Prayer Of A Common Man debuts Saturday, May 3 at 9 p.m. ET. Phil also appears Saturday on Opry Live, beginning at 8 p.m. ET. He's joined on the Opry by the Charlie Daniels Band, Emily West and the Steeldrivers.