Mark Wills Makes the Best of Each and Every Year

GAC Music Beat

By Ronna Rubin

Mark Wills first made a name for himself in the late '90s with hits like "Don't Laugh At Me" and "Wish You Were Here."

March 26, 2007 — "I find myself listening to a lot of different types of music," says country artist Mark Wills, host of GAC's The Year." "While I listen mainly to country, I love to listen to '80s and '90s rock stations on satellite radio. That is some of my favorite music from my youth."

Each week on The Year (9pm ET Wednesdays), Wills takes viewers on a musical trip back in time, recounting hit singles and videos of a specific year. He's well suited for the job since his hit, "19 Somethin'" spent six weeks at No. 1 before being named the top country hit of 2002 by both Billboard and Radio & Records, industry trade magazines.

Wills first made a name for himself in the late '90s with hits like "Don't Laugh At Me" and "Wish You Were Here." He racked up an Academy of Country Music prize for Top New Male Vocalist and a gold and a platinum album and then branched out into film, voicing the character of Huck Finn in the animated feature film, Tom Sawyer.

With new album "Familiar Stranger" due this summer, Wills is enjoying his time in front of the camera. "I love my day job, but I have to tell you that I really enjoy hosting a show on TV," the 34-year-old says. "I've enjoyed being able to look back and remember all of the things that happened during those specific years."

So does one year in particular stand out as the year when country music hit its stride? "I think that when Garth Brooks, Clint Black and Alan Jackson first broke onto the scene (late '80s) it was one of the biggest times for country music. Billy Ray hit with "Achy Breaky" and country ruled the roost."

In addition to touring and hosting a TV show, Wills also is the father of two young daughters and he's made time each year for the past four years to visit Iraq and entertain the troops.

And while making records and touring will continue to occupy his time, he doesn't rule out future TV or film projects. "I'm looking for other opportunities to work in other areas than just music. This has opened some doors for me. Music is my first love, but I have also found another love in being a host."

(Ronna Rubin, a 21-year veteran of the music industry, can be contacted at ronna@gacmusicbeat.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)