In an age where music is digitized, synthesized, and even “idolized” there emerges a group of four guys that offer the world a sound that is strangely normal. With their unique blend of carefully arranged vocal harmonies and family friendly concerts, The Tennessee Four have managed to develop something of a grassroots following that continues to grow with each concert they perform.
The group first performed the National Anthem at a local high school, which then led to performing the National Anthem at a NCAA basketball conference game, AAA baseball game, NHL Predators game, NBA Memphis Grizzlies game and MLB Cincinnati Reds game. The group then began performing their growing repertoire anywhere someone would stop to listen.
The guys are always on the lookout for new songs from the past and present, and you never know what they’ll pull out of their bag of hits. Even when their band isn’t nearby the guys can still break into one of their tunes a capella (without instruments) if given the chance. Fans have noticed their love and appreciation for music and find their vocals enjoyable.
D.J. Smith
Lead
Read BioBirthday?
October 21, 1973
Where are you from originally?
LaGrange, Georgia
Did you have a nickname growing up?
Tink, which is short for Tinker, which is short for Stinker. I’ll let you work it out from there.
What does your family think about your singing?
I try to woo my wife with my singing but it doesn’t work. (note from Tim - "It's obvious why") My oldest son says he’s going to make it The Tennessee Five when he grows up. My youngest is still trying to figure out exactly what I do in the group.
When you're not singing what are you doing?
Tim and my wife will likely say nothing, but during the week you'll find me helping Tim run our healthcare marketing firm called Talstone Group.
What's your inspiring Tennessee Four moment?
When we first sang the National Anthem for a Nashville Predators game. The lights were down and when they came up there stood 14,785 fans. I couldn't finish the last few words because I got choked up. It was incredible.
What was your most embarrassing Tennessee Four moment?
We were suppose to do a show in Belle Buckle, Tennessee. The weather cause the gig to be cancelled. We decided to practice and some folks still showed up. As we were practicing one drunk lady got up to sing with me. She grabbed my backside and ... well, caught me off guard. I got a lot of ribbing from the guys for that. Now, Rob knows to tackle whoever storms the stage.
Who would you say are your musical influences?
Wow, that’s a list. Let’s see, Ray Charles, Marty Robbins, Paul Carrack, James Taylor, Amos Lee, Billy Currington, Michael McDonald, Jim Croce, Dave Barnes and Huey Lewis and the News, just to name a few.
If you could sing with any artist who would it be?
Tough to answer. I’d love to sing with Ray Charles if he were still around. I’m really digging new country artist Billy Currington. His sounds is great. I’d like to do a number or two with him.
How would you describe your vocal style?
If R&B had a train wreck with country you’d find my vocal style.
If they ever make a movie about The Tennessee Four who would you want playing you?
Well, everyone says I look like Kevin Bacon (I don’t know how to take that). My wife would like Matthew McConaughey (she doesn’t care that I don’t look anything like him – just wants my voice coming out of his mouth).
What would you like to see The Tennessee Four accomplish most?
Sing on the stage of The Grand Old Opry.
Any final words for your fans?
We really appreciate all three of you. Ha, ha. Seriously, thank you for the ride thus far. It has been a blast and we hope that the good Lord will give us many more years of doing this. If you’ll keep listening we’ll keep singing.
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Tim Smith
Baritone
Read BioBirthday?
August 23, 1964
Where are you from originally?
Westmoreland, Tennessee
Did you have a nickname growing up?
Smitty was the main one for obvious reasons. However, my CB handle was "Sack Boy". My folks owned a grocery store and my main job was sacking
groceries and hauling them out to the cars for our customers. Those were the good ole days of small town service with a smile.
What does your family think about your singing?
Their only concern is making sure they get to hear us sing at the Bell Buckle Cafe because they LOVE the food there. Seriously, its pretty cool when you hear your 17 year old and 12 year old singing some of the songs we perform. Our set list is not exactly what you would find on their Ipods.
When you're not singing what are you doing?
Harassing DJ to try and get him to work! DJ and I own a healthcare marketing firm called Talstone Group and my role is working with our existing and prospective clients so we can build our business. So if there is anyone reading this that is involved in any type of healthcare organization, SEE ME!!! Outside of work, my wife and I get to watch our two awesome boys grow up to be such fine Christian young men.
What's your inspiring Tennessee Four moment?
I have to agree with DJ on the experience of singing the National Anthem at the Nashville Predators game. Other than that, a couple of years ago we were asked to sing at Centennial Medical Center's memorial service for parents who lost a child that year. Using our music to help comfort those families struggling with their pain was a time I will soon not forget.
What was your most embarrassing Tennessee Four moment?
Wow, there have been many trust me. Being the one who does most of the talking, I'm constantly putting my foot in my mouth in one way or another. Probably the funniest was getting strongly reprimanded after a show at the Cafe by a lady that thought I was giving DJ too hard a time. If she only
knew ... LOL.
Who would you say are your musical influences?
I have to say my dad. We grew up as a singing family. He was constantly pushing me to get up in front of people whether it was leading singing at church or in quartets he would assemble from time to time. As well, during my high school and college days he had a band called The Backwoods Boys. So my love of music and performing has to be directly related to him.
I listen and enjoy most styles of music from blues, jazz, country and pop. Every now and then a good hard rock mood hits me. I guess that's from being a teen in the 80s.
If you could sing with any artist who would it be?
My wife would absolutely love me to sing with Vince Gill. He's her all time favorite. It would have been fun to have been a part of the Jordanaires. Those guys had a great sound and got to be a part of some cool times with so many different world famous artists.
How would you describe your vocal style?
Sad, cheating, and lonely cross of country, pop and easy listening.
If they ever make a movie about The Tennessee Four who would you want playing you?
At a recent show, I was told I look like a young Dick Clark (lets key on the YOUNG part since I am going through a mid-life crisis of sorts). Since he's obviously now old, I'd probably say Tom Hanks because he's a little goofy at times but has played a lot of very serious roles over the years.
What would you like to see The Tennessee Four accomplish most?
Sing on The Grand Old Opry preferably at the Ryman.
Any final words for your fans?
What a great time I've had so far thanks to all of you. It amazes me at the support and encouragement we receive each and every show. To the guys in the band, I personally appreciate your hard work especially when tips may be a little lean. To Rob, Ford and DJ, I hope you don't mind my picking at you during our shows because I'm NOT going to stop!
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Ford Holman
Tenor
Read BioBirthday?
February 20, 1952
Where from originally?
I was born in Montgomery, AL. We moved to Nashville when I was 3. I've been a Nashville resident ever since.
Did you have a nickname growing up?
"Cowboy" - I guess because I loved to dress up in a cowboy outfit that I received as a Christmas gift.
What does your family think about your singing?
They see it as a great stress reliever for me. I do wonder what my adult daughters think of their "old man" singing Elvis songs on stage. But, so far, they seem to welcome it!
When you're not singing, what are you doing?
I'm a government lawyer. The reality is that my non-singing hours are filled with litigation-related activities. But whenever I can squeeze in the time, I'm an avid Titans, Predators, Vanderbilt, and San Francisco Giants fan.
What's your inspiring Tennessee Four moment?
While the Predators' and Grizzlies National Anthem performances were certainly memorable, I think of two very special moments with this group. One, after three hours of great music and laughter with the crowd at the Bell Buckle Cafe, an old gentleman asked if we could do "Amazing Grace". Without a blink of an eye and without singing it for weeks, we did the most moving rendition of that song that you ever heard. Second, the group travelled to La Grange, GA to be with DJ at his mother's funeral. The deep emotion that we poured into the singing of his mother's favorite hymn will not soon be forgotten by any of us.
What was your most embarrassing Tennessee Four moment?
My second most embarrassing TN 4 moment was the disaster I caused when I completely blew the words singing the lead for the mostly-narrative song, "Big John". Needless to say, that song was "one and done". My MOST embarrassing moment? I live in fear that it hasn't happened yet! HA! Be sure to attend our next show!
What would you say are your musical influences?
Ray Stevens, The Imperials, and Elvis. And--go ahead and laugh--Barry Manilow.
If you could sing with any artist, who would it be?
A three-part harmony song with Elvis, Barry, and me.
How would you describe your vocal style?
Thin and weak. HA! I LOVE good harmony, and I try to make it as smooth as possible.
If they ever make a movie about "The Tennessee Four", who would you want playing you?
Sylvester Stallone. HA! But, if he were still living, it would be Don Knotts, of course.
What would you like to see the Tennessee Four accomplish most?
Have our songs played regularly on the radio and be the warm-up group on a tour of a group like the Eagles or Vince Gill. Then--dare I dream--be the lead group on tour.
Any final words for your fans?
The chance to perform with such talented friends and appreciative fans has been an extremely unexpected and cherished turn of events in my life. I try not to take one practice or performance for granted. I savor each one.
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Rob Hatchett
Bass
Read BioBirthday?
October 31, 1958
Where are you from originally?
Nashville, TN
Did you have a nickname growing up?
Slick.
What does your family think about your singing?
They support me
When you're not singing what are you doing?
I enjoy listening to good music
What's your inspiring Tennessee Four moment?
Singing "One More Day" with Diamond Rio's Marty Roe
What was your most embarrassing Tennessee Four moment?
Forgetting which number I was ready for in the song "Heartaches by the Number"
Who would you say are your musical influences?
The Statler Brothers, Elvis Presley, The Jordanaires, Pat Boone, Conway Twitty, Eddy Arnold, Johnny Cash, Bob Wills, The Ink Spots, Hank Thompson, Ray Price, Vaughn Monroe, and Dean Martin
If you could sing with any artist who would it be?
Anne Murray, she has the voice of an angel
How would you describe your vocal style?
A blend of Big Band, Pop, Western Swing, Classic Country, and old rock and roll
If they ever make a movie about The Tennessee Four who would you want playing you?
Dan Akroyd
What would you like to see The Tennessee Four accomplish most?
Sing on the stage of The Grand Old Opry during a live performance of The Grand Ole Opry
Any final words for your fans?
Thanks for listening to us. I hope we sing songs you enjoy hearing.
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