Phil Vassar in Concert

Phil Vassar began his career as a Nashville song writer. He penned hits for Grand Ole Opry member Alan Jackson, Collin Raye, Tim McGraw, and Jo Dee Messina. In 1999, Vassar was named ASCAP’s songwriter of the year in recognition of his accomplishments. Vassar wanted more. He wanted to sing and perform his own songs. His self-titled debut album in 2000. “Carlene,” the album’s first single, landed in the Top 5. The follow-up single, “Just Another Day in Paradise,” became Vassar’s first No. 1 hit as a singer of one of his songs. His second album, American Child, arrived in 2002. Shaken Not Stirred led to the No. 1 hit “In a Real Love” in 2004. In 2006, Vassar released Greatest Hits, Vol. 1, a collection of his own hits as well as his own vocal spin on the hits he’s written for other artists. The album’s first single, “Last Day of My Life,” reached No. 2 at country radio. In December 2009, Vassar released Traveling Circus.