Country Music Artist Chris Cagle

In his debut CD entitled Play It Loud, Chris Cagle unleashed his unique version of high-octane country music that's like an icy glass of Jolt Cola and a pair of well-worn cowboy boots. In the tradition of the Charlie Daniels Band and Travis Tritt, Play It Loud blends
Like many of his generation, Chris was equally influenced by country and rock artists. His biggest influences remain the Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Eagles, while at the same time he loves the richness of Conway Twitty and the fire of Charlie Daniels. The result of these influences is Chris Cagle's 'new traditional' country music that's a perfect fit for contemporary times.

With his musical palette, Chris creates a portrait that spans the gamut of emotion, from capturing the anticipation of a Friday night out with the boys and the fond remembrances of high school years to the passion of loving a soul mate or the heartbreak of the one that got away. Billboard Magazine describes Chris Cagle's music as "an all-out assault on the senses." The review states, "In a day and time where people seem much too willing to play it safe and release vanilla music, it's nice to hear something that has the blistering energy of a liquored-up bar band on a sweaty Saturday night. Newcomer Chris Cagle unleashes a torrent of vocal intensity on this up-tempo debut that is quickly winning support at country radio. This record absolutely commands attention."

Although he was born in Louisiana, he moved to the outskirts of Houston when he was four and soon became immersed in the Texas culture that remains so important to him today. The son of an Exxon supervisor, Chris began guitar lessons at age six, but gave up after a year because it was too difficult for his tiny hands to master the large classical guitar. He continued to sing, however, and made his debut public performance at an elementary school talent show. He and two other fourth graders donned leather jackets, bought with money they earned by mowing yards, and sang "Greased Lightning." "

Chris co-produced the album and co-wrote eight of its ten songs. With more passion than polish, the infectious, driving rhythms of "My Love Goes On And On" and "Country By The Grace Of God" capture the rollicking good times of a weekend in Texas. Yet in ballads like "Safe Side," he poignantly captures the gut wrenching longing of a man who lost his love by playing it safe. "Lovin' You Lovin' Me" describes the deep commitment of a mature love that has only grown more powerful with time.

Chris Cagle hit a milestone in his career today when his self-titled sophomore album debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. Today, the Capitol Records Nashville staff threw a surprise luncheon to congratulate Cagle and celebrate his success. As expected, Chris was quite emotional. He said, “For the rest of my life I will be able to say, ‘I had an album that debuted at #1.’ That alone is gratifying, but to know that all of my fans were so anxiously awaiting new music from me is the greatest feeling. We did in-stores last week in Dallas and Houston and last night we were in the Nashville market. I know that spending time with my fans at these in-stores and performing for them had a huge impact on my first week sales and I, once again, am very thankful to my fans for making such a difference in my career.”

When he's not making music, Chris enjoys spending time at his home on three acres in Pegram, Tennessee. "I have grown to be simple at heart," he says, "and find my freedom in life by knowing my boundaries."