Ken Burn’s terrific PBS documentary series “County Music” could result in a whole new batch of country music fans. And now a new voice is about to be heard in Grand Forks for the first time. Nashville recording artist and consummate showman Doug Allen Nash is bringing his acclaimed tribute to music icons Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond to the Empire Arts Center in Grand Forks at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19. Tickets are available by calling (701) 746-5500.
Growing up on a farm in northwest Illinois, Nash began performing at the tender age of 5. He formed his own band by the time he was 12. By age 20, he was touring the world as part of USO and Armed Forces Entertainment Tours, eventually performing in some 87 countries.
The talented singer-songwriter has scored hits and airplay in more than 17 countries. He has performed in Las Vegas, Hollywood, Nashville and Atlantic City. In Grand Forks, his show will feature a live band talented musicians.
But first, to help you get to know him just a little bit better, here are 20 (or so) questions for Doug Allen Nash.
TD: Who are your musical influences?
DAN: Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Tony Bennett. There are many great singers and musicians who have influenced me. Too many to mention here!!
TD: What’s the name of the last book your read?
DAN: “Nightmare In Dallas” by Beverly Oliver. A firsthand account of the JFK assassination.
TD: Who is your favorite actor?
DAN: Robert Duvall and Gene Hackman
TD: Do you have any tattoos?
DAN: No!
TD: If you could live in any other time, when would it be?
DAN: Ancient Greece. I’ve always been fascinated with Greek history.
TD: What are you most proud of?
DAN: My heritage! I am a direct descendant of John Hart, one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. My grandmother Mabel Shook (on my father’s side) was a seventh generation granddaughter of John Hart, and my great-great grandfather James Shook fought in the Civil War. I am a proud member of the SAR, as is my dad.
TD: What do you dislike most in others?
DAN: Evil.
TD: Who is your hero?
DAN: I have many heros! My grandfather. My dad. My uncles. Tony Bennett. Bob Hope.
TD: What’s your favorite movie?
DAN: “Out of Africa”.
TD: If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
DAN: Sun Valley, Idaho.
TD: What is your favorite television show?
DAN: Documentaries! Most recently, the Ken Burns “Country Music” PBS series. I was especially pleased that there was so much fascinating material on Johnny Cash.
TD: Who’s your favorite comedian?
DAN: Ron White.
TD: Who’s your favorite singer?
DAN: Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Tony Bennett. There are so many singers I admire. It isn’t possible to name just one!
TD: If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
DAN: I’m flawless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TD: What’s the biggest misconception about you?
DAN: Sometimes, because I am an entertainer, people think I am unapproachable. Not so! I always make time to greet everyone who wants to say hello after a show. I love to perform and share all the great music and the stories. I also mingle with the audience during my performance. And then there is FB!!!!!
TD: What is your favorite food?
DAN: Smoked salmon!
TD: If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what job would you like to have?
DAN: A rancher or a farmer! I still have farmland back in northwest Illinois and look forward to getting back to my roots and nature whenever I can.
TD: Which historical figure do you most admire?
DAN: Abraham Lincoln. His first cousin, Catherine Hanks, is buried on the farm where I grew up.
TD: If you could live in any other time, when would it be?
DAN: The 1800s and the Wild, Wild West! I can often be seen wearing one of my favorite cowboy hats, boots and jeans and enjoying a trail ride when I am not on tour.
TD: Where would you most like to go on vacation?
DAN: Europe!
TD: What happens to us when we die?
DAN: I believe in life after death.
TD: How would you like to be remembered?
DAN: As a kind person.
