Interview: Buddy Cannon

Buddy Cannon began his career playing bass for Bob Luman and Mel Tillis before shifting his focus to composing. His first #1 song was Tillis’s 1978 recording of “I Believe in You.” Cannon also wrote Vern Gosdin’s 1988 chart-topper “Set ‘Em Up Joe” and George Strait’s 1990 #1 “I’ve Come to Expect It from You,” and he won a Country Music Association Song of the Year award for “Give It Away,” recorded by Strait. Cannon started producing in the 1990s and has worked with Kenny Chesney on seventeen albums, including the multi-platinum No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems (2002). Additionally, Cannon has produced Country Music Hall of Fame member Willie Nelson since 2008, including the Grammy-winning releases Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin and A Beautiful Time. The Museum’s Jon Freeman will host this interview, which will feature photos, video clips, and recordings. Offered in support of the exhibition Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward, presented by Blue Chair Bay Rum. Ford Theater. Included with Museum admission. Program ticket required. Free to Museum members.