DECATUR - The Decatur Chamber of Commerce has announced the entertainer for the 2013 Decatur Barbecue which is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3, in Veterans Park.
Johnny Dale Roberts, along with his band, Johnny Dale and Along For The Ride, will perform on Saturday night.
Roberts was born and raised in Noel, Mo. His mother was a bar maid in his grandmother’s bar.
“My crib was by the jukebox. I know it sounds cliché, but my life really was like a country song,” he said.
At age 14, Roberts began to learn the guitar. Little by little, he picked up bits and pieces of songs, a tidbit here and there.
“I could play things on the guitar, but I couldn’t play the guitar - stuff like the beginning of ‘Sweet Home Alabama,’” he said. But practice and diligence paid off and at 22 he began playing shows and having fun along the way.
At the age of 26, Roberts underwent a series of brain surgeries that would forever alter his life. With the love and support of his family, he survived this ordeal which set him on a path allowing him to do something he loves. With his career as a construction worker at an end, Roberts turned to his dream job, music. Roberts’ dedication to music in his youth would ultimately provide a means to support his family and once again have fun doing it.
He worked into it slowly, playing a few bars for tip money. A short time later, he began booking shows on a full-time basis.
His diverse knowledge of different types of songs helped to propel his career forward. In addition to several concert appearances throughout this summer, Roberts is scheduled to open for David Allan Coe in July.
Johnny Dale Roberts and his ability to bridge the generation gap is sure to please both young and old alike. Roberts’ unique talent, it is hoped, will help make this year’s Decatur Barbecue a huge success.
For more information, contact the Decatur Chamber of Commerce at 752-8460.
News, Pages 11 on 07/03/2013