DECATUR -- Johnny Dale Roberts, no stranger to the Decatur area, will return to open for Jesse Whitley at the 62nd Annual Decatur Barbecue at 7:15 p.m., Aug. 1, at Veterans Park. The event is sponsored by the Decatur Chamber of Commerce.
Roberts was featured performer for the 60th Decatur Barbecue on Aug. 3, 2013. He and his band at the time, "Along For The Ride," gave a commanding performance that had Barbecue goers out of their seats and singing along.
Roberts was born and raised over the border in Noel, Mo. Both parents were born in Decatur and later moved to the Noel area. His mother was a bar maid at his grandmother's bar.
"My crib was by the jukebox," Roberts said. "I know it sounds cliche, but my life really was like a country song."
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,'" said Roberts.
But practice and diligence paid off and, at 22, he began playing shows and having fun along the way.
At 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 that would allow 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 still have fun.
He worked his way into the concert scene slowly, playing a few bars for tips. 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.
Johnny Dale Roberts and his ability to bridge the generation gap are sure to please both young and old alike. His unique talent promises to once again make this year's Decatur Barbecue a huge success.
General News on 07/29/2015