Songwriter to Reba and Kelly Clarkson reveals what it is like to work with country music’s biggest stars

Songwriter to Reba and Kelly Clarkson reveals what it is like to work with country music's biggest stars

As a fervent fan, I can’t help but be in absolute awe of Gary Burr’s extraordinary journey from a Connecticut guitar player penning subpar songs to a seasoned songwriter whose compositions have resonated with some of the biggest names in country music. His tale is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the power of taking a leap of faith towards one’s dreams.


Among Nashville’s most accomplished lyricists has shared insights into the true nature of collaboration with some of the business’s heavyweights, confessing that the city’s musical landscape has undergone a transformation.

For more than a decade, Gary Burr has been instrumental in assisting top-tier artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Tim McGraw, and Reba McEntire in creating captivating songs that have significantly shaped the landscape of country music.

Currently, DailyMail.com had a private conversation with the music tycoon, who shared insights on his unique path amidst numerous aspiring artists seeking stardom in Nashville.

The Connecticut-born songwriter admitted that the first few songs he wrote were ‘really, really bad.’ 

He shared that due to the change in Nashville, where it once was a place for pursuing dreams, he found himself compelled to write songs in a style reflecting everyday conversation in the city, as a means of adaptation.

Songwriter to Reba and Kelly Clarkson reveals what it is like to work with country music's biggest stars

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Gary detailed how he got his start in the songwriting business. 

He explained that the creative in him flourished after he joined a band and they needed new songs. 

He told DailyMail.com: ‘At some point somebody in the band noticed that all those songs were written by the guitar players of those bands. So they turned to me and said, “You’re the guitar player, you’re supposed to write.” 

“I found it difficult to contest that claim, so instead, I ended up composing many poorly written songs. Gradually, though, they began to improve.

Gradually, Gary’s buddies motivated him to submit his songs to record labels, marking the start of his journey as a songwriter.

I dispatched them to an individual in New York City who was employed by CBS Records; he turned into my guide, and from there, I commenced crafting tunes and forwarding them to him.

He mentioned that what he had written was overly lengthy and dull, attempting to emulate the style of Bob Dylan perhaps. However, after tuning into the radio, he recognized the need for composing more straightforward tunes instead.

In time, Gary found himself drawn towards country music as its songs were simple and mirrored his own writing approach.

Songwriter to Reba and Kelly Clarkson reveals what it is like to work with country music's biggest stars
Songwriter to Reba and Kelly Clarkson reveals what it is like to work with country music's biggest stars

It was then that his songs began being recorded by some of music’s greatest artists. 

As a devoted admirer, I take pride in sharing that among the tunes I penned are “Before Your Love” by Kelly Clarkson, “Nobody Wants To Be Lonely” featuring Christina Aguilera and Ricky Martin, “Can’t Be Really Gone” by Tim McGraw, “Cover To Cover” by Billy Ray Cyrus, and “Up And Flying” by Reba McEntire.

While having many hits blasting on the radio, Gary was still living in Connecticut. 

Instead, he chose to relocate from the Northern region to the Southern part, fully immersing himself in the country’s agricultural sector.

He shared with DailyMail.com: ‘I received such a high level of attention and activity that I eventually relocated from Connecticut to Nashville. This move granted me access to numerous individuals, and I began meeting and collaborating with them. Additionally, these encounters introduced me to even more people.’

That’s where I encounter an array of fascinating, lively individuals whom I had the pleasure of collaborating with throughout my career.

Even though Gary had collaborated with some of the nation’s most prominent musicians at the start of his career, he candidly acknowledged that he wasn’t familiar with many popular Western tunes back then.

Only much later did I realize, ‘Wow, I collaborated with him, and look at who he has become!’ It was completely unexpected of me,” the songwriter noted.

Despite developing fondness for the team he worked with, he found it necessary to set aside those relationships as they might interfere with his writing pursuits.

Songwriter to Reba and Kelly Clarkson reveals what it is like to work with country music's biggest stars
Songwriter to Reba and Kelly Clarkson reveals what it is like to work with country music's biggest stars

Gary mentioned that certain songwriting jobs led him to form friendships, among them, a friendship with the Beatles’ drummer, Ringo Starr.

The legend admitted that Nashville no longer functions the way it did in the past, as he shared that artists now tend to arrive with their own bands.

He confessed to DailyMail.com: “Many authors, and most artists are predominantly quite young, and they often arrive in town accompanied by their own group of writers. As a result, there isn’t much space for the established or older ones.

Following his stint as a songwriter for renowned artists, Gary transitioned into authoring books instead.

On July 2, 2024, Gary’s book titled “Reunion: A Rock and Roll Fairy Tale” was released, and it’s been garnering fantastic feedback from both within the music industry and beyond.

In his version, John never met his end. Some rationale arises that encourages The Beatles to attempt a reunion at the age of 58.

Since I’ve collaborated with Ringo for two decades, I’ve had the chance to listen to his anecdotes, and I can attest to the way they interacted and communicated with one another.

For three long years, Gary dedicated his time to working on the book, and now, he expresses immense pride in its completion.

He told DailyMail.com: ‘What I’d like to do is transition to book writing, because I’ve actually written a second book.’

Read More

2024-11-05 02:25

Previous post Hollywood’s biggest action star is reportedly joining the MCU
Next post Jon Stewart’s former Daily Show correspondent blasts him for ‘shielding’ Trump rally comic