The Uncommon Common Man: John Conlee in Concert at Dosey Doe, July 25

THE WOODLANDS, TX - John Conlee is one of the most recognizable and loved names in the history of country music. He has charted 32 singles with seven of those becoming number one hits. His voice is unique and soothing and his songs are able to connect to the lives of the everyday man. In 1981 he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry as a member and he performs around 50-60 concerts per year. We sat down with John Conlee to talk to him about his start and success in country music as well as what to expect at his July 25th Concert at Dosey Doe Big Barn.

Click here to purchase ticket to the John Conlee July 25th Concert at Dosey Doe Big Barn

Early Years

John Conlee was raised in Kentucky. In fact, he was born on a Kentucky tobacco farm in Versailles. Growing up, he had a great love for music. He not only played the guitar at the age of 10, but he also participated in a barbershop quartet. Even with his great love of singing, music wasn’t his first focus regarding his career. John told us that he wasn’t sure if music would ultimately be a hobby for him or the main focus of his career. The first field he actually pursued was as a mortician for a local funeral home. He became a licensed mortician for Duell-Clark Funeral Chapel and continued that profession for 6 years. John loved the idea of radio broadcasting and his next pursuit would help define the rest of his life. It would become the vehicle that opened up opportunities for the God-given path that would help take him to greater heights in music. John told us of how he got his start as a country singer:

“Well, it was through broadcasting really. Because, just to go all the way back when I was a kid I started taking guitar lessons on the weekends and, which only lasted about a half hour. I would then go across the street after the guitar lesson and hanging out at the local radio station in Lexington, Kentucky, for the rest of Saturday morning and I fell in love with both music and radio at the same time as a result of that. Going into the funeral profession was sort of an accident in a lot of ways and although I was supposed to do it. I started working there part time during high school got interested enough in it to pursue it full time and get my licenses, but after six years of doing that. I still had the itch to try radio. So I struck out and got a job at a station in Kentucky, ended up at a station in Nashville, which is the only reason I moved here, and that allowed me to turn the hobby of music into a career overtime.”



He loved broadcasting and music and in his spare time, he would write songs and distribute those to various music labels. He got his big break when ABC Records offered him a contract in 1976. We asked John what his first hit was. He said that Rose Colored Glasses became his first hit back in 1978. This would become a top 5 single. What is interesting about this song is that not only is this his favorite song, but it was a song he wrote himself.

John stated that -

“Well again, Because I was in Nashville and I started to write a little bit, I could pitch those songs around town here. As I wrote them, and that was the opportunity for people to hear my voice and the songs. And so, that ended up getting in the break. Somebody finally offered me a recording contract and we started recording and finally had the first hit with Rose Colored Glasses, which by the way, broke right there in the Houston area.”





John Conlee would go on to become of the most admired singers in country music. His voice is unique and many of his songs like “Common Man”, “Domestic Life” and “Working Man” talk about ordinary people and everyday life. An interesting story that John told us was that he would perform the song “Busted” many times while touring. “Busted” is a song that was originally recorded by Johnny Cash and tells the story about a dirt-poor farmer, trying to make ends meet. It talks about stacks of bills, and barren lands. Kind of grim situation. One year, after he performed the song in California, people started coming up to the stage and dropping off money for him as a joke. What started as a joke though became a tradition. Conlee took what people dropped off at the stage and started sending the money to various charities. Word of this got around and people started giving more. The estimate of money given “as a joke” over the years is about $140,000. Various groups have benefitted from that one song, most recently the Wounded Warriors organization.

Supporting The Military

John Conlee is also a huge supporter of the military as well as the men and women serving as local police officers. Two of his songs, “Walkin’ Behind The Star” and “They Also Serve” remind us of their service to our community and country. You can listen to both songs below.







What to expect at the July 25th Concert

John Conlee will perform at Dosey Doe Big Barn on July 25th. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see one of country music’s greatest entertainers. John said that he will be performing a mixture of various old and newer songs, so get prepared for an acoustic experience that only John Conlee can provide. And don’t forget, when you hear the song “Busted” being performed, don’t miss the opportunity to drop money at the front of the stage to help various charities. John said that after the concert, he will be available to meet people and sign autographs. He mentioned that he couldn’t’ do what he is doing without his audience. He is a very humble and genuine guy. He referred several times during the interview that “it was what he was supposed to do”. He said that about his time as a mortician, his time in radio broadcasting as well as his continued success as a country entertainer. He does what he does because he loves music and entertaining, but he gets to do what he does because of God’s grace and blessings. John Conlee’s music connects to the common man in a unique and meaningful way which is a very uncommon trait in today’s world.

Click here to view John Conlee’s website

About Dosey Doe Big Barn

This 165 year old historical structure has been saved for its current purpose. Originally built as a tobacco barn in Kentucky, the 300-600 year old growth oak and birch massive beams are the foundation not only for a beautiful room for also for great acoustics. It is a place where memories are made. No need to run from restaurant to music hall, as here you have it all.

Their entrees are 'cooked from scratch' based on the season, special offerings of purveyors with the type of music of the night in mind. Their task is to offer a meal that would be the reason in and of itself to visit Dosey Doe. The presentation is note worthy and the creations are featured in several Cook Books from Canada to Texas.

Nationally recognized artists from around the world dominate the calendar here: from Jerry Jeff Walker to The Rippingtons, Dave Mason to Lee Roy Parnell, Clint Black to Bela Fleck, Leon Russell to Spyro Gyra, Steve Wariner to Hayes Carll, Roger Creager to Mel Tillis, Manhattan Transfer to Gallagher... up very close and personal. Most artists will stay to have photos taken and give autographs after the show. Many very rarely do it anywhere but here and almost everyone says it is one of their favorite rooms to play.

'I have played them all, big and small, but I have never played a place that sounds as good as Dosey Doe!' - Gary P Nunn

'I will gladly tell anyone that Carnegie Hall cannot compete with Dosey Doe,' - Michael Martin Murphy

'One of my all time top 5 places to have played,' - Marcia Ball

Come early and enjoy the room. Filled with Americana artifacts from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, there is plenty to see. Your hands touching the hand-hewn 2000lb barn beams, your eyes filled with art, artifacts, signage from a simpler time, your taste buds excited from salad to dessert, and music so pure - up close and personal... all designed to 'Take You Away' and create a memory you will keep.

The BIG BARN is home to great causes such as RETT and SWING FOR A CURE; benefits where proceeds go to help children's illnesses. The BIG BARN is available for large wedding receptions, corporate functions, birthdays and anniversary parties.

Click here to purchase ticket to the July 25th Concert at Dosey Doe Big Barn