One of the First Ladies of 90's Country Music Joins Blake Shelton's 2025 'Friends & Heroes Tour', Play Charleston March 14th

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer 

Although her father Fred Carter was a noted singer songwriter and seasoned session player, Deana Carter flirted with a different career path before rocketing to fame at age 30 in 1996. Her debut release, ‘Did I Shave My Legs For This’ sold over five million copies, topped the country music charts, and earned her a 1997 Grammy for her number one single ‘Strawberry Wine’. 

While her dad found his mark in his early 20’s working with legendary artists, Deana but opted for a degree in Rehabilitation Therapy from the University of Tennessee. Carter found the work fruitful but ultimately discovered her first love was going to be following in her father’s footsteps. "My dad was a renowned musician, working alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. He worked with Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Levon Helm, The Band, Simon & Garfunkel, Waylon Jennings, and a who's who of country artists. Music has always been a big part of my life."

Carter spent some time applying her degree before pivoting to music full time. "I actually worked as a rehab intern for a while. It's incredible work. I got really involved in the patients I was working with, many who were stroke victims. Their stories are amazing. Though I found that type of work rewarding, music always seemed to be tugging at my heart. Of course in the music business there’s never is a guarantee, so I wanted to finish college and have something to fall back on.”

According to Carter no one cared more about music than her father. “It was a part of his soul.” And even though it was his livelihood he never pushed Deana into the business. “I started writing songs back in middle school, most of them faith based. Every now and then my father would say ‘hey do you want to sing a couple of lines on this song’. He was always there to encourage me. He understood that I had to want to sing and record because it was my passion not his.”

Carter's big break came compliments of country music icon Willie Nelson at Farm Aid 1994 at the Superdome in Louisiana. "Willie, such a sweet man. He gave me a wonderful opportunity. He heard one of my demo tapes and invited me to perform. I hadn't played in front of that many people ever, so I was a bit nervous. But who in their right mind would turn down an opportunity like that, especially when Willie is the one offering."

She goes on to say, "What I didn't know beforehand is that I was going to be the only female artist on the bill that day. But Willie and guys like Kris Kristofferson took me under their wings. Performing at Farm Aid was a big deal for me. That moment became the catalyst that put my career in motion."

A professed Christian Carter fully understands how it all unfolded. "I realize now that God is in charge of every area of your life, and through His divine will it came about."

A few years later Carter thanked Nelson in perhaps the best way artists can. "I wrote and recorded 'Turn Those Wheels Around', and dedicated it to Willie." While it wasn't released or a hit it's dear to Carter's heart. "It has sentimental value, because I know what it means to me personally." The track would be added to the bonus disc on Carter's 25th anniversary edition celebrating 'Did I Shave My Legs for This?' released in 2021. 

Since her appearance at Farm Aid, Deana Carter’s musical career exploded thanks to the release of her much celebrated 1996 debut album, 'Did I Shave My Legs For This?' The album would go one to sell over five million copies. 'Strawberry Wine', 'We Danced Anyway' and 'How Do I Get There' would top the charts with a total of five singles charting inside the Top 40 on the country music charts.

"I never imagined going in that the album would have done so well. Obviously I was a new artist, and you never know how you're going to be received. There's a lot of factors that have to fall into place. Radio airplay, exposure, the songs have to be good."

She recalls being fully involved in the overall production. "What I thought was unusual is, they wanted my input. Females in country music were making a big splash in the 90's. You had Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Lorrie Morgan, Shania, and of course Reba was at the top of her game. Even though I didn't receive credit on the album I acted as a co-producer. I guess they wanted a female perspective because there was a strong market for females artists."

All that aside, 'Strawberry Wine' the first release from the album made her an overnight success. It's as though the song was destined for Carter. Fellow female singer Matraca Berg co-wrote the song and intended to record it until she was dropped by her label. Already an accomplished songwriter, Berg decided to shop the song.

Surprisingly several country ladies passed on it, allowing Carter to put her own stamp on it. "That song put me on the map. It never ceases to amaze me, whether I'm playing a club date, a festival, or a big arena. When I start that song which is my finale, people come running, they get out their cellphones and start recording. I'm happy they want to share that moment with me."

'Strawberry Wine' would go on to win Song of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards in 1997 as well as Song of the Year by the Nashville Songwriters Association International and the Nashville Music Awards. Three additional nominations followed including Grammy Award for Best Country Song, Academy of Country Music Awards Best Country Song, and Country Music Radio Awards for Song of The Year.

According to Carter the song simply left a lasting impression with fans. "It struck a chord with lots of people when it came out, especially with young ladies that were in high school or college. Now 30 years later when they come out to see me, it's kind of like a re-union. It made a big impact on their lives and maybe they are revisiting that time. I never get tired of performing it."

Her 1998 follow up album 'Everything's Gonna Be Alright' didn't fair as well, but still managed to sell over a half million copies, with 'Absence of the Heart' making it into the Top 20. After releasing a holiday album in 2001 she returned with 'I'm Just a Girl' in 2003 with the 'There's No Limit' peaking at number 14 and the title track receiving additional airplay.

Sadly, no matter the genre, the recording industry is fickle. More often than not artists enjoy a particular heyday. After a decent seven year run, Carter's radio success slowed by 2004, but according the her it couldn't have happened at a better time. "My son was born that year so I decided to take some time off. I wanted to be able to bond with him and be there in his formative years, to get him through school."

She found time to record 'The Chain' in 2007, which she dedicated to her father. All of the tracks on the album consist of cover songs, including duets with artists, such as Dolly Parton, Kristofferson, and George Jones. She sang 'On The Road Again' with Willie Nelson. Among the 12 tracks Carter covers Roy Orbison’s ‘Crying’, ‘Old Man’ from Neil Young and Bob Dylan’s ‘Lay, Lady, Lay’. “They’re just iconic songs.” Her dad provided acoustic, electric, and classical guitar riffs for the album. 

Carter has fond memories in the recording studio. “It doesn’t get any better than that. I remember Dolly at the sound board and she’s just singing and having fun. She’s an incredible talent. She can do country, pop, and R&B. Just watching her do her thing was inspiring, and she really is one of the nicest people in all of show business." 

For Carter it was a full circle experience. "All those rare warming up moments with Kris and George that were amazing. To be able to share all of that with my dad is something I’ll cherish forever. I remember he would say something like ‘that’s the stuff right there’, because he knew we were doing something amazing.”

It would be another six years before she put out any new material. 'Southern Way of Life' (2013) was released on her own label Little Nugget Records. "Again, my focus was being a mom. I did shows and wrote songs. I did what I had to do to pay the bills."

'You and Tequila' a song she co-wrote with Berg back in 2003 became a big hit for Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter in 2010, earning a nomination for Song of the Year at the 2011 CMA Awards. "That was a nice surprise. As a songwriter you want artists that will pour their soul into a song and make it theirs. Kenny really connected with the song."

A long time Christian Carter admits she struggles with career, songwriting, and how she presents herself. “No matter what we do we are wrestle with our faith. Songs like ‘You and Tequila’ represent real life, our struggle with love and relationships, and ultimately the decisions we all make. I’ve always enjoyed songwriting.”

Her time in the spotlight has had its share of ups and downs, but it is her faith in God that has kept her centered. "This is a tough business to hold on to core values but I understand God has a sense of humor and expects us to have fun. You just can't forget who is in control and who we serve when it's all said and done. No matter what type of work you do, life is not easy but having a relationship with God makes the journey easier."

59 years young, Carter has kept busy over the past 12 years including her weekly Christian themed TGIF podcast. It's her own small way to give back for the many blessings she has received. "I'm just trying to do my part to spread the Word. We all struggle with flesh versus faith."

The YouTube based series began in 2016 with Carter sharing how God established government. "Often, it's just me in my dining room sharing simple conversations with viewers. I'm not trying to be overly reflective, just share stories, pray a little, and include a Word from God." While they were lengthy early on and during COVID she has scaled back. "I've gotten better at it. Now they are about 15 to 20 minutes long."

As far as new music, Carter admits it's up in the air. "I still have songs I've written and co-written with other writers, but some reason just haven't committed to recording them." Perhaps if she was urged on a little more. "I do have a friend who's challenged me to record new material, and I'd love to provide her a time frame, but I just don't want to have that overshadowing me."

For the time being Deana Carter will be content to tour on a yearly basis. She regularly performs her own smaller gigs, and this year she'll enjoy a two month stint Blake Shelton's Friends & Heroes Tour, featuring Trace Adkins, Craig Morton and special guest Emily Ann Roberts. 

Carter jokingly appreciates the irony. "I remember more than 20 years ago Blake was opening for me. Obviously he's gone on to have an incredible run in country music. I know Trace, and I've met Craig. For country music fans this is a epic show, and I'm just super excited to be part of it, and grateful Blake asked me to come along." 

For low country fans Shelton's Friends & Heroes Tour makes a stop at the North Charleston Coliseum on Friday March 14th. For tickets and info visit https://www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com/events/detail/blake-shelton-1 There are several tour stops along the eastern and southeastern United States. For more on the tour overall visit https://www.blakeshelton.com/tour

At the date of my interview with Deana she had recorded her 351st TGIF broadcast. For a link to that Feb 21st episode visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXl2d3s7EGg  For more episodes search Deana Carter on Google or YouTube.