Q & A: Charlie Daniels Attributes the Grace of God as the Reason for His Career Longevity

By Timothy Yap Jul 21, 2015 04:36 AM EDT

On August 12, Charlie Daniels' 40th Anniversary Volunteer Jam will usher in music fans from all over the world to Nashville's Bridgestone Arena for a historic, colossal concert to benefit U.S. veterans in need through the (501)(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Journey Home Project.

Performing at the Jam includes Charlie Daniels and The Charlie Daniels Band, Wynonna Judd, Terri Clark,Ted Nugent, Trace Adkins, Alabama, Montgomery Gentry, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tracy Lawrence, Travis Tritt, Craig Morgan, Phil Vassar, Lee Greenwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, Colt Ford, Michael W. Smith, The Grascals, The Kentucky Headhunters, Ryan Weaver, The Outlaws and Lee Roy Parnell. In addition, several head-turning SURPRISE guests will add even more excitement to the event.

We are honoured to catch up with Daniels for this interview.

Hallels: I believe the proceeds go to help the Journey Home Project. Can you tell us a little about this project?

CD: Journey Home Project is an organization to help assist our veterans in the transition between military service and civilian life.

Hallels: With such a long career that you have had, what's the secret of your longevity?

CD: The grace of God and a deep and abiding love for my profession.

Hallels: Recently, you have released a tribute album to Bob Dylan. Why Dylan?

CD: I am a big Dylan fan and wanted to pay tribute to him and his contribution to music and the influence he's had on my career.

Hallels: You are also a man deeply rooted in the Christian faith and you have had a few Christian albums. Any plans of releasing another Gospel project?

CD: I intend to as time allows.

Hallels: With so many songs and albums you have had released, have you ever had requests to sing one of your album cuts that you have forgotten? And do you have a favorite song from one of your albums that was never released as a radio single?

CD: Have had requests for songs we've not done in so long, I can't remember and there's a lot of songs I like a lot that have never been played much on the radio, couldn't narrow it down to one.