Bill Anderson Worried About Killing Sugarland’s Career?

Bill Anderson, with more than 50 years of success to his credit as a songwriter, continues to be just as prolific today as he was when his career began. With recent CMA-winning hits such as the Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss duet, 'Whiskey Lullaby,' and George Strait's 'Give It Away' on his long list of successes, it's red-hot duo Sugarland on whom the Country Music Hall of Famer currently has his eye trained.

Their latest hit, 'Joey,' which Bill penned with the duo, caused him more than a little anxiety. "I was a little confused about this song," he admits to LimeWire. "Sugarland has been so hot, and they've had several No. 1 records right in a row, but this record has been so different for them that it didn't move up the charts as quick as some of their others have. I don't want to be known as the writer that killed Sugarland's career!"

Still, in spite of it's slower pace, the writer stands behind the tune. "I think after people listen to the song a couple of times and hear what it's about, they come away with a different feeling about it. It's one of the two or three songs that gets the biggest response in their concert show, so I think it's a case of people listening to it. It's actually got a hidden message in there, if you take time to seek it and hear it out."

Sugarland isn't the only act still interested in Bill Anderson's formidable writing skills. Kenny Chesney recorded one of his songs, 'Demons,' for his last album, and he has two songs on Joe Nichols upcoming album, including the title track, 'Old Things New.'

Often dubbed "Whispering" Bill, for his gentle singing voice and often recited lyrics -- typified by his 1963 No. 1 smash, 'Still' -- as an artist he has nearly 50 albums to his credit. He's currently working on another solo project, but admits even after all this time, it isn't easy.

"When you've been making records and writing songs for as long as I have, you have to reach deep to try to find something you haven't done. You don't want to copy yourself."

Bill, who will turn 72 next month, has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1961.