Easton Corbin’s Career Is on a ‘Roll’

Easton Corbin's first No. 1 single, 'A Little More Country Than That,' put him on the map. Now, his second chart-topper, 'Roll With It' has carried him into award season with a flurry of nominations: three from the Country Music Association and six from the new kid on the block, the American Country Awards.

Easton could not be happier with the way his career has taken off, yet he's not ready to coast. He's been given the seal of approval by a growing number of loyal fans who just can't get enough of the Florida native, who has the sweetest southern drawl this side of George Strait.

The Boot caught up with Easton between gigs recently to talk about dream duets, hypnotizing Brad Paisley and what he wouldn't do for all the money in the world.

Now that you're famous and getting all these award nominations, do you still take out the garbage and do household chores when you get home?

Oh, yeah. I still do all that, believe me. I'll clean the bathrooms, take out the garbage, take the dogs out: your usual stuff. I'm not famous at home or get any special treatment at home, believe me. (laughs)

You're building memories as you go along in your career. Is there one memory from the H20 World Tour with Brad Paisley that you cherish?

One of the coolest things that I got to do out there was when I was in Tampa, which is probably the closest amphitheater to my home, I had a lot of family out. Brad let me come up there on his set while he was doing his acoustic thing, and he actually let me play a song, which was really, really cool. I'll always remember that. It was a cool feeling to be out there in front of all those people and him letting me do that. I sang an old [Merle] Haggard song called, 'Sing Me Back Home.'

Brad finally pranked you on the road. If you had the ability to hypnotize Brad Paisley, what would you make him do?

That's a good question. I'm just not good at that prankin' stuff [laughs]. Oh, I know. I'd make him let me use his jet for a year, and he's got to pay for all the fuel.

The Boot talked to Kix Brooks recently, and asked him which new artists he thinks could go the distance and have a long-term career. He gave us two names: Jamey Johnson and Easton Corbin. How do you feel about getting that endorsement?

Oh, I tell you what, Kix is a great guy, and I've had the privilege of meeting him and talking with him a few times. That guy went the distance in the business. He's a veteran. Just to have him say that is a huge honor and a compliment.

There's an old saying: "You couldn't give me enough money to do that." What's that for you?

Let's see. Bungee jump. I'd never do that. I wouldn't do 'Dancing With the Stars.' I'd never do that. I'm not much of a dancer. I've got two left feet, that's what I've got. [laughs]

Whose cell number do you wish you had?

I wish I had Merle Haggard's cell phone number. Of course I don't know what I'd say if I called him up. I'd probably be speechless. If I had it, I probably wouldn't call him.

Finish this sentence: When I get in a bad mood, my wife ...

... tries to make me laugh.

When was the last time you put your foot in your mouth?

Every day. Every time I open my mouth. I just squeeze by. My nine lives here are about to give out. [laughs]

Whose your dream team to tour with?

I'd have to say Haggard. That would be awesome. Just to be out there and do some shows with him would be awesome. If I got on the Grand Ole Opry stage with Merle Haggard, I couldn't think of anything much better than that.

What's your most obsessive-compulsive habit?

Probably when we have somebody sick on the bus, I Lysol everything. I just do not want to get sick.

Do you have a junk drawer at home?

Do I have a drunk, a junk drawer at home? Yeah, I think everybody's got a drunk, junk -- I can't even talk today, you're going to think I'm drunk [laughs]. Yeah, I think everybody's got a junk drawer. There's like scissors, tape, loose change, glue and a bunch of receipts in it. You know how it is when you get a bunch of receipts or something, you'll just stuff it in there, and say, 'I'll get it later.' You know exactly where to go when you want to find something.

You may be too young to make a bucket list, but if you had one, what would be at the top of that list?

On top of the list would be to do a duet with George Strait, and I'd like to sit down and have a conversation with Haggard; I'd like to take guitar lessons from Brent Mason; I'd like to travel the world; learn how to sail.

Would you rather change something in your past or know what's in your future?

Probably change what's in my past because I tell you what, if you knew your future, it might scare you.