TG Sheppard's country music career includes 20-plus albums and more than a dozen chart-topping singles, but the 71-year-old says that his proudest achievements have nothing to do with his commercial success.

"I’m proud that I’ve made a difference in people’s lives," Sheppard tells The Boot. "When people walk up to you at a concert and say, ‘My mom died last year, and you changed her life with a song,’ that’s touching. Or if somebody walks up to you and says, ‘I fell in love to your song and married the person, and right now we have two beautiful children,’ or whatever. It’s little things like that through your life and career."

The Tennessee native says that he always focuses more on people than any professional accolades.

"I loved playing at the White House for two presidents. I loved that," Sheppard continues. "It’s a great ego boost, but other things that fill you up are the individuals you’ve touched with your music. I love to touch people with a song and make a difference in their life. I love to lift people up. I do it every day.

"My mission in life is to make a difference in someone’s life, if they need encouraging, or if they need prayer," he adds. "Whatever they need to improve their day, that’s my whole thing in life."

Sheppard recently released a new album, Legendary Friends & Country Duets. It is available for purchase on Amazon and iTunes.

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