Sammy Kershaw specializes in modernizing old-fashioned honk tonk by singing with a light, friendly touch and a hint of the sepia-toned warmth of ’70s soft rock. He had a streak of Top Ten Country hits in the early ’90s, showcasing his playful aspects similar to George Jones and bringing pub rock standard Third Rate Romance to the country charts. His versatility was evident in songs like ‘She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful’ which combined twang with pop elements. Transitioning from country-pop to a traditionalist sound in the 2000s, Kershaw maintained a successful career on the road with occasional studio returns focusing on his Louisiana R&B roots.
Born in 1958 in Kaplan, Louisiana, Sammy Kershaw grew up in Cajun country. He started his musical journey at a young age, touring the Southern clubs and honky tonks as a teenager. Despite facing personal challenges and struggles with drugs and alcohol, Kershaw’s dedication to music led him to a breakthrough opportunity with Mercury Records in 1990. His debut album ‘Don’t Go Near the Water’ marked the beginning of his chart-topping success, leading to multiple platinum albums and memorable hits like ‘She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful’ and ‘Queen of My Double Wide Trailer’.
Throughout his career, Sammy Kershaw’s music evolved, blending hard honky tonk with contemporary country and adult contemporary styles. Despite ups and downs in his journey with different record labels, Kershaw’s passion for music remained unwavering. From running for political office to releasing successful albums like ‘I Won’t Back Down’ and ‘Swamp Poppin’,’ Kershaw’s commitment to his Louisiana roots and love for music shone through in every performance, showcasing his talent and versatility as a respected artist in the country music industry.