PARROT TALK

 With a raucous near-two hour set that belied the collective age of those on stage The World Famous Headliners treated Parrot regulars and out-of-town songwriter-types to a blend of everything from stomping rockabilly to honky tonk, barroom weepers and modern country barn-burners all the while delivering cliche-free, hook-filled lyrics that made you shake your head in a I-been-there-brother-sort of way.
As individual songwriters, The World Famous Headliners create Nashville’s heart and soul. After all, they’ve supplied shooting stars like Trisha Yearwood (“Powerful Thing”), Garth Brooks (“Two Pina Coladas”), Don Williams (“Send Her Roses”) and countless others with hits a generation deep. Now, they’re stepping into their own spotlight. The World Famous Headliners – Music City’s premier songwriting think tank led by Al Anderson, Shawn Camp and Pat McLaughlin – are currently finishing their first album together with stunning results. “Pat may be the best vocalist I’ve ever been around,” Camp says, “and Al is a mind-blowing guitarist.”

Big Al Anderson and our own Will Thompson

Anderson’s innovative guitar work has long fortified his reputation as one of Nashville’s finest tunesmiths. 
In fact, “Big Al” entered consciousness with rock fans long before he popped up on country charts. The 63-year-old started with the The Wilweeds (1967’s “No Good to Cry”) and for nearly a quarter century fueled the beloved cult band NRBQ. In 1993, the year Anderson exited NRBQ to focus on sobriety and songwriting, Musician magazine recognized him as one of the century’s Top 100 guitarists.  Clearly, the move away from NRBQ paid creative dividends: Anderson earned the BMI Writer of the Year award in 2000.
At 44, youngest Headliner Shawn Camp already has made his own significant impact on mainstream country charts.

The World Famous Headliners gave a jaw-dropping, electrifying performance last night

 “Shawn sings, plays and writes up there in the fine, rarified air where very few can breathe,” Clark says. The accomplished instrumentalist, who has accompanied luminaries including the Osborne Brothers and John Prine, frequently backs seamless lyrics with his fiery fiddle, guitar and mandolin riffs.