NASHVIILE, TN. (RCA) - RCA's gravel-voiced singer and songwriter
Jeff Bates claims that country music fans are the best in the world, and has even said a few times that his are the best of all. On Christmas 2004 they may have proved him right.
Jeff is one of the most generous country artists, and spends a great deal of time with fans after his concerts. He wants to shake as many hands as possible, and put fans' faces with their names. Jeff has so far chosen not to start his own official fan club and thereby foregoes collecting membership fees. His philosophy is one of inclusion, and anyone who comes to see him in concert or buys his album automatically "belongs" and can attend his meet-and-greets.
"I love and appreciate my fans and give them, along with everybody else who shows up, as much time and attention as possible at concerts," says Jeff.
A large number of those fans are so devoted to Jeff, they decided to start their own club with a website (www.jeffbatesfans.com) to share their passion for the Mississippian and his music. The collective made up of people from across the U.S. is known as "Women on a Mission," a lyric from Jeff's song "Lovin' Like That." The group has helped raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and spearheaded a drive to benefit "Toys for Tots." (Just for the record, there are many male members of the club, too.)
Imagine Jeff's utter amazement on Christmas when his producer and guitar player (and WOAM co-conspirator) Kenny Beard presented the speechless entertainer with an album of cards and letters from the fans along with a gorgeous cherry sunburst, top-of-the-line electric guitar.
"I can't tell you how surprised and humbled I was," exclaims Bates. "All these people, from all over the country gave me something I would not have given myself.
"I've never received anything like this in my life. I cried like a baby! Wouldn't you? Everybody has a dream and this is one more example of my fans sharing it with me and together making it our dream. It's a gift that not only will I cherish forever, but I intend on playing at every show we do!"
Bates' current single, 'Long Slow Kisses,' is #32 on the R&R chart and 37 on Billboard. The song is the latest release from his critically acclaimed Rainbow Man album, which received rave reviews from Entertainment Weekly (Grade: A), USA Today, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Dallas Morning News, Billboard and many others since its release.
