Singer-songwriter Dustin Sonnier has had songs on the country charts, but he also knows how to rock. He grew up with his dad listening to Merle Haggard, George Jones, Ray Price, and Keith Whitley. When his dad went to work, his mom turned on Van Halen.
The mix of influences makes him compare himself to Hank Williams Jr. on live albums. “He was country, but on that stage, he was coming alive.”
Sonnier can also strap on a guitar on stage and bring an audience alive. Saturday night, he will be performing at the Lamar State College-Orange Foundation’s Boot Scootin’ at the Brown Estate fundraiser. The event begins at 7 with a social hour and barbecue. Then Sonnier and his band, The Wanted, play for dancing.
Sonnier talked with KOGT’s Gary Stelly Wednesday on The Morning Show.
The singer-songwriter had a hit with “Whiskey Makes Her Miss Me” and has finished recording a new album with eight of his original songs. The title “Between the Stones and Jones” can describe his music.
Not only did he grow up listening to the country classics, he listened to the ’90s music that was “up tempo” and mixed in with a new version of the traditional country.
Sonnier is from Vatican, Louisiana, and Saturday will be his third performance in Orange. He was featured on a Fourth of July at the Riverfront Pavilion.
“I always have a good time in Orange and Texas in general because everybody is so nice. They take care of us and they love country music.”
Sonnier has a tattoo of an eagle in a Native American design. In addition, an eagle is on an album on his website. He told Stelly he had the tattoo made before he learned he has American Indian ancestors on his father’s side.
His performance at the Brown Estate will include some classic country, like a version of Conway Twitty’s “Slow Hand,” and originals, like “Missing You in Mississippi,” a song he wrote.
Tickets are still available for Boot Scootin’ by calling 409-553-6955.
-Margaret Toal, KOGT-
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