Darryl Worley topped the charts with three #1 hits, “Have You Forgotten, “I Miss My Friend,” and “Awful, Beautiful Life,” and recorded a string of top 20 country music hits. It all began in Hardin County, TN, where his musical talent was forged on his family’s front porch. 

Worley’s blue-collar roots ring true in his songs and stories. His dad worked at the area paper mill before being ordained as a United Methodist minister. His mom, who Worley describes as a “prayer warrior,” always sang in the church choir and played a key role in his love for music.

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Country music artist Darryl Worley & Southern Americana producer/host Paul Stanley record episodes around the kitchen table in Darryl’s farmhouse. Both grew up in Hardin County, TN

The family moved around following the call of his dad’s ministry during his early teen years. By the time he was a senior, Worley had returned to his home community and graduated from Hardin County High School in 1982. Although he began playing the guitar and other instruments as a child, few of Worley’s classmates knew the extent of his musical gifts.

It was those formative years growing up in the Pyburn community that Worley had big dreams. But it wasn’t a career in music. He had aspirations of becoming a doctor.

Worley spent his first two undergraduate years at Martin College in nearby Pulaski, TN. From there, he transferred to the University of North Alabama, near the magical, musical town of Muscle Shoals and Fame Recording Studios. However, the young student focused on his arduous courses while earning a biology degree. It wasn’t until after he graduated that Worley allowed his love of songwriting and performing to blossom. 

Under the direction of Fame Studios‘ legendary founder, Rick Hall, Worley worked diligently to develop his songwriting skills. Others, such as Larry Roser in Savannah, TN, and Jimmy Pyle of nearby Mississippi, encouraged him to pursue his recording career in Muscle Shoals and Nashville. Steve Bigbee of Tuscumbia, Alabama, was also instrumental in Worley’s early development.

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With the DreamWorks Records release of his debut album, Hard Rain Don’t Last, featuring the songs, “A Good Day to Run” and “Second Wind,” Worley built the foundation of a loyal fan base.

Darryl Worley relaxes on while playing one of his many hits

But it was the release of his albums in 2002 and 2003 that sent Worley to the top of country music charts. 

“I Miss My Friend,” a heart-wrenching ballad claimed the number one spot for several weeks. Worley’s biggest hit came in 2003 when he released “Have You Forgotten,” a patriotic anthem that inspired a generation of American troops sent overseas to fight America’s war on terrorism. 

Worley’s life is easily found in the songs he sings. “Awful, Beautiful Life,” Worley admits, contains lines about his immediate family. “Sounds Like Life to Me” is another. It’s a story reflecting the struggles of an average, working-class guy, much like the lives of the people Worley holds dear.

Even though Worley was a late-bloomer to the country music charts, his longevity is a testament to his authentic heart and lifestyle, his deep love for his family, and devotion to his country and community. Part one of this two-part episode provides a glimpse into Worley’s legitimacy and integrity, both on and off the stage.