Will Hoge Honors Hometown Roots in Nashville
I have three bumper stickers on my car: one for marathons, another for triathlons and a small green square that just says "Will Hoge." The last one is pretty faded by now but I keep it on there because I still consider Hoge (which rhymes with "rogue") to be one of Nashville's most talented performing songwriters. Despite his roots in Nashville, he's been making a living on the rock scene for about a decade and I think he's been an excellent ambassador for the city while he's out there paying his dues. (Lots and lots and lots of dues.) We nearly lost him in a scooter accident last summer and a full recovery seemed unlikely. Thank God he staged a remarkable comeback, both physically and creatively -- his new album, The Wreckage, is the most rewarding album he's ever made, and definitely one of my favorites of 2009. During a rare break from the road, he brought by two members of his band to perform a few acoustic songs and we recorded this one - "Even if It Breaks Your Heart" -- for the CMT blog. It's about staying focused on your dreams, which sounds like a fine New Year's resolution to me.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Michael Lilly says:
Just tried to play the video, but it didn’t play. Am I too early? I’m curious. I wanna hear Mr. Hoge.
Michael Lilly says:
After I submitted the ‘wouldn’t play comment’ I clicked on it and it played. I’ll be!
Dan says:
Love that song, and the album isn’t too shabby, either. He’s the real deal. Good call, Craig.
Redmaz says:
Welcome back Will. I know it’s been a long road to recovery.
JAfan says:
I first heard this song when it was the free single on iTunes and it has soon become one of the favorites in my playlists.
Kristi Mackay says:
Been a fan of Will’s for years now and he is truly amazing and to see him live is an experience you will treasure forever! I live in the Pacific Northwest and he doesn’t get this way too often, but those of you that have a chance to see him a lot, do it! Also check out his brother Josh Hoge…talented brothers indeed!
Todd says:
I have been a fan of Will’s since I first saw him at Dancing in the District about 10 years or so ago. You won’t find a more humble, sincere, appreciative musician/singer/songwriter/semi-celebrity anywhere. He is equal parts gentleman, storyteller and rock n roller. I hope that his music finds its way into many heads and hearts, as Will truly is a prize in the world of music. Y’all check him out!
Andreya says:
I have been a fan of Will for many years and he just seems to be getting better with every album! A true performer I recommend if you have the chance go see him live, he never fails to put on a great show.
Shelley says:
Do yourself a favor if you haven’t and go see Will Hoge live, it’s an unbelievable experience. It’s so obvious that he does what he does not for fame or fortune but because he loves it, and that makes something that wonderful even better.
Eli Young Band’s "Guinevere" Rides to Radio | Fan Country says:
[...] also halfway through making a new record for Republic Nashville (with a cover of Will Hoge’s “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”), yet everybody’s hoping that “Guinevere” will enjoy a long ride up the charts [...]