John Osborne says he and his brother T.J.‘s blue collar upbringing is reflected in their music.

The siblings are the reigning ACM and CMA Vocal Duo of the year. These days they don’t likely worry about how they will pay the bills, but that was not always the case.

John says that growing up their family didn’t have much money, but that didn’t stop them from enjoying life.

“We tried to have the biggest time possible with what little we had,” he explains, “Songs like ‘Rum’ explains that – it’s about, we can’t afford to go to the beach, but we’re gonna live it up like we’re at the beach.”

Other songs demonstrate the connection the two brothers have to doing what you have to do to get by.

“You know, ‘Pawn Shop,’ for example,” John shares, “It’s like we understand what it’s like when you have to sell what you have because you can’t afford to eat or keep the lights on.”

Because of their life growing up with very little that John and T.J. really seem to appreciate getting the chance to live their dreams of being country music stars. I believe that translates in their music and is a big part of why their music is connecting with fans.

The duo’s latest single “Shoot Me Straight” conveys what I feel is another blue collar mentality. It basically states tell me the truth so that we can deal with it and move on. Watch the music video for “Shoot Me Straight” at the bottom of the page. Listen for the song along with the other hit songs from the Brothers Osborne on B104.

Keep making music that is true to your life experiences and to the hardworking men and women around the country John and T.J. and the success will continue to come for you.

By: Buck Stevens