Chris Sparks Biography QUICK STATS Full Name: Christopher Lee Sparks Born: August, 26th Resides: Nashville, Tennessee Education: BSBA in Marketing & MBA Genre: Chris prefers not to be classified. While a lot of his current music is traditional country, Chris also writes hard rock, classic rock, acoustic rock, blues and anything else that comes to mind. Other Professions: Co-Founded one of the largest network of business sites in the world. They have successfully created relationships with the largest companies and ad agencies in America and forged partnerships with the largest brands on the web. Record Label - SPARKS Records. Chris has started his own record label to allow him to run his own career and record whatever he decides to write including country, rock, blues and soul. (Visit SparksRecords.com) Publishing Company - Barstool Cowboy Entertainment. Chris writes all of his songs and owns all of his publishing. Management & Booking - Chris Sparks Entertainment. With his vast business experience, marketing savvy and education, Chris actually enjoys handling the business side of his music. Marketing & Promotions - SparksPromotions.com Management - ChrisSparks.net Booking - SparksConcerts.com Philanthropy - Chris Sparks Foundation. Chris is starting a foundation to support his charities. He writes and records songs specifically for each charity. (Visit ChrisSparks.org) Marital Status: Single, never married, never even proposed. Kids: None Country Backup Band: The Barstool Cowboys (Trademarked) Rock Band: Badlove (Trademarked) Favorite Concerts: I've been to hundreds, but here are some of my favorite: David Lee Roth Eat'em and Smile & Skyscraper Tours, Judas Priest Defenders of the Faith Tour, Tesla, Reba (1996 & 1999), Kiss (2000), AC/DC (2001). My favorite country concerts would be Tracy Byrd, Chris LeDoux, Mark Chesnutt and Clay Walker. Concerts I'd like to see - Tom Jones, Elvis' new comeback tour :), Clapton, Stones, Bob Dylan, Jason Mraz, Pete Yorn, Matchbox 20, Train, Lenny Kravitz, Nelly. Influences: I listen to almost everything. I believe the best musicians and writers open themselves up to all genres. So my CD player is just as likely to have Nelly, Led Zeppelin, Otis Redding, Train and Jason Mraz as it is to have country artists. I have hundreds of influences. So, I'll list some of my favorites. Country Influences: George Strait, Tracy Byrd, Clay Walker, Mark Chesnutt, Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Dolly Parton, Mel Tillis, Don Williams, Jerry Kilgore. Classic Rock: Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Tesla, Mr Big, David Lee Roth, The Doors, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Elvis, Tom Jones, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Beatles, Van Hagar, Bob Dylan. New Rock: Jason Mraz, Gavin Degraw, James Blunt, Daniel Powter, Jack Johnson, Matchbox 20, Train, Pete Yorn, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Harper. Soul: Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Barry White & Al Green. Latin: Ricky Martin & Enrique Eglesias Guitar Influences: Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Clapton, Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Brent Mason, Brent Rowan and the guitarists for the bands above. Favorite Producers: Bob Rock, Michael Barbiero, Kevin Elson, Ted Templeman, Scott Hendricks, James Stroud, Tony Brown, Tim Dubois and the self-producers from above. Business Influences: My father Clothes: My lifestyle requires that I dress in several different ways. I honestly feel just as comfortable in a suit and tie, Wranglers or casual. But when it comes time to cowboy up, there's only one way to go. So, I turn to my friends and sponsors at Wrangler and Resistol for their best: Cowboy Hats: Black Resistol 20x. Size: 7 1/4 Boots: Ariat Black Full Quill Ostrich Roper-Toe. Size: 9 1/2 D Jeans: Wrangler Cowboy CUt - Gold Buckle style so they stretch. Belts: Ferrini Black Ostrich Skin. Shirts: Wrangler Mainstream Shirts: Perry Ellis, Claiborne, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole & Michael Kors. Jeans: Perry Ellis, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Guess, 7 for All Mankind & Adriano Goldschmied. Shoes: Born, Kenneth Cole, Steve Madden, Ralph Lauren, Rockport, Cole Haan & Sketchers. Jewelry: I'm not a jewelry kind of guy at all! I don't even wear a watch. I can't stand to have anything around my wrist or on my hands. That likely comes from playing guitar. But, I will be wearing some cool new buckles. Does that count? Favorite Foods: Although, I've tried to eat well all my life, I've been on a real health kick lately to make sure I am ready for photo shoots and performing. So, I've been favoring fruits, 100% fruit juice, water, all natural and organic foods. But, here are a few of my favorites: Dole 100% Juice - Pineapple, Pineapple Orange, Berry Blend, Orange Peach-Mango. Ocean Spray 100% Juice - Cranberry, White Cranberry, Cranberry & Pacific Raspberry, Cranberry & Concord Grape, Cranberry & Mixed Berry. Mott's 100% Apple Juice. Simply Orange 100% Orange Juice, Low Pulp. Kashi & Cascadian Farms Cereals, Oatmeal and Granola Bars. IZZE Sparkling Juice - 100% Juice and Sparkling Water. No unhealthy additives. A great alternative to soft drinks. Meals: Simple southern foods. Chicken goes with everything. Ice Cream: Can't eat it right now. But when I do, I like Edy's Vanilla Bean, Mint Chocolate Chip & Heavenly Hash. Restaurants: Village Tavern, Longhorn, Laddie & Dukes, Chick-fil-a & Jimmy John's Favorites: Sports: Weight lifting, running & tennis. Truck: GMC Z-71 Crew Cab Car: Corvette, BMW Z8, BMW 6-Series, Boxster, Ferrari, etc. These are what I like, not what I have! Actors & Comedians: Richard Gere, Sean Connery, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, John Stewart, Damon Wayons, Richard Pryor & George Carlin. Movie: I have over 500 movies in my house. It's hard to narrow it down. Quote: Success is a journey not a destination.