Tim Culpepper was born in Jackson, Mississippi to Elwyn (AKA Curly) and Judy Culpepper. An everyday blue collar family, Tim’s daddy drove a truck and his mom was a nurse. At an early age they moved to Montgomery, AL. where he was raised and there developed his gospel and country music background. Influenced by his dad’s playing and his extensive music collection, he started playing guitar at age 10. Tim was especially influenced by the Western Swing sound of Bob Wills and the hardcore honky-tonk country of George Jones and Merle Haggard. Like millions of others, Elvis Presley was a major influence; and in particular, the charisma and stage presence that was demonstrated in his live performances. Curly, Tim’s father, played in honky-tonks and on many local radio stations in the late 1950s and 1960s. Along with his passion for music, family, and God, Tim has a love and respect for our country. Following graduation from high school, he joined the United States Navy. He served two years before returning in 1988 to work with his father in a local truck driving business while also attending a local college obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Finance. In 1990-91, Tim became lead singer of a band called The Silver Eagle Band in Montgomery, AL. The band began playing for local clubs, parties, and at special events. The Silver Eagle Band had an impressive local following and Tim played in Montgomery and the surrounding areas for the next 15 years. In April 2006, Tim and his wife, Jeanette, moved to Nashville, TN. to further their respective careers in country music. Like many other country artists who come to Nashville, the couple sought a deeper meaning with their music. In 2005, Tim released his first independent album Never Look Back. “At that time, my wife and I had not had much experience in professional songwriting. The album was more of an artist perspective, and was an attempt at getting recognized for my vocal ability and performance by having a quality demo of music from seasoned songwriters. “ Now, Culpepper is poised to release his sophomore indie disc Closer to Home. This album is closer to his traditional roots and expresses him and his wife more as songwriters. The new album, to be released late 2008, was produced by Tim, his wife Jeanette Marie Culpepper. This albums’ focus is on the originality of the music and songwriting talent the couple share. “It was more important to us to be creative and feel a connection to the songs. It just feels more personal. We usually try to write “real life” country music, whether it is something we have experienced or what people in general live through in everyday life.” When asked what his songwriting meant to him, Tim said, “It means everything. It’s what I love. When you create something and watch it develop into something you are proud of, you feel a sense of personal closeness. And it is especially gratifying if it touches or gets a message across to someone else.” One of the highlights for Culpepper was the opportunity to meet Chely Wright, a well known female vocalist in country music, and play for her on the Grand Ole Opry. Speaking of that experience, Culpepper said, “It has always been a dream of mine to get to play on the Opry and a time in my life that I will always cherish. I feel honored that I was able to do something that some people who are in this business may never get the chance to experience. They made it special. Chely introduced everybody in the band, but since it was my first time, she called me up front and introduced me in the famous circle from the Rhyman Auditorium.” They performed one of her most famous songs, “Single White Female” as a cover song. Since this experience Tim has also had the chance to play with other artist such as Ken Mellons, Daryle Singletary, and Jeff Bates among other well known artists. Couple his captivating vocal talent with the ability to collaborate and produce powerful songs will no doubt prove Closer to Home won't be the last album we see from Tim Culpepper.