His latest album “Once in a Lifetime” is set for release on July 31. This is his 15th album. He says that studio albums and live albums are different. “The first one was released in 1977. He says, “Whew, that makes it feel old and irrelevant,” with a chuckle. His live shows are renowned for his easy charm, which is second only to his songs and guitar playing. He refers to the Country Music Association Musician of the year Award, which he has more than enough to last a lifetime. There were ten of them. “I don’t know if I deserved one, but I know that they were appreciated.” His positive outlook on every day is captured in the title track. In the June single, McAnally sings, “I can’t find any reason to stop smiling, come whatever may, because every day is once-in-a-lifetime,” McAnally states that the song was co-written with Drake White, a great country artist on his own. “We met at a local restaurant and had breakfast at different tables. On my way out, he said “Hey” and I replied “Awesome.” Every day is a once in a life time experience. This is how I see it. Every day has been a privilege. I see it as an opportunity to make the world better and do good. That’s how I was raised and I give Mississippi a lot. It’s an important part of my outlook on life.” McAnally is a Hall of Fame composer, but Drake was the one who made that comment: “Aw, man! We need to write that!” McAnally states that McAnally deserves a lot of credit for recognising the potential. It turned out that we both wrote it together and he was kind enough to sing it. He is a far better singer than I am. We had a great time singing together.” Another theme of the song is appreciation. Again. “If you are tempted to be absent …” McAnally, who suffered four heart attacks in the span of three days, nearly three years ago, says that it is not worth the risk. “The men in our family tend to drop in the yard at 60-years old. It’s courtesy, I prefer to say. He says that we don’t want any trouble to anyone.” “We just kind of fell apart. That’s probably what happened three years ago, genetically.” But McAnally got the blockage at 100 percent cleared. This denied the “widowmaker”, his due. McAnally states, “I’m still able to walk a course and play a show,” and that he is in the bonus round. Because of his deep attachment to the conflicts in the news, his parents wouldn’t allow him to watch it growing up. “I don’t think I can stand for anyone to be on the short side of the stick or for people not to get along.” This makes these times difficult. “We must find a way that emphasizes what we share in common. I think we are more capable than ever to achieve that. “Americans are especially blessed to live in America. Earthlings are especially blessed to be here. He says, “We’re in an excellent spot.” He admits that sometimes we take too much for granted. In all his shows, he likes to share some hope with the world. For example, he sings “What a Wonderful World”, which Louis Armstrong made famous. “I try and sing someone else’s positive song but in my own voice, about how proud, how fortunate, and the many things I have to thank for.” McAnally produced Jimmy Buffett’s “Life on the Flip Side” album with Michael Utley. It was a No. 1 country album. 1 country album, and No. 2 pop albums were released in May. Jimmy is my hero. McAnally, who is a long-time Coral Reefer Band member, says that McAnally is proud of everyone of them. “To be a Baby Boomer in the first year and to have a No. It is quite impressive to have a No. 1 album in your seventh decade. It’s an amazing thing.” McAnally finished the project during the COVID pandemic. He then began work on the album for summer. McAnally can be heard in a live recording that he made in his home studio. The pandemic has impacted summer touring and live shows. Another of his point-in-life musings is “Alive and in Between.” It is full of Southern imagery, including kudzu vines, June bugs and religion. It was born in an art show called “Trio” that featured a literary work and a visual artist. The artists then created works in response. McAnally was chosen to be matched with Harrison Scott Key, a Mississippi-raised author. “The World’s Largest Man” is McAnally’s memoir. McAnally grew up in Belmont, and has a Mississippi connection. He wrote beautifully about our state. It brought back many childhood memories and stories about Belmont. It’s not much different from what it was back then. And I don’t see anything that is. “When I go there I’m still 10 years old walking down Main Street,” he said. The introduction to the book is a guitar lick that he has used for years. Its chorus begins with the line, “The clock ticks regardless of whether you laugh or cry.” I don’t care what it means, like a June bug in July,” is a gentle nod towards mortality. McAnally, who is as good-natured and witty as ever, says “Whatever halftime means, I’m over it.” However, he also thanks his Mississippi roots for their influence on his musical success. McAnally lauds the rich history of storytellers (“I don’t know if I’m particularly smart but I was intelligent enough to shut down and listen”) as well as the close-knit community he grew up in. You can see how people need each other in small towns. Because it is your community, a community finds a way to get along. I believe that this gives you a perspective that will benefit you and all those you come in contact with. “I’m so thankful that’s where my roots are.” Watch Mac McAnally’s Zoom Tour interview (x000D) with Marshall Ramsey, Editor-at-Large of Mississippi Today.