Legends Bar and Grill in Hamilton, Ohio was destroyed by a fire last August. It should re-open in another month. The Marathon Music Showcase/ Fundraiser for Legends Bar and Grill will be held on Sept. 15 at Froggy’s in Monroe, Ohio. The benefit will help will help Legends Bar and Grill restock so they can re-open. Harold Crain Jr. will be one of nearly 30 musical acts to perform.
When did you start singing? I started singing and songwriting at the age of 33.
How would you describe your music? My music allows me to share my stories and experiences through song with a traditional country sound.
Who are your musical influences? When I first started writing I had Travis Tritt, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Aaron Tippin and Sammy Kershaw in mind as being who I was writing for and who would sound the best performing them.
What is your favorite concert you have attended? Willie Nelson and Friends, private show at the Grand Ole Opry in the late 1990’s.
What made it memorable? I got to put Willie Nelson’s guitar Trigger away at the end of the show, I’ll never forget it.
What is your favorite place to perform? What do you like about it?
I don’t have a particular favorite, but I prefer a small venue but if I ever got to a concert on a grander scale I’d want it to be the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Other than artists, who has been influential in your decision to become a singer? My brother in law, Bill House, teaching me my first 3 chords at 33 and Mr. Eddie Drake from Duck Soup Studios being patient with me as my guitar instructor at Mehas Music, encouraging me to continue writing.
What was the first song you wrote? On the Side of the Road written back in 1995 that I don’t ever play out.
What is your favorite original song? What was the inspiration behind it?
My favorite original song is Walking on the Wilder Side of Country. When I wrote the song I was going through a rough patch in my life and singing this song helped me move through the next door opening in my life.
Anything else you would like to add? Collaborating with other writers and musicians is something that I enjoy doing and want to do more of in the future.
Where can people hear your music?