I was born and raised in Franklin County, Indiana and spent the days of my boyhood engulfed in a rich community of family members and a fascinating cast of characters. I often miss those days and I have found that writing songs has been a good way for me to cope with the memories as well as keep the wonderful stories of my family and neighbors alive. Those songs have turned into Hoosierman
While all of these songs are specific to where I grew up, I think just about anyone can relate to the matriarchal wisdom of Phyllis, Georgia, Lucy and Me, the complexities of war and PTSD in Old Man Hunter, the love between a boy and his dog in The Chronicles of Harvey & Gabe, and the warm comfort of Neighbors.
I was incredibly excited to involve my grandmother, Glenna Edwards. She is a magnificent poet, pianist, and singer and a huge influence on me. It was a joy to record with her.
The album cover is from a family photo-shoot back in 1997 or 1998. I am proudly wearing my red cowboy boots that we got from my aunt Genova's western wear store in Metamora. I am holding hands with my grandpa Norman Crain and grandma Lucy Crain. Behind Norman, you can see the top of my favorite tree in the world; our beloved apple tree. We climbed it until the bark was rubbed off and it only produced apples the size of a fishing bobber. We all found it to be pretty symbolic when the tree fell down the day I moved away from Franklin County with my new bride and a new career in Nashville, TN. I think this picture, between my Mamaw and Papaw, my two favorite people in the world, sums up the lovely boyhood I experienced in Franklin County. I am glad the apple tree made it into the picture.
As always, thank you for listening and for supporting a songwriter from little Buena Vista, Indiana; where you'll see a Coke machine, a Christian church, and a four-way stop.
Much Love,
Caleb Christopher Edwards