Craig Hendricks sees things through the eyes of Deere, John
By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine
When the family farm is placed in jeopardy, the story of a man doing his best to save it becomes Deere, John, a heartfelt song written by Craig Hendricks. Pulled from his debut album, Travelin’ Kind of Man, the singer writes a goodbye letter to his iconic John Deere tractor explaining how there’s outside pressure for him to sell the farm. A clean electric guitar riff kicks off the mid-tempo country tune as Hendricks sings the aching tale of staring at a Dear John letter issued by the bank, “nothing runs deeper than a farmer’s pain, they take one piece at a time, ‘til his whole life’s gone.” In the end, the miracle he was praying for comes through and the farm is saved, along with his prized tractor.
The idea and the obvious play on words have been explored by various artists over the years with the likes of Joe Diffe’s, John Deere Green, The Judds, John Deere Tractor, Jason Aldeans’s, Big Green Tractor as well as the 2015 Keith Urban hit, John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16. Craig’s slant on writing the letter and telling the story through the eyes of the tractor, make this composition unique.
Raised up in the countryside of Sandersville, GA. on a wide variety of music, including Motown, bluegrass, and country, Craig spent his youth honing his playing and songwriting skills after being taught to play guitar by his grandfather, on an old Gibson Dove acoustic. Influenced by George Strait, John Anderson, as well as many others, Hendricks offered this, “I cannot truly say I have a favorite, each has their own unique sound and style that make them who they are. I do not have a greatest song of all time; I like and enjoy numerous artists and their music.”
Craig has charted the EACM charts to #23 with Deere, John and risen to 7th most requested song for Indie Radio. Previously, Craig has seen success as an independent artist both on independent charts and performing across forty-four states, from Alaska to the neon lights of Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee. Hendricks has received numerous accolades for songwriting and is a three-time nominee for best male country artist in Alabama. He has been featured in American Songwriter Magazine, The Sandersville Scene and reviewed in SoundWaves Magazine.