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Highlands Today

Local Makes It Big On Christian Country Scene

Jasmina Meyer/Highlands Today

Dee Andrews, owner of Dee's Place in Sebring, remembers Tommy Brandt's first Christian concert at her restaurant, prior to his making it big and hitting the road. She's proud that the Sebring singersongwriter, who still visits friends and family regularly and sings at Dee's Place, is "still humble."

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By BILL RETTEW JR.

Highlands Today

Published: September 26, 2008

SEBRING - What was a local man going to do when stranded in Indiana after his identity was stolen and bank accounted drained?

Since it was 1983 Sebring High School graduate and nationally-recognized inspirational country musician Tommy Brandt, he thanked Jesus for at least half a tank of gas in the tour bus and $300 cash.

About two years ago, thieves stole Brandt's music awards and financial records from a storage locker in Highlands County. The singer's savings were looted and he was temporarily left with no credit cards. It was perfect fodder for a country music song.

Brandt's first five songs released to radio reached the top of the Christian country charts.

For the October ICM awards (Inspirational Country Music Awards) in Nashville, the singer/songwriter was nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Music Evangelist of the Year.

The singer said he spends two to three weeks at a time, at least twice a year, visiting friends and family in Highlands County, when not working about 200 shows a year.

With his wife, Michelle, and 7-year old son Tommy Brandt II, Brandt rides a million dollar tour bus with "all the comforts of home," including a dishwasher, microwave, trash compactor, satellite television reception and wireless Internet service.

Brandt talked on Wednesday about growing up "kinda shy" and making a "Jekyell and Hyde" transformation when performing "today's country music, with inspirational lyrics," for up to 14,000 fans at a time.

"I've been in Sebring since I was 5, I was just an average Joe there," said Brandt. "I didn't stand out."

He talked about those regular trips home.

"People expect me to have a cowboy hat, blue jeans and cowboy boots, and they're sometimes let down," said Brandt. "They say: 'Oh, you don't look anything like the pictures.'"

Brandt talked about fame, stardom and how "you never know who is going to plaster a picture on the Internet."

"It's a little bit humbling for me," he said during a phone interview. "You've always got to be presentable. You don't just throw on flip-flops and a torn T-shirt. You're kind of held to a higher standard.

Brandt eats out two meals a day and closely watches his weight.

"I'm a lot more self-conscious of my looks," said Brandt. "This redneck country looking type of guy ... uses cleanser and makeup."

About 60 friends and family members attended Brandt's first "Christian" concert performance at Dee's Place on North Ridgewood Drive in Sebring.

Brandt was the first singer to perform at Dee's Place, and owner Dee Andrews remembers the show.

"He has always blown them off the stage," said Andrews on Thursday. "It's a cool feeling, but I'm more proud that he's remained humble through the whole thing."

Brandt was a Blue Streak football player and didn't take up music until after graduation. But he did write poetry and stories.

As a songwriter, who enjoys all types of music - from Led Zeppelin to opera - Brandt referred to himself as a "visionary."

"I see things," he said. "My wife said that I've got a videotape player in my head, all the time. I see it before I write it."

"Most of the things I write about are testimonial things that happen bad in your life and how Christ fixes it - not real straight ahead Bible thumping and not Scripture - I sing of hope and inspiration."

Brandt said he "found Jesus" 24 years ago at the First Baptist Church of Sebring, but "didn't start serving the Lord" until about 10 years ago, after he met his wife, Michelle.

"I went to the other side of the fence and rode as hard as I could," said Brandt. "In the world's eyes, I was making nothing quick.

"(Michelle) is the one who brought me to the dance. I didn't stop dancing, but I'm dancing on a different dance floor."

"I know its kind of a cliche," said the ordained minister. "It changed my life when I started putting Him first and He started putting me first."

While daughter Amanda, 18, doesn't ride the bus with her mom, dad and brother Tommy II, and doesn't dream of a having a career like her father's, her 7-year-old brother has already performed onstage in front of 5,000 people.

Brandt talked about being a role model for his son and others.

"It's neat and keeps you very accountable," said Brandt. "You gotta practice what you preach. If somebody's following in your footsteps, it tells pretty well. You can tell (Tommy II) watches what I do."

The proud papa said Tommy II taps his foot, walks on the stage, and holds the microphone the same way as his father.

Tommy II recorded a CD for the first time. He sang "Away in a Manger" for his father's yet-to-be released Christmas CD.

Brandt talked about making that CD with his son, when Christmas was still far away.

"I had to pull the shades down, turn the A/C down to 40 degrees and play "Jingle Bells," said Brandt.

Bill Rettew Jr. may be contacted at 386-5857 or wrettew@highlandstoday.com

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