Tennessee-born troubadour Larry Fleet grew up on a stack of records spinning Merle Haggard, Otis Redding, Willie Nelson and Marvin Gaye. Fleet, a thoughtful songwriter with a knack for one-liners, an ear for a sturdy hook and a powerhouse voice that strikes like a match, was working blue-collar jobs to make ends meet before landing his recording contract with Big Loud Records. He’s been turning heads among fans and critics with albums full of soon-to-be-classics, including 2021’s tribute to the music that raised him, “Stack of Records,” his aptly titled 2019 debut, “Workin’ Hard,” and his third effort, “Earned It,” out now. The website Saving Country Music puts it simply: “If you’re looking for the future of traditional country music, then look no further than ... Larry Fleet.” A true hard-working patriot that loves duck hunting as much as he loves music, Fleet is everything that embodies the NRA Country brand of patriotism, love of the outdoors and family. Lisa Supernaugh with NRA Country caught up with Larry for a quick moment to ask him a few questions. For more about Larry and his amazing music, tour schedules and more, go to larryfleet.com or you can find him on most social-media platforms.
LS: Tell us about your inspiration for “Muddy Water.”
LF: I was standing in my waders in some flooded timber in Arkansas one morning, just looking at how muddy the water was from us walking around in it, and it occurred to me that I’ve always been around muddy water. Some people grow up around the beach or pretty lakes, but I always grew up around muddy rivers and backwaters. I thought about all the things I’ve done around it ... I got baptized in the Tennessee River with my wife and I’ve fished in it my whole life, so it’s just been a part of my life.
LS: Please share a favorite memory of hunting or fishing with us.
LF: My dad took me and my brother turkey hunting one time and we all sat in the same tree; I was probably 12 or 13. Three big toms came out in the field. Me and my brother shot and killed our turkeys, but my dad missed his, so he jumped and started chasing after the turkey, but never did hit it!
LS: You are a true family man; do you get your children in the outdoors with you when you aren’t touring?
LF: My kids love being outdoors. My little girl, Stella, likes riding the four-wheeler with me and playing in the creek. My boy, Waylon, likes riding four-wheelers, fishing, riding his pony and playing ball—and honestly anything outside. I took Waylon deer hunting this past season and we saw a bunch of deer. He really liked it, but the one day he ended up sleeping in, I killed a big buck, so he wasn’t too happy about that.
LS: You take exercise seriously, but we heard there was a time when you were playing a lot of football and working out wasn’t your favorite thing. What changed your mind on that?
LF: I always hated it when I played sports because I just would’ve rather been out doing something else. I started getting serious about it because riding around on a tour bus all the time can be rough. I found it was good for my whole body and my mind. My wife and I both work out three or four days a week, if not more, and it’s become a part of our lives.
LS: What does freedom mean to you?
LF: Freedom to me is me being able to take care of and protect my family. Freedom is being able to make a life for you and your family by working hard and staying the course. Now, what is real freedom? Jesus is freedom. He died on a cross for our sins, and, through Him, anybody can be free and really experience true freedom.
NRA Country is a lifestyle and a bond between the country music community and hard-working Americans everywhere. It’s powered by pride, freedom, love of country, respect for the military and the responsibilities of protecting the great American life. For more information visit nracountry.com, follow us on Facebook facebook.com/nracountry, Twitter @NRACountry, and NRA_Country on Instagram.
