Like many artists, Tim was inspired by the sounds of Bob Dylan and the folk music boom of the 1960's. His musical interest took a giant leap forward when he witnessed the U.S. televsion debut of The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. At that moment he realized his life's ambition and began to teach himself to play the guitar that was a gift from his older brother and musical mentor, David.
By the mid-70's, Briggs had moved to Florida and was touring with a Christian group, when he was asked to join Christian music's most popular group, Petra. Unfortunately, his growing disenchantment with the music business of the time prevented him from making music his lifelong career choice. Music, however, was still the love of his life.
By the early-80's, Briggs returned with brother David to form a southern rock group called the Bonnie Gringo Band. They toured extensively throughout the southeast and recorded an album titled One Eyed Dan, the title of which serves as subject matter for a song included on his Intersound/Pro Group debut. Once again Briggs removed himself from the music business, deciding to complete his bachelor's degree in art at Indiana University. He was on his way to obtaining a master's degree as well, when he returned to Florida to teach art in elementary school during the day while still playing his own brand of southern rock in local clubs at night.
In 1987 Tim formed the band that bears his name with bassist John Sullivan and drummer Doug Frame. In fact, the band's rhythm section has remained with him to this day, and were accompanying Briggs on that fateful day when they were performing for the Chamber of Commerce in Boca Grande, Florida. On that particular day, all were shocked to find out that Teddy Gentry of the group Alabama was in the audience. The anxious group took the stage and put on the performance of their lives, concentrating especially on Tim's original compositions. After the performance, an exhausted Briggs was rejuvenated at the sight of Teddy Gentry walking towards him, trying to get his attention. By the end of their conversation, Gentry made it clear that he was interested in producing Briggs, who as a long-time fan of Alabama, was more than interested in working with Gentry.
The pair began working together almost immediately by writing songs and recording in the studio. They worked tirelessly for three years, encountering many obstacles. Even though Briggs possessed a strong musical mentor in Gentry, and benefitted from Gentry's many associations, a need to put food on the table forced his return to the world of academics.
After only a few months had passed Briggs received an offer to join Alabama on the road playing guitar. This temporary opportunity resulted in a permanent situation, and allowed Gentry and Briggs to continue their work on a constant basis, now that the pair worked together for months at a time. Finally, after extensive work, things were beginning to look up for Briggs, who was beginning to play his own music during Alabama shows while the rest of the group took a break.
With a clear vision of a project in their minds, Briggs and Gentry along with songwriter/producer Robert Byrne, entered Javalina Studios in Nashville in early 1997 to put together the artist's self titled debut album for Intersound Country/ Pro Group Records. Recorded with some of Nashville's finest musicians, and co-produced by Gentry and Byrne, Tim Briggs, also features the newest members of Briggs' touring band, his sons. Ben and Jamie both play guitar and provide backing vocals on the album, which features many Briggs-Gentry compositions that display the artist's musical versatility.
From tender, heartfelt ballads, to humorous pop country fare,Tim Briggs showcases the folk,rock, and country influences that have defined Briggs' writing and performance style. Songs like "No Difference" and "Everything She Needs" are wonderfully performed with a style reminiscent of the early Eagles, while songs like "Coupe de Ville" and "She's A Country Girl" quite simplyrock. The first single from Tim Briggs, "Couch Potato", displays Briggs' wit and knack for writing a great hook. This song, combined with a hilariously exaggerated video, will certainly make us all reflect on the little bit of "couch potato" that is in everyone.
With the release of his debut project, Tim Briggs has come full circle in making the music that has inspired his personal direction. His wealth of experience and diverse musical background are well-documented on this freshman effort, making a clear statement about the future of country music. In many ways Briggs understands that the time he spent as a "weekend warrior" in Florida clubs and six years and 600-plus dates on the road with country music's most popular group, have lead to the culmination of his dream. The sounds of that dream are to be heard forever on Tim Briggs.
