Aaron Tippin is truckin' into Cape

Fans should expect to keep on truckin' Sunday night when Aaron Tippin performs at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau.

The singer and songwriter is known for hits such as "There Ain't Nothin' Wrong with the Radio," "That's as Close as I'll Get to Loving You" and "Kiss This" -- all of which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. He said the shows at 6 and 8 p.m. will feature songs from his most recent CD in 2009.

"A set list for the show is usually based around the theme of the tour. This year it is the truckin' theme because of my latest CD 'In Overdrive' that pays tribute to all the truckers out there," Tippin said in an email to the Southeast Missourian.

"We try to plan the most entertaining show we can for the fans. If they don't leave there saying 'wow,' then I haven't done my job," Tippin said.

Calling his music "anthems for the working class," Tippin in 1991 had his first hit single, "You've Got to Stand for Something," become popular with soldiers fighting the Persian Gulf War and rose to No. 6 on the Billboard country chart.

Tippin said he was the first country entertainer to travel with Bob Hope to the Persian Gulf to entertain troops.

"For the past 10 years, I have been honored to travel overseas to perform for ... soldiers during Thanksgiving," Tippin said.

"Going to the Gulf was the most rewarding thing I've gotten to do so far. I was so thankful for the chance to give a little back to the guys and gals over there defending our country. After each tour overseas, I realize the our guys and gals demonstrate that they are the best and most professional warriors on the face of the planet," he said. "Being in that part of the world made me realize what an honor it is to be an American. This country is known as a friend to justice and human rights. That's a good reason to be proud. Patriotism is a badge I wear proudly and have carried with me throughout my career."

Some in the music industry call Tippin "Hillbilly Hercules" -- perhaps because he's an avid body builder. He could be called a hillbilly Renaissance man; he's a pilot and a winemaker, has his own recording label, owns two hunting-supply stores and in 2009 introduced, with his wife Thea, a line of nutritional supplements.

"I can't seem to turn my brain off. I am always thinking of different ways to do something, and I usually have about 10 projects going at one time. It can be a pain for Thea ... I don't know any speed but full speed ahead," Tippin said.

"Staying fit is as much a part of my life as music is. It's a daily requirement," he said. "I'm 56 years old, so if I am going to run around on stage like a 23-year-old, I need to stay fit. Usually I ask the locals at whatever town I am in if I can work out in their gym or a high school nearby."

Tippin and his wife live in Dowelltown, Tennessee, which is about an hour's drive east of Nashville. As for touring, Tippin said, "I have flown myself to shows that are near the house. Mostly we take the bus, however. I also drive the bus."

The Cape Girardeau show is a stop on a tour that will take the band all over the country through April. He also travels as part of the Roots and Boots tour with fellow country artists Sammy Kershaw and Joe Diffie.

General admission to either show is $25; seats in rows two through six are $50; and front-row seats are $75. Tickets may be bought online at cape-girardeau.isleofcapricasinos.com.

More information is available by calling 877-532-5164.