See John Anderson Live at Abilene’s Historic Paramount Theatre

I've had the honor of introducing John Anderson on stage twice during my radio career, and I've been fortunate enough to see him perform several times, including twice on the Grand Ole Opry stage during Country Radio Seminar in Nashville.

Get our free mobile app

Now, West Texans have an opportunity to see this country music legend in a much more intimate setting when John Anderson performs live Thursday, August 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Paramount Theatre in downtown Abilene.

From Rooftop to the Grand Ole Opry Stage

One of my favorite stories about John Anderson happened long before "Swingin'," "Wild and Blue," or "Seminole Wind" ever came across a country radio station.

Anderson was only 17 years old when he headed to Nashville chasing his dream of becoming a country singer. During the day, he worked construction jobs to pay the bills. In the summer of 1972, one of those jobs put him on the roof of a building under construction called the Grand Ole Opry House.

Think about that for a moment.

A 17-year-old kid was helping build the roof while looking down at the place where the stage would eventually stand. Years later, John Anderson would be standing on that very stage performing his own hit songs.

If that isn't one of those "written in the history book of your life" moments, I don't know what is.

"Swingin'" Became a Country Classic

Anderson's unmistakable voice helped produce an incredible string of country hits, including "Wild and Blue," "Black Sheep," "Straight Tequila Night," "Money in the Bank" and one of my personal favorites, "Seminole Wind."

But if you ask me, "Swingin'" remains his biggest and most recognizable song.

The song became a No. 1 hit and earned Anderson Single of the Year at the 1983 CMA Awards. That same year, he also received the CMA Horizon Award. He later participated in the 1994 CMA Album of the Year winner Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles, performing "Heartache Tonight."

Then in 2024, Anderson received one of country music's greatest honors when he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the Veterans Era Artist category.

A Country Legend Who Came Back

Anderson has also survived some frightening health challenges.

According to the biography provided for his Abilene appearance, Anderson underwent a risky medical procedure and was later told that his heart had stopped on the operating table. His wife told him it had actually happened three times. Anderson kept much of his health battle private, even from people in the music industry, and I believe that's where that story should remain, with him sharing only what he chooses to share.

What matters today is that John Anderson is still here, still singing, and still sharing that unmistakable voice with country music fans.

See John Anderson Live in Abilene

You don't have to travel to Nashville or wait for another Grand Ole Opry appearance to see him.

John Anderson performs Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress Street in downtown Abilene.

If you've ever wanted to hear songs like "Swingin'," "Wild and Blue," "Straight Tequila Night" and "Seminole Wind" from the man who made them famous, this is your opportunity.

For tickets and more information, visit ParamountTheatreAbilene.com.

Read More: From Nostalgia To Revival: The Intriguing Tale Of Paramount Theatre