Phil Vassar

The O.G. reality talent show is back!

The early 2000s hitmaker is this week's guest on the Taste of Country Nights, On Demand podcast.

"He's always been that guy."

Garth Brooks changed the country music game, bringing energy that not only electrified his performances but also redefined how artists approach live shows.

"I dropped dead," he tells Taste of Country. "I was dead for 30 minutes a couple times. No heartbeat. No heartbeat at all."

If you're drawn to these artists, you may share a zodiac sign with them.

You know "Carlene" and "Just Another Day in Paradise," but did you know Phil Vassar also wrote these country hits for other artists?

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Phil Vassar has written literally hundreds of songs: In addition to his own hits, such as "Carlene," "In a Real Love," "Six-Pack Summer" and "Last Day of My Life," among others, the tunesmith has also written hits for artists including Tim McGraw, David Nail, Kenny Chesney, Jo Dee Messina and Alan Jackson, just to name a few. But for all of the music he has written, the singer-songwriter says that his best material might still be ahead of him.

Labor Day weekend just isn't the same without the On The Waterfront celebration in downtown Rockford. So, I thought I would share share some Q crew pictures from the very last OTW celebration this throwback Thursday.