Kimberly, Neil and Reid Perry grew up with a mom that loved Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette and Michael Jackson, and a father who listened to The Rolling Stones, Queen and Journey. Maybe that's why the Greeneville, Tenn., siblings have become one of country music's hottest new acts with their contemporary merger of country, pop and rock. The Band Perry's 2010 self-titled debut catapulted the trio to the top of the charts with singles such as "All Your Life," "You Lie" and "If I Die Young." The album has since gone platinum, netting the group two Grammy nominations and three CMA awards. They are touring the country this summer with Brad Paisley and Scott McCreery, with a stop at Blossom Music Center June 15. We recently talked to Neil and Kimberly about their success so far.
You started out playing Wal-Mart stores in the South. How does it feel to be on a huge tour?
NEIL: Wal-Mart is how we got our mighty beginning.
KIMBERLY: We were in the produce department [laughs]. This tour is really great to be a part of. People are always dying to go out on the road with Brad and all three of us have unique acts. There is a real variety to the show.
The Band Perry has been described as a modern throwback. Is this accurate?
NEIL: We find that's the best description. We love a lot of the traditional music and a lot of our first memories are tied into music, but we're living in 2012.
KIMBERLY: Our parents were like our very first radio. Now we want to be the voice for our generation and tell the stories of our lives.
What is the inspiration for lyrics like "you lie like a coon dog basking in the sun" and "my daddy's gonna straighten you out like a piece of wire?"
KIMBERLY: We love wordplay and have a lot of it on the album. Some of those lyrics are things we've heard people say back home.
How do you react to fans who say they want "If I Die Young" played at their funerals?
KIMBERLY: It's really humbling. The two most honorable places for your music to be played are weddings and funerals.
