From winning Season 27 of “Dancing with the Stars” to writing two New York Times bestselling books, it seems as though everything top country morning show host Bobby Bones touches turns to gold. He has no plans of slowing down anytime soon as Bones prepares for his upcoming visit to Boston with his comedy tour and returns once again to “American Idol” (which premiered last night) as an in-house mentor – this time throughout the entire competition.
We caught up recently with the Arkansas native to discuss his latest book, upcoming visit to Boston on St. Patrick’s Day with the Raging Idiots and the best piece of advice he has ever received.
Last summer, you released an inspirational book, “FAIL UNTIL YOU DON’T: FIGHT. GRIND. REPEAT,” that really connected with your fans. Why was it important for you to help others motivate themselves?
I felt like I had a lot of great people pop into my life and if I didn’t have those people step in, I wouldn’t be where I am. For me, it has always been about using my platform to help others. It’s cool to see people now using whatever skill set I have learned along the way. I don’t get too preachy in the book. It’s all just based on my experiences.
You have said Howard Stern had a big influence in your early career. What was it about his show that has stuck with you?
I’m from Arkansas, so I didn’t even know who Howard Stern was until I was about 18 or 19. I only kind of knew what I had heard about him then I saw him doing his thing. That’s what I really liked about him. Even today, people who have inspired me along the way continue to be Howard Stern, David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel.
Photo Credit: Ford Fairchild
In your second book, you talk about the process of becoming successful. What would you say is the most important thing you have learned on your own personal journey?
I would watch a lot of old tapes of David Letterman doing his talk show and a lot of interviews. I never had a mentor in my career because my approach has always been so different. Letterman stayed true to who he was and his staff was always fantastic, so for me, that was always important. I approach things in an uncharacteristic way. I always tried to read as much as I could and watch a lot of their failures. It’s always easy to see what went right, but I was also interested in what went wrong and why it did.
Best piece of advice you received?
Get in and mix it up. You can try to make the right decision all the time, but it’s better to just make a decision. I have done wrong so many times, but nine times out of 10, I have learned from my failure. Don’t wait for something; just go for it.
Photo Credit: Robert Chavers
You’re coming to Boston with your band The Raging Idiots on St. Patrick’s Day. That’s the best day of the year to visit our city.
I have been to Boston on St. Patrick’s Day before and it’s nuts. I was super excited that we get to come back again this year. Boston is one of my favorite places to come. I love the people there. I did two book signings one time in one day there. I think there is a no-nonsense relatability. There’s an honest approach. I am really pumped to go back up there in a few weeks.
Can you give us a preview of the show?
Sure. I go out and do a little comedy in the beginning and then we do a two-man acoustic and then we bring out the whole band. So, it starts off as a comedy show then goes to a music show to a full on party. Our only goal is to make sure that everyone has a good time.
You have millions of listeners each week on your nationally syndicated radio show, are a mentor on “American Idol,” won “Dancing with the Stars,” wrote two New York Times bestselling books (including “Bare Bones: I’m Not Lonely If You’re Reading This Book”) and have a successful comedy tour. What could possibly be up next for you?
For me, I am looking forward to having Idol all summer. Eventually, I’d like to have my own TV talk show like my heroes before me have done. That’s always been my goal.
Photo Credit: Zack Massey
