What do you consider your musical awakening?
When I was 6 or 7 or 8, my parents took me into Kansas City to see the movie Funny Girl. And when Barbra Streisand was singing “People,” it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever heard and seen.

What’s the first record you bought?
My father bought me my first record, Carole King’s Tapestry. I loved that. But my sister was four years older; she was the rock and roll wild child. She had Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Humble Pie. And I started listening to that.

When did you make your own music?
My father brought a guitar home for my sister when I was 8, and I begged to play it. They said, “No, your fingers will bleed.” I went and took lessons and my fingers did bleed, but I kept playing. Now I have very strong calluses.

Did you have a plan B?
No, I never learned to be anything else. I was able, at 12 years old, to make money singing. So I always knew, hey, I could go down to the mall and put my guitar case out and, you know, eat.

How did your unique voice develop?
I started singing in whiskey-and-smoke-filled bars when I was 12. And I starting singing country, like Tammy Wynette—big, full-throated songs. I never understand how low my voice is until I’m on the phone and someone says, “Yes, sir, what can I do for you?”

“I’m the Only One” was a top 10 hit in 1993. How did that song come about?
I was in a relationship that brought me heartache. I never wanted to write a song that was “Oh poor me.” I needed to say, “No, you’re wrong.” —Craig Rosen