Country music has deeper meaning for Mordan
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LEWISTOWN -- When thinking about country music, all Rob Mordan saw was cowboys, banjos and western imagery. But the Northumberland County singer soon learned there was much more to country songs than the typical western tropes.
"Country music is more storytelling," the 45-year-old Mordan said. "I grew up in the '80s and '90s music. I'm going back and doing those hits.
"I used to hate country music, but my dad was a truck driver. He would play it - Garth Brooks, Blackhawk and the Statler Brothers. So, it grew on me."
Country music is just part of his repertoire when he takes the stage. Mordan performs acoustic solos at bars, clubs and private events throughout eastern and central Pennsylvania.
He has scheduled his first show in the Juniata Valley at 7 p.m. today at the Hungry Run Wine Bar and Bistro, 10042 Route 522 South, Lewistown.
"I play a wide variety of genres," Mordan said. "I love all types of music. Everything from Zach Brown Band and Jimmy Buffet to Ed Sheeran and Bruce Springsteen."
His songbook also includes Matchbox 20, Three Doors Down and Kenny Rogers. "It's an eclectic mix," added Mordan, describing the music from a typical performance.
But country music has become special to him. "Country music makes me think of him when I'm at shows," Mordan said of his dad.
During summer vacations in high school, Mordan would tag along with his late father, who delivered campers and recreational vehicles around the country for a living.
"I would go on trips to keep him company," Mordan recalled. "I would mostly sleep in the back of the truck. He would have the music on. It grew on me."
Mordan joked that his mother also recorded him singing the low vocals from the Oak Ridge Boys' hit "Elvira" when he was age 5 or 6, at a time when country wasn't as popular as it is today. "Now, country has changed a bit, so it's more mainstream," he explained.
Mordan got a taste of singing while a senior at Shamokin Area High School. He signed up for chorus as an easy elective. "I didn't realize I could hold a note," he said. "I just thought it was an easy subject. I ended up liking it.
"From there, I did a lot of karaoke, and, in college, I was the lead singer in a number of bands," Mordan added.
Over the years, Mordan has kept with it. Before he knew it, he was booking shows left and right. He performed 60 shows last year and has 90 more in the books for this year. He's already lined up 24 shows for 2024.
"I never knew I would become an acoustic musician or playing guitar," said Mordan, who taught himself how to play guitar during COVID. "Music has become a huge outlet for me, alleviating stress and getting my thoughts and emotions out.
"I have to have music in my life," he added. "I don't see it slowing down. I love to do it, and people tell me they like it. They say, 'You're not doing the same thing that other artists are doing.' That's good to hear."
Mordan is limited to singing on weekends as he works full-time in sales for Penske Truck Rentals. "Two of the three days I'm off doing shows somewhere," he said.
As far as his future goals are concerned, he would like to produce an album someday. He does write and perform original songs, which he would like to do more writing. "You have to get out there what people know and throw in your own stuff," Mordan said.
In 2020, Mordan wrote a special song for his sister, who received a kidney transplant called, "That's What Brothers Do."
"Family is very important to me," he explained. "I enjoy sharing my music with my sister, Amy, and my mom, Donna."
Mordan has also collaborated with songwriter Mike Harvey, lead guitarist from Into the Spin, a popular party band from northeast Pennsylvania. Mordan and Harvey formed a duo, known as Dragon and Nighthawk, named after the two main characters in the movie "Step Brothers." They've just started scheduling shows.
"We both like the same type of music," Mordan said. "He does different songs than what I do, but he's a better guitar player. We have a lot of fun, and we like to bring the fun to the audiences."
For more information, find him on Facebook under "Rob Mordan Music."