Phil Vassar, the beloved country musician, is celebrating 25 years since his hit song, “Just Another Day in Paradise.” Recently, he had a life-changing health scare that gave him a new outlook on life.
This 62-year-old singer suffered a heart attack and stroke in 2023, an ordeal that resulted from genetic heart disease. He faced death not once, but twice, during this difficult time. Despite being in great shape—he had only 3% body fat and had always maintained an active lifestyle—the stress and lack of sleep turned out to be significant factors in his health crisis.
In a recent interview, Vassar shared that he is now focusing on a healthier lifestyle. He’s making sure to get enough sleep and eat better. “I feel blessed to be alive,” he reflects. “It’s been a tough couple of years, but everything is good now.”
Vassar is excited to be back on tour. Although there aren’t currently any shows scheduled for Idaho or nearby states, he has fond memories of performing there. He did a benefit concert in Twin Falls last April and looks forward to returning. “I definitely want to get back out there. It’s beautiful, and I love the West,” he says.
This year marks a significant anniversary for Vassar with his hit “Just Another Day in Paradise.” When asked about it, he simply exclaimed, “It’s crazy, isn’t it? It’s been quite the journey.”
Vassar’s journey in music began when he moved to Nashville in 1987, hoping to explore his passion for songwriting despite holding a degree in business administration. Initially, his talent as a piano player made it hard for him to secure a record deal. He recalls being told, “We don’t give record deals to piano players in this town.”
Despite the challenges, Vassar found a way to make a name for himself. He opened a restaurant where he performed live. His big break came when Engelbert Humperdinck’s son noticed him and shared his demo tape with the star. This connection led to Vassar writing a song for Humperdinck, which jumped-started his career.
Vassar soon began writing for major country artists, including Jo Dee Messina, Tim McGraw, and Alan Jackson. One of the standout songs he penned, “Right on the Money,” helped solidify his reputation in the industry. He remembers writing it during a conversation about relationships with a friend. The song caught the attention of Jackson, who went on to make it one of his hits.
Years later, Vassar received the Academy of Country Music’s award for top new male vocalist, with Jackson cheering for him from the front row—an unforgettable moment for Vassar.
Today, he’s thrilled to still be doing music after all these years. His “25 Years of Paradise” tour is set to hit 50 cities in 2025. Besides touring, his daughter, Haley, is working on her debut album as a country artist. Meanwhile, Vassar has six new songs ready to release soon.
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