The Shelby Horner Interview

Shelby Horner’s music career started in Loveland, Colorado in 1986. Growing up mostly in the Rocky Mountain State, Shelby was exposed to many kinds of music, his favorites being Country and Rock ‘n’ Roll. His country influences include George Strait, Randy Travis, and Garth Brooks. Mix in a little Styx and a dab of The Bob’s (an a cappella group), and you have yourself a well rounded singer! Yes, Shelby loves all types of music, but his heart remains deeply rooted in Country. Shelby began singing when he joined the youth group at his church where he sang praise and worship songs as well as solos and duets from time to time. Even though he hadn’t had any vocal training, a member of the Valentine City Chorus asked him to join them. At the age of fourteen, Shelby was the youngest member to have ever joined that barbershop chorus. It was in this group that he was introduced to a capella singing and where he fostered his love for the "no strings attached" type of music and he sang with this group for the next four years. He became a part of the Concert Choir and Show Choir "Chamber Singers" under the direction of Mrs. Cunnimgham (Mrs.C). He reflects, "Mrs. C gave me the strength and courage to follow my dreams." In addition to being a member in the barbershop chorus and high school choir, Shelby was a member of the Colorado Academy of the Arts in Fort Collins, CO. He sang with the "Encore..,” Show Choir for five years, where each year, members were required to re-audition. “You were never assumed to be accepted.” Shelby also taught a few vocal and choreography classes for 7-10 year olds. In 1993, Shelby walked into a local club where there was a karaoke show, and before he knew it, he and three young guys formed the a cappella group, “The Livin’ Daylites”. Two and a half weeks after forming the group, they cut an album and began performing all over Colorado and in some parts of Nebraska. In the fall of 1996, Shelby made the move to the Music City. Shelby h