HOLLYWOOD, MD – Not many artists call their fans family.

Southern Maryland native Sam Grow performed recently at the Calvert Marine Museum’s Waterside Concert Series, and he loved every minute of it.

“I always have a good time when I’m playing. It’s one of my favorite things to do. And I’m constantly learning. I watched Chris Young and saw what he did during his show to see if there was anything I could do to improve my own show,” said Grow.

Shinedown’s version of “Simple Man” is always on Grow’s set-list.

“A buddy of mine was in the Marine Corps, served seven tours overseas, and that was his favorite song and I make sure I play it at every show. I play it to honor him because he took his own life after struggling with PTSD. There is never a show that I don’t play it at,” said Grow. 

Grow has a profound respect for the men and women who serve the nation.

“I think it takes a special heart to serve the public. To be able to wake up every day and being able to make the ultimate sacrifice. It also takes a special person to love someone who would be willing to make that sacrifice,” said Grow.

Grow tries to give back to the community through his music, and performs at military and other benefits when he can.

“If the community didn’t come out to support me, I wouldn’t be able to do this for a living. So anything that I can do to give back to the community, I want to do it,” said Grow.

Grow manages to stay humble as he and his band members tour the country, racking up over 250 performances a year.

“Our whole crew is from Southern Maryland. We’re like a brotherhood, we understand each other and we spend a lot of time with each other so it’s important to make sure that those relationships are strong,” said Grow. 

Grow said that his relationship with his father inspired him to explore his musical talent.

“When I was five, my dad took me to a church to sing ‘Amazing Grace,’ and I chickened out the first time I tried to sing it,” he said with a quiet laugh. “But the second time, people clapped after I finished. And I knew I had some kind of thing for music.” 

His dad bought him his first guitar, and sang like Elvis, Grow said nostalgically.

“I loved music even before I knew how to play, and we listened to a lot of soulful artists when we were on the road.” said Grow. “Elvis and Ray Charles are some of my favorites, not only because they sang incredibly, but because they hold number one records in genres like rock, country, gospel and soul. They didn’t have boundaries on themselves, and sang how they felt.”

Grow said that he loves the energy of a rock concert, but felt like the genre didn’t quite suit him. He wants to emulate his idols and not box himself into one genre.

“I fit the country genre because I have this twang, but I love soulful music. With country, you can do a variety of songs and still be called country. If I want a rocking sound, or a soulful sound, I can do both with country music. It’s a great genre to be in,” said Grow.

While his father inspired him to explore his talent, it took his daughter being born in 2001 to push him to pursue for a career in music.

“She’s my entire world and she changed my life for the better. When I held my daughter, Emmry Harlow, for the first time, it was like a wake-up call. When you hold a child in your arms you realize that everything you do directly affects them. I wanted to give her the best possible future where she had the ability to pursue her dreams with no limitations,” Grow admitted. 

Although he lives in Nashville now, Grow returns to Maryland often to see his daughter.

“While I love Tennessee, there is just nothing like being back home in Southern Maryland,” said Grow.

Grow said that he wouldn’t be where he is without his supporters.

“I can’t call them fans, because they’re like family to me. They’ve supported me and helped make this a reality for me,” said Grow.

Grow is not in the music industry for the awards.

“I’m not a glitter kind of guy. If I can give back to my family the way they have given to me, the least I can do is produce good music and put on a great show for them to hold onto. That’s the kind of award worth pursuing,” said Grow.

For more information about Sam Grow or his upcoming tours in southern Maryland, check out the tour link on his website.

Contact Jacqui Atkielski at j.atkielski@thebaynet.com.