It is impossible to take a seat at a Paul Thorn concert without the fan seated next to you asking, “Did you know before he was a singer this guy was a professional boxer with a 14-4 record?” After his first few songs, you realize the beatings he took in the ring were nothing compared to the beatings he must have taken in life and love.
The self-described dyslectic grade school student had to navigate those tricky waters in Tupelo, Mississippi, and while that was tough on the youngster, he did manage to pull off a talent show win for his rendition of the Commodores’ Three Times A Lady which he dutifully performed without a trace of sarcasm (“You’ll know this one when the chorus comes along.”). Then there were the failed relationships, masterfully told in lyrics that, I assume, everyone in the audience could relate to. It was also obvious from his songs that Paul overcame many of life’s obstacles with humor. There were more laughs than tears during the night but either way, Paul connected to this audience.
That is what makes Paul so incredible. He is totally relatable even if your father wasn’t a preacher or your uncle a pimp (two people Paul learned a lot from). I found myself sitting in awe by how this guy armed only with amazing songwriting skills and a guitar could connect such a solid punch to his audience. After the show, I said to the guy next to me, “Paul’s record is now 15-4.”
