Chris Daughtry, who rose to fame after taking 4th place on American Idol Season 5, was part of the 2023 Rocklahoma lineup. Daughtry, 43, was born in Roanoke Rapids, NC and was raised in Palmyra, VA.
Even though his musical inspirations are Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and other bands, he said he decided to take music as a serious career after seeing Live in 1997.
“I listened to those bands ad nauseam as a teen,” he said. “After seeing Live in 1997, I kew I wanted to be singer.”
Daughtry said he loves playing festivals like Rocklahoma because it gives him and his band the opportunity to introduce themselves to other bands who might not know them, meet up-andcoming bands and see old friends. He said the ability to see their favorite bands is a by-product.
Daughtry said he has played with multiple bands while touring over the past 17 years. His favorites to tour with are Nickelback, Sevendust, Three Doors Down, Black Stone Cherry and Halestorm.
“We’ve toured with Nickelback so much, they’re like family.”
He said that when he and Halestorm toured together, they were both an opening act for Three Doors Down. He would love to co-headline with them now.
During his interview, Daughtrylearnedthatmultiplatinum country singer Garth Brooks talked about him on the radio. Brooks said that when he met Daughtry, that Daughtry was the most down to earth, laid back guy. Daughtry took that moment to express his feelings on country megastar’s words.
“That just made my day,” Daughtry said with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. “That is news to my ears. Garth Brooks is a fan, yes!”
Daughtry added that he hassaidthesamethingabout Brooks after their encounter, as well.