Country artist Joe Nichols to appear live in Harrington Nov. 18

The entertainment department at Harrington Raceway and Casino announced that country and recording artist Joe Nichols is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, as part of the Live on Stage series lineup.

Born and raised in the small town of Rogers, Ark., Nichols had aspirations at a young age for a country music career. His father, who supported his mother, Joe and his older brother as a trucker, also was in a local country band, which piqued Joe's interest in the music business. Nichols, too, found work in a local country band and eventually as a country disc jockey at a local station.

At age 19, he landed his first record deal, learning to tap into his singing and songwriting skills. However, the music industry proved to be very tough for this young and aspiring artist after he moved to Nashville, with limited recording success. Nichols ended up getting odd jobs including moving furniture, installing cable systems and selling steaks door to door just to make a living.

In 2003, Nichols again tried to break into the business and recorded his second album, "Man with a Memory." The title track "The Impossible" garnered Nichols the attention he sought after it became a No. 3 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Charts. Several more songs were released including his second No. 1 hit, "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" and a third No. 1 hit, "Gimmie That Girl."

Nichols spent most of 2004 touring with Alan Jackson and 2005-06 with Toby Keith, garnering more fans and honing his performing skills. More songs and tours followed, and in 2014, Nichols’ album "Crickets" garnered him another hit single, "Yeah" reaching No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart. In 2016, he released his latest single, "Undone," which continues to do well on the music charts.

Tickets are $44. All ages are welcome. To purchase tickets, go to www.harringtonraceway.com, call 888-887-5687, Ext. 5246, or stop by the Casino Gift Shop.