American Graphics Group has written articles in the past about GM Paterson, who has a dual career as a truck driver and musician. Recently, we were contacted by Cathy Richardson of Blue Angel Productions, GM's personal management company and agency, about printing a follow up. Cathy is very convincing and assured me that GM is “the real deal”. With her 18 years of experience in media and publicity and knowing GM’s record of 1.6 million accident-free miles, I was happy to oblige.

Tenn-Line has six Peterbilt rigs in their fleet that haul steel and promote and market GM as rolling billboards.

Wanting to build a career by composing songs that are written for and about truck drivers, GM came off the road six years ago, found Blue Angel Productions online, and asked Cathy to manage him.  Much of the information below was contributed by Richardson, who has managed to have GM featured on Sirius and XM Satellite Radio and TV shows like Match Maker and The National  as well as CHTV specials, plus 92 articles in the US and Canada. Along the way, GM returned to the road; and two CDs, 123 songs written, and a traveling road show later, he continues to bring his unique style as a “lifestyle performer” by working in and singing about the trucking industry.

Originally from Manitoulin Island, Paterson now splits time between Hamilton Ontario, Canada and Memphis, TN – where he is co-owner of Tenn-Line, Inc. Paterson drives a Peterbilt hauling flatbed, and the curtain side trailers provide a stage for his musical performances.

Tenn-Line has six Peterbilt rigs in their fleet that haul steel and promote and market GM as rolling billboards. Running teams in all 48 states and Canada seven days a week, they have created a lot of awareness for GM. There are also four more sponsors, including 5th Wheel Truck Stops and IdleAire Technologies Corporation (www.idleaire.com), for whom GM acts as their spokesperson.

Cathy says people see the rigs with GM’s 19-foot picture of him playing guitar
on the road and the publicity gets people emailing and phoning to purchase CD's and wanting autographs. Fans and fellow truckers can listen to GM’s CD and even watch a video on his website, www.gmpaterson.com . The website features several audio clips from his second CD, entitled REAL, but Richardson wants GM’s fans to know he has a third CD in the works in Nashville right now.  Set to release in the late fall, the CD will feature some great musicians - including Brooks and Dunn’s fiddle player, and artists who play for both Dolly Parton and The Charlie Daniels Band. The CD is being produced by Dave Fowler, Dolly Parton’s Road Manager.

“We are doing well in the states; it seems to be where they really appreciate him,” Richardson stated. “We sell a lot of CD's right from the rigs. The drivers all carry them.”  It’s easy to see why other drivers can relate to and support Paterson. Quoted recently in Road King magazine, GM told their editors, “My songwriting became a form of therapy for me. It also allowed me to identify with other truckers who have gone through the same things. If my songs can be therapy for somebody else — the same way they were for me when I was writing them — then I’m a happy guy.’’

You can learn more about GM, including upcoming tour dates by visiting his website, GMPatterson.com. Until then, look for him on the highways and listen for him on the airwaves.