Doug Supernaw Emerges from Troubled Past with New Songs & New Album
Doug Supernaw was one of the hottest names in country music in the early 90’s with strong traditional country hits such as “I Don’t Call Him Daddy,” “Reno,” and “Not Enough Hours in the Night.” Signed to BNA Records and with a big following in his native state of Texas and beyond, the performer and songwriter had a bright future in country music, earning a Song of the Year nomination for “I Don’t Call Him Daddy” from the ACM’s in 1996. But as sometimes will happen to country artists, Doug Supernaw began living out the stories of his songs and he dropped out of the fold, and hard.
By the late 90’s and into the 2000’s, Doug Supernaw had assembled a rap sheet that included arrests for public intoxication and driving while intoxicated, and things began to spiral from there. By the late 2000’s stories began to emerge about Supernaw’s mental state, including his theories about conspiracies against him.
2011 found Supernaw apparently in Bandera, TX, sleeping on top of a pool table in a local pub, and trying to trade discarded television sets for sandwiches. After numerous incidents in the Texas Hill Country town, Supernaw was arrested and put under evaluation. At this point fans of the singer had moved far beyond worries of when he may release new music, and were simply concerned for his well-being.
Now 56-years-old, and having been absent from the country music scene for nearly 20 years, Supernaw is attempting to emerge from his troubled past, taking it one day at a time, and trying to mount a comeback. In 2016 Supernaw was inducted into the CMA of Texas Hall Of Fame, and on April 1st, the once major country music star will release a Greatest Hits album of new versions of his older tunes, as well as two new songs, “Here’s My Heart” and “The Company I Keep.”
“Doug fell on some hard times for some very specific reasons,” says BJ Mezek, who is now working as Supernaw’s manager. “Once he hit his all-time low, he realized that there was two sides to his life, and he chose to get back to the more positive side. Through that, he started making his way, cleaning up, and realizing that it’s not going to happen overnight. He started doing some gigs in Texas near home, and then last July, a songwriter by the name of Jerry J. Thomas asked me, ‘Do you remember Doug Supernaw?’ I met with him, we sat and talked, he had a show in the Houston, TX area, and I can say with absolute assurity that he’s back. He wants to get back into it, and he’s pretty serious about it.”
The new Doug Supernaw album is nine Greatest Hits that were all re-recorded along with the two new songs. The re-recorded songs include:
- “I Don’t Call Him Daddy”
- “Long Tall Texan”
- “Red and Rio Grande”
- “Reno”
- “What’ll You Do About Me”
- “State Fair”
- “Not Enough Hours in the Night”
- “Fadin’ Renegade”
- “She Never Looks Back”
“‘The Company I Keep’ is reflective, reminiscent of traditional country artists like Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and along those lines,” says manager BJ Mezek. “Any fan of traditional country music is going to connect with the song. And ‘Long Tall Texan’ was a Beach Boys tune that they had Doug do for them on a compilation, but it’s never been on a Doug Supernaw album.”
Often artists will re-record their Greatest Hits to allow them to regain control of the songs when a record label owns the masters. Though this was part of the reasoning of re-recording the old songs, it wasn’t the only one. “Doug’s voice has deepened and it put a new, soulful sound to it all,” says BJ Mezek “There is enough different that you will notice the difference between the two. He also wanted to just re-connect with the material. But all the original stuff is out-of-print. BNA is no longer a record label anymore.”
The new Greatest Hits album is being released by the independent label B&G. Supernaw is also playing a CD release show on April 1st for the new record at the Texas Tumbleweed on Hwy 190 in Livingston, TX where he currently lives.
For fans of Doug Supernaw, his re-emergence in music is a new, bright chapter in the saga of a troubled country music star. If nothing else, his presence will remind listeners of a better time in country music when artists penned their troubles in songs, and used the music as a crutch through tough times.
March 7, 2017 @ 11:44 am
Doug Supernaw return to recording and performing is good news. I wish him nothing but the best both personally and professionally!
March 7, 2017 @ 11:57 am
‘Red And Rio Grande’ is such a good song.
March 7, 2017 @ 12:26 pm
Lyrically, “Reno” was as country as it gets, in my opinion.. Not to mention that crying pedal steel at the very beginning. I still love that song to this day.
Little-known fact – his son is a tight end with the Tennessee Titans and is the spitting image of his old man:
http://www.titansonline.com/team/roster/Phillip-Supernaw/8795a8e0-91df-47bd-af7f-f3f9b8dfcb4d
March 7, 2017 @ 12:43 pm
I am glad to hear this. Reno (Not enough country out there about anywhere west of Texas!) and Fadin’ Renegade are two of my absolute favorites.
March 7, 2017 @ 12:53 pm
I am glad Doug is making a comeback m favorite is Reno and Not enough hours in the night.
March 7, 2017 @ 1:00 pm
I still have his CD “Deep Thoughts from a Shallow Mind” (great title). Glad to hear he’s turned his life around and is getting back to performing.
March 7, 2017 @ 1:40 pm
I still keep his 4 albums on ina steady roatation and pre-ordered the CD last week when i first heard about the upcoming release. I was excited then to hear that it included a new song but am even more excited to now learn that all of the other songs have been re-recorded for the album. Can’t wait, and hope for nothing but renewed success for Doug.
March 7, 2017 @ 11:46 pm
Hey Brandon-
Where did you order the CD from? I can’t find it anywhere.
Have all his CDs so far. Can’t break the collection! Love his voice.
March 11, 2017 @ 12:41 pm
I had ordered it through Amazon but my order has since been canceled b/c it cannot be fulfilled at this time. Not sure what that means. I’m trying to stay positive because when I preordered a Dickey betts CD last year my order kept getting postponed until it was finally canceled.
March 7, 2017 @ 1:46 pm
This is great news from all perspectives.
I hate to see good people let life slip through their finger as a result of mental health and substance abuse issues.
Doug is a seriously talented musician
March 7, 2017 @ 2:02 pm
Mark Chesnutt returned ,Tracy Byrd returned and now Doug Supernaw. Another great voice. And I agree, Reno is my favorite too!
March 7, 2017 @ 9:16 pm
Mark chesnutt never left
March 7, 2017 @ 2:21 pm
So he has come up with two new songs?
That is not knocking me over.
March 7, 2017 @ 2:27 pm
If you read up on what’s been happening to him over the past few years like I did when writing this, you would be knocked over that he’s still upright.
March 7, 2017 @ 3:02 pm
I know lots of people that have been to the depths of hell, myself included.
And IDK, 2 new songs is a start I guess, but a rehash of a greatest hits album with 2 new songs, just isn’t too exciting for me.
March 8, 2017 @ 10:52 am
I can understand that, and that’s the reason I asked his manager that specific question. Since his old albums are out-of-print and they likely have no way to force whomever the rights holder is to re-release them, this is one of those instances where I think it makes sense to re-record the older stuff. It may not appeal to you, but for someone who has nothing from his catalog, it’s their only option.
March 9, 2017 @ 4:18 pm
You can have one great hit that everyone loves..I wish him all the best..This is,just the,beginning for him!!
March 7, 2017 @ 7:53 pm
Good Lord, I just read quite a bit of the Houston Press link (it was a book more than an article!). You’re right, I’m shocked he’s standing. I don’t envy this guy who’s trying to be a ‘manager’ but good luck. Doug had some really strong songs.
March 8, 2017 @ 7:15 am
he has alot of new songs but waiting on the next album
March 7, 2017 @ 2:28 pm
So glad to hear this, love his music! Hope to catch him live here in Texas
March 7, 2017 @ 2:47 pm
I liked Supernaw a lot in the ’90s, starting with “Honky Tonkin’ Fool”–a great single that did not become a big hit.
For some reason, his singles always seemed to cause controversy for one reason or another. There was “What’ll You Do About Me,” (which Randy Travis also recorded, but did not release as a single), where, if you took it literally, the singer seemed to be threatening/stalking his ex; there was his big hit, “I Don’t Call Him Daddy,” which offended some step-parents’ groups; there was “State Fair,” which some MADD group said condoned drunk driving; and there was “Reno,” (“She ain’t got a heart”), which some advocates for the city found to be offensive.
March 7, 2017 @ 6:33 pm
Luckyoldsun: your information is better than mine.
March 7, 2017 @ 4:37 pm
poor Doug Supernaw got picked on most of his singles that he released. Reno (offended the town), I don’t call him daddy (against step-fathers), State Fair (drunk driving), and What’ll you do about me (stalking). What’ll you do about me was done by Randy Travis, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Forester sisters which they released that as a single, and Steve Earle.
March 7, 2017 @ 4:41 pm
Correction: What’ll you do about me was also done by John Schider and Mccaufee Lane. Steve Earle hit #76, Forester Sisters hit #74, and Doug Supernaw hit #16.
March 7, 2017 @ 4:38 pm
Honky tonk Fool is one of my favorite songs of his!
March 7, 2017 @ 11:19 pm
Honky Tonkin’ Fool came out before Supernaw had any hits–and it didn’t go anywhere.
A short while later, as I recall, the then-big Joe Diffie came out with the similarly-themed, but not-nearly-as-good “Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox”–and that one became a big hit.
March 7, 2017 @ 5:20 pm
Really excited to hear this, Doug is one of my favorites!! I have most of his albums!! As I kid I love the song Long Tall Texan he did with the Beach Boys! Thankful he has turned his life around!! God Bless Texas and God Bless Doug Supernaw!!
March 7, 2017 @ 6:37 pm
Kinda surprised he hasn’t made a comment on this article yet.
March 7, 2017 @ 7:18 pm
I loved Doug Supernaw and am ecstatic about this. I wish him nothing but success. He played a show back in 2015 at Billy’s Ice House in New Braunfels, but I was out of state. I was really disappointed I missed it. Hope this means I will get a chance to see him now. “State Fair”, “Red and Rio Grande” and “Honky Tonkin Fool” are just a few of my favorites.
March 7, 2017 @ 7:34 pm
I bought Red and Rio Grande on cassette and cd. That was such a great album, from start to finish. “Reno” to this day is my favorite Supernal tune.
March 7, 2017 @ 7:34 pm
Supernaw, even.
March 8, 2017 @ 4:27 pm
Such a great album! Definitely one of my favourites from that time period.
March 7, 2017 @ 7:49 pm
Two of the greatest songs by Supe was Five generations of Rock County Wilton’s and Mesquite Cowboy mind, songs I play all the time, wish him the best!
March 7, 2017 @ 11:21 pm
Dan Seals (earlier) and John Anderson (later) also did “Rock County Wilsons,” but I think Doug’s version was the best.
March 7, 2017 @ 8:19 pm
I have never lost the faith in this man’s ability to let you see life as a whole, in all of it’s beauty as well as ugly scene’s thru his music and songs. Supernaw has always belonged in that iconic group of artist that writes and sings the lives of the common working class of our country. It is with very deep honor that I want to thank B.J.Mezek and the fans as well as the country music industry for giving this magical artist a second chance at being where he belongs, back on top. Doug all the best to you my friend, and know I have always said it. My wife Jaye and myself will always be there for you brother.
March 7, 2017 @ 8:55 pm
Alway love your songs. Also wonder what happen to you. Glad your back
March 7, 2017 @ 9:21 pm
He released an album independently called Fadin Renegade in the early 2000’s. Y’all may remember the video for “21-17”, great song, great video. The title track was great and there was a song called “whatever happened to Eddie” that was really good. This was/is his best album.
March 8, 2017 @ 4:29 pm
Yes this album was quite good. Unfortunately it didn’t get much notice.
March 10, 2017 @ 12:54 pm
“21-17” was a pretty good song as was the video, I miss how country music videos use to be so simple and more about the song. Over the years they just went to shit as did the music video stations.
March 7, 2017 @ 9:25 pm
I have 4 cd’s of his and all of them are good!
March 7, 2017 @ 10:04 pm
Glad to hear this..Good Country Music is hard to find these days. Praying for you Doug to have a successful comeback. Love your music.God Bless
March 8, 2017 @ 6:24 am
I always wondered what happened to him.Really hope he gets his life back on track.
March 8, 2017 @ 8:53 am
Gotta get my hands on this CD
March 8, 2017 @ 10:22 am
So excited. I still listen to his old music on a regular basis. Reno and Fadin’ renegade is as good as music gets.
March 8, 2017 @ 11:40 am
Welcome Back Tack.
March 8, 2017 @ 11:53 am
I know they are easing back into this, but I cant find any information from a website on him or anything. Surely they will try to create some of these outlets inorder to try and get information out to fans.
March 8, 2017 @ 1:27 pm
I think they’re just now trying to get all their stuff together. I’m probably a little ahead of the story.
There is an active Facebook page where they’re posting a lot of info:
https://www.facebook.com/therealdougsupernaw/
March 8, 2017 @ 3:41 pm
As for the re-record, it’s a small way to get some cashflow. I’d love to think he held onto his original pub Rights, but I highly doubt it. So since his catalog is out of print, he can get a few thousand into indie retail (what’s left), Amazon etc. Mainly tho, gives him something to sell at his shows. I imagine he’s printing himself, so most will be going directly to him. It ain’t much, but it’s something cos I imagine the guy is broke. I’d like be to go see Doug if he’s got his shit together & has a decent band.
It’s brutal out there even for the healthiest bodies & minds.
March 8, 2017 @ 1:01 pm
After reading the Houston Press link he sounds like the Texas version of Syd Barrett. I hope he has got he his life back in order and can grace us with some good authentic music
March 8, 2017 @ 8:41 pm
‘Not Enough Hours In the Night’ is a song I’ve recently discovered and would say was one of the best hits of the 90s.
March 9, 2017 @ 9:30 am
I knew you had it in you. I have been a Facebook friend for years. Talked to him I PM’s also. So proud of him for climbing out of the hole he put himself in to. Talent is something he has always had. Show em how it’s done Doug! Show this new generation just what good country music is and the strength that one can achieve through hard work and a lot of us praying for this day to happen. Can’t wait to purchase this new collection of your music.
March 9, 2017 @ 9:50 am
Fuck yeah 😀 he’s Underrated.
I like the songs
Red and Rio grande
Mesquite cowboy
Honky tonkin fool
March 9, 2017 @ 12:00 pm
So happy to hear this…. cannot wait!!
We’ve waited for this to happen for quite some time.
March 9, 2017 @ 7:38 pm
I’m proud to call Supe a friend for over 20 years. Shared the stage with him many times. It’s been one of my great hopes that he would bring it back. Great news!
March 9, 2017 @ 10:36 pm
I really love Doug! He had thanksgiving with me and my family at my daughters house and he was the coolest guy. Just a regular guy. I know he wants to get back to the one thing he loves. The one thing he is still really good at . Everyone deserves a second chance and anime times when these artist get down on their luck for what ever reason, then they find themselves all alone. Too ashamed to ask for help. Too proud to ask! Praise God he still Has the passion in his heart and the will to
Try. Hats off to tu Doug! Give it all you got!!!
March 10, 2017 @ 12:20 am
Doug Supernaw is one of the Greats. I’m so glad he’s doing what he was born to do. I’m a van and always will be
March 10, 2017 @ 12:21 am
I’m a Fan Lol
March 10, 2017 @ 5:00 am
Absolutely one of my favorites from the past. Fadin’ Renegade was outstanding, and I was always disappointed it was so overlooked by everyone. I remember seeing him live at the Palomino in Wilmington, NC somewhere back in the 90’s. Good times!
March 10, 2017 @ 9:00 am
Awesome news my favorite performer have lots of memories great times! Good to hear Doug can’t wait to hear it! Used to rock Katy and Mo’s Place back in the day!
March 10, 2017 @ 12:27 pm
so when and where can we catch a performance??
March 11, 2017 @ 5:55 pm
Pods!!!!…where we a sit? pods!
March 11, 2017 @ 9:59 pm
I remember as a young Marine reservist collecting toys for the annual Toys for Tots campaign in Little Rock; the big event “toy hill” always featured some country star who only came out of his RV for a show and to be on the air with Bob Robbins a local DJ.
Mr. Supernaw was the exception, afterwards he came and sat beside a campfire with us Marines on a dreadfully cold Dec night, sang songs, played his guitar, laughed and talked to us for hours when he didn’t have to.
It made our day, and is one of my favorite memories throughout my (30) year career in the Marines.
We all have made our share of bad decisions in life, so do not judge a book by its cover as the old saying goes.
I will always be his #1 fan and would love to meet him again so I can thank him for what he did that night.
Be blessed today!
Lanny
March 12, 2017 @ 8:35 am
We Love Doug Supernaw, we loved his momma! I pray Doug lands on top again, his momma wanted that so much for him. We do too. God has his hand on Doug, you will see great things from him. Some people don’t even know how big his heart is. So if you are for Doug Supernaw then show it, if not, try not to be negative.(people do have a need to kick a man when he’s down)I believe in building a man up, I believe Doug will shine again, that’s what I pray for,him.
April 21, 2018 @ 11:16 pm
If he gets rid of the swamp rat he is with.
March 19, 2017 @ 6:40 pm
My friend! Sir: DOUG, YOU are Loved.~ U` SHINE xx
March 29, 2017 @ 7:53 pm
FWIW, in case anyone’s interested, Red and Rio Grande and You Still Got Me are available from Amazon as mp3 downloads.
April 4, 2017 @ 6:20 am
I cannot tell exactly how happy I am for Doug. I remember hearing Reno a few years ago at Mavericks Dance Hall In North Austin and immediately brought me back to my teenage years. One of he best Dance Hall songs of my time. I remember having a hard time getting his album or single and found out about his situation. Reno was imo the epitome of country songs during my high school years from 1991-1995. Doug and Reno helped me score with the ladies. So glad for Doug. Downloaded his new album.
April 5, 2017 @ 3:40 pm
My brother and I drove six hours to watch him perform this past Saturday at the Texas Tumbleweed in Livingston Texas.
Absolutely, an amazing performance! I would drive twice the distance to watch him perform again!
Be blessed today!
Lanny
April 26, 2017 @ 4:27 pm
Congratulations Doug so glad you are back doing what you do best . Singing and Songwriting. We love you Your Biggest Fans From Southern Il. Gauge and Major and Maw Maw.
July 3, 2017 @ 8:46 pm
I wish the best for a man that came to Beaumont and gave his time playing music with Tracy Byrd,Clay Walker and Mark Chesnut in 1997 to help pay for Glen Gordon Mark’s lead guitarist medical bills who had just passed away…..
October 11, 2017 @ 6:38 am
Good to see him back ! I remember going every year to the Shanks ,Tritter and Ledbetter golf tournament and he and George Shanks would sing the silliest songs at the end of the golf tournament, it was great times !
October 12, 2017 @ 2:33 am
Great to have a true country music artist back!
January 25, 2018 @ 11:30 pm
I seen Doug at a binafit one time and he played some dam good music
March 23, 2018 @ 8:58 am
The song Here’s My Heart is about Brooke his ex
April 9, 2018 @ 5:40 am
Brooke? Not according to Doug. He saud un several interviews that he wrote it for God.
April 15, 2018 @ 8:45 pm
not sure who heres my heart is about but i spent some time on the bus with roy head an doug and doug did talk about a brook. he said the only girl he ever loved. he is a good dude wish him the best
April 21, 2018 @ 11:14 pm
He really needs Brooke back then. Whatever he has now is only dragging him back down and he doesn’t even see it. A good source tells me that the guy that took the chance on him is now gone and his girlfriend is an idiot. Too bad, he really had a chance to get back out there. Now he’s just a bar band. Until that ends.
February 2, 2019 @ 5:02 pm
Doug I knew well and still do . He’s truly a honest good hearted man . He came and went from my residence in southern Illinois whenever he wanted and he did regularly for about 5 years .. He’s like a older brother I never had and a uncle to my 4 kids that love him greatly . We laugh and talk about a lot of things . He’s got a laugh you never forget . He’s family and he knows it . Praying for him now that God heals him from a bout with cancer stage 4 . He’s a true fighter . Love you brother Doug SUPERNAW. Prayers flying up from southern Illinois. Please do the same for him and his family .Ty
July 29, 2019 @ 12:46 pm
I just Doug Supernaw. His music is in my list of favorites. He got me through and now he needs our help. I’m praying for him and gonna try to donate to his go fund me page.