Kyle Petty Takes Sharp Turn Towards Music

Kyle Petty is practically considered NASCAR racing royalty. His father, Richard Petty, is even nicknamed "The King." Kyle is retired from the sport but can be seen hosting NBC Sports Network's daily NASCAR America.

But this Sunday at the Muddy Creek Music Hall, he'll share his seldom-seen musical side. Kyle is a singer-songwriter and has been compared stylistically to James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot.

Interview Highlights:

On Petty's early musical inspirations:

One of the first people I ever saw play a guitar was Marty Robbins. He used to drive a racecar. He came to the racetrack, then he'd sit out by the pool and play, and I thought it was the coolest thing in the world when I was 11 or 12. I was young.

On how the stage compares to the track:

If I miss a chord, if I miss a word or a note, if something like that happens – not a problem. I just keep singing [and] playing. I just keep going along. In what I used to do for a living – riding around in circles – if you make a mistake they haul you off in an ambulance. So, this is not as serious.

What does Richard Petty think about Kyle's music?

You know, I think my dad gave up on me when I didn't cut my hair. I had earrings [and] a couple of tattoos. I think he gave up on where I fit into his genetic line along the way (laughs). But you know what? He likes the music. Truly, truly does. That is the funny part about it.

Kyle Petty will be performing at Muddy Creek Music Hall on Sunday, March 18 with David Childers. You can find tickets here.