SpringfieldNewsSun.com

SPRINGFIELD — The interview time came and went with no word from Chris Cagle.

But for a guy who titled his most recent album "My Life's Been a Country Song," the reasoning made perfect sense.

His dog had just died.

"I don't want to talk about it," he barked a few days later.

So, what was the dog's name?

"What did I just say?"

If there's any doubt that Cagle, playing Kuss Auditorium on Sept. 13, isn't the most authentic country singer out there right now, you need to take a walk in his boots.

But just so you know, it's not actually recommended.

"With the hard knocks I've had," he shot, "when do I get a break?"

The passing of his faithful companion, Capone (he eventually lightened up), was just the latest in a string of setbacks.

"I don't mind obstacles," he said. "I'd just like a little break.

"I'm fighting trying not to become jaded."

Where to start?

Well, he had a baby with a girlfriend, "and the baby wasn't mine."

He sued a manager.

He beat a domestic violence rap this summer stemming from a reported spat in May.

Ten days after he plays locally, he has to answer to an assault charge in Arizona.

He makes no bones about punching the boyfriend of a fan who just wouldn't let up about wanting multiple autographs after a show in Tucson. "I didn't cheap-shot the guy," he offered.

On top of it all, he said he's been sober for all of a year.

"My story's no different than anybody else," Cagle said. "If I really think about it, everything that's happened to me, it's my fault."

Career-wise, the guy couldn't ask for much more.

He's had five Top 10 country hits since 2000 — "I Breathe In, I Breathe Out" hit No. 1 — and the album "My Life's Been a Country Song" debuted at No. 1 in February.

As he prepares to turn 40 in November, Cagle knows he connects with country music fans on a gut level.

Maybe it's because he's as real as Kenny Chesney's tan isn't.

"I don't know why I connect with so many people," Cagle confessed. "I don't want to know, or else I'll screw it up."

Speaking over his cell phone from a golf course in Oregon, he ended the interview with a small request.

"Don't make me look too dark."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0352 or amcginn@coxohio.com.

How to go

Who: Chris Cagle

When: 8 p.m. Sept. 13

Where: Kuss Auditorium

Tickets: $20 to $40. Call (937) 328-3874 or go to pac.clarkstate.edu.