Craig Campbell Ready to Hit the Road With Willie Nelson and Friends

Craig Campbell is experiencing many firsts in his life and career this year: his first hit single, 'Family Man,' the forthcoming release of his first album, and heading out on his first tour. In May, Campbell will join Willie Nelson on the 2011 Country Throwdown Tour, also featuring Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, Lukas Nelson and more.

"When we got the email asking if we wanted to be a part of [the tour], it was before I knew anything about the show," Campbell tells Taste of Country. "But just being a big Willie fan I [thought], well how awesome would that be for that to be my first tour … to go on tour with Willie Nelson! Then I found out those [other] guys are going to be on there, too. Shoot, I hit the jackpot! I didn't have to think too hard on that one. I said, 'Let's do it!'"

Campbell is also looking forward to hanging with his buddies on the tour's lineup, maybe even getting in some serious songwriting!

"Me, Randy and Lee are pretty good buddies," Campbell says. "Actually, Lee [co-wrote] a song on my record called 'All Night to Get There.' I hope we can all combine talents [songwriting on this tour]. The only thing is if we all get together and start writing, hopefully all the songs are going to be awesome, and then we’re going to be fighting over who cuts what!"

Look for Campbell's self-titled debut album on Bigger Picture Group hits stores on April 5.