 Joe Diffie How do you follow a Greatest Hits album and nine No. 1 hits? If you're Joe Diffie, you simply record ten more potential chart toppers. Diffie has earned a sterling reputation as a singer's singer, a master song craftsman who can deliver great-country lyrics. One of the most liked and respected figures in the country music industry, he has repeatedly demonstrated his prowess on the charts as one of the most consistent hit makers of the '90's. Three Gold albums, two Platinum and one Double Platinum plaque hang on his wall. The former Oklahoma iron foundry worker moved to Music City in 1986. His bluegrass and country roots ran deep; and his "quick study" abilities rapidly attracted attention in the songwriting and publishing community. In between shifts at the Gibson Guitar factory warehouse, Diffie sang "I've Cried My Last Tear For You" (later a hit for Ricky Van Shelton), "Born Country" (likewise, Alabama), "You Don't Count The Cost" (Billy Dean) and dozens of other tunes. His own compositions were recorded by Charley Pride, Hank Thompson, The Forrester Sisters, Tracy Lawrence, Doug Stone and Clinton Gregory, among others. Diffie's cowritten "There Goes-My Heart Again," which became a chart-topper for Holly Dunn in 1989. He sang harmony vocals with the then -unknown Tim McGraw at yet another demo session. The tape earned Tim his recording contract and Diffie penned "Memory Lane" as the future star's second single. Joe Diffie landed his -own contract when Epic Records signed him in 1990. He immediately rewarded the company's faith in him by taking five of his first six singles straight to No. 1. Diffie cowrote two of those smashes, "'If You Want Me To" and "New Way To Light Up An Old Flame." The other four "Home," "If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)," "Is It Cold In Here" and "Ships That Don't Come In" -- remain among the most memorable country performances of 1990-91.
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