Mobley returns to home town for festival

CELINA - Famed country music songwriter Wendell Mobley returned Friday night to entertain the home town he says has helped shape his lyrics.

The country music songwriter and musician alongside Exploit and artists Ashley Clark and Will Freed entertained the large Freedom Festival crowd for three hours with 12 songs Mobley has written over the years for the likes of Rascal Flats and Kenny Chesney.

Mobley said his songs have Celina written throughout them.

"When I close my eyes writing a song, I go here," he said. "I learned about all the stuff that goes into country songs. They're all about small towns, country roads, cornfields, old girlfriends and farmhouses. It's all right here. That's how I grew up, and it's easy to write about."

Among the songs he performed were "How Forever Feels" and "There goes my Life," which he wrote for Kenny Chesney, and "Fast Cars and Freedom" and "Take me There," which he penned for Rascal Flats. He also sang his songs "Tattoos in This Town" and "A Little more Sunshine," which were released by Jason Aldean. The band also performed "Sunshine Lady" in tribute to local music legend Ron Rasberry, whom Wendell cited as a big influence.

Music has been a big part of his life since childhood when he picked up his dad's guitar and played it for the first time. Even though he has moved on from playing in local bands to writing for Nashville's stars, he said "this town has never left me."   

"I love this town," he said, adding he hopes to return to play soon.

Many of Mobley's songs have been No. 1 hits and Exploit bass player Bob Schroeder said he enjoyed watching the crowd sing and dance along to the music.

"I really appreciate the community for coming out. It was a great turnout," he said.