Fresno Famous

Editor's note: This story was written by Janessa Tyler

Country artist Justin Moore wasn’t kidding when he co-wrote the lyrics for “Small Town USA.”

The 28-year-old Arkansas native graduated from high school with a less-than-large class of 39 students. Moore’s graduating class was small, that’s a no-brainer compared to the current Clovis and Fresno graduating high school classes of more than 600 students, but his love for his hometown Poyen inspired him to produce the No. 1 hit from his debut album in 2009.

“The only things that mattered were family, church and whatever sport was in season,” Moore says. He lived on a 100-acre farm with his parents, grandfather, aunt and uncle. Oh, and with cows — in fact, a lot of cows.

Moore will get to experience the love for another small town Friday night when he makes his first visit to Clovis to perform for fans at the Clovis Rodeo.

Moore recently moved to Little Rock, a few miles from Poyen, after living in Nashville for more than nine years. He received the honor of performing, more than once,with his all-time favorite artist Dwight Yoakam.

“He’s the ultimate artist,” Moore says. “He’s the guy I’ve loved since 5 or 6 years old.” Moore is more than a country singing sensation. He’s also a husband to his wife of five years, Kate, and a father to two young daughters. His oldest daughter, 2-year-old Ella Kole, loves the beautiful outdoors just likeher father.

“I took her fishing about a week ago,” Moore says. Moore and his wife welcomed their second child, Kennedy Faye, in November2011. As most recording artists endure a lifestyle far from family and friends, Moore say she’s fortunate to have a tour bus where his loved ones can join him on the road.

“You have to make the best out of the moments you have together,” Moore says. His wife, two daughters and mother are currently by his side on his route to Clovis.

Fans of Moore can’t miss him performing live at the Clovis Rodeo. His Friday night performance will show Clovis residents why he was named Billboard’s “New Country Artist of 2009.”