John Conlee is set to perform at Liberty Hall on Jan. 31, 2018. (Courtesy) 

When John Conlee became a country music star in the 1970s, he had two things going for him: a distinctive voice and a ear for songs many could relate to.

“I am blessed,” the 71-year-old crooner, says of his  Kentucky twang often compared to fellow legends George Jones and Merle Haggard. “People comment all the time on how unique it is.”

Conlee will perform at 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at Liberty Hall, 103. E. Erwin St. Tickets to the concert cost $50 and are available on the venue’s website, libertytyler.com.

Only a few tickets were still available as of this week.

Conlee said that having a distinct sound helped him stand out and attract a devoted fan base.

Over the years his voice has  “mellowed out and lowered ever so slightly,” he said. 

Conlee gained national attention in 1978 with his self-penned “Rose Colored Glasses,” a song about a man who is unwilling to accept the truth that the woman he loves doesn’t feel the same way.

“It was about a relationship that wasn’t going to my satisfaction at the time,” the Grand Ole Opry star said. 

“Rose Colored Glasses” remains his signature song. 

“People come up and tell what they were doing when they heard it the first time,” he said. 

Conlee said he has always been careful to sing memorable songs that touch people’s lives. 

“All the songs (I’ve recorded) were picked very carefully,” he said. “When you do the right songs, and they are quality songs, they are timeless.”

From 1978 to 1987, Conlee had dozens of hits including several No. 1s: “Lady Lay Down,” “Back Side of Thirty,” “Common Man,” “I’m Only In It For Love,” “In’ My Eyes,” “As Long As I’m Rockin’ With You” and “Got My Heart Set on You.”

He has three “Classics” compilation albums. The newest, “Compilations III,” was set to be released on Jan. 25. It is available on iTunes johnconlee.com

“Classics III” includes both old hits (“Got My Heart Set on You,” “Working Man” and “The Carpenter” and new material.  

Conlee was raised on a tobacco farm in Kentucky. He moved to Nashville and found work as a disc jockey. He began writing songs and recorded demos of his songs at the radio station. 

He was signed to a record deal in 1976 and hit it big two years later with his debut album, also named “Rose Colored Glasses.” 

He has been touring ever since. 

“Last year was our busiest year (for touring),” he said. There’s still quite a hunger for classic country music.”

During concerts, Conlee takes questions from audience members. He said he hangs around after shows to sign autographs. 

“This is what I am supposed to be doing,” he said of his long career. “People keep asking me, “When are you goin’ to retire?’ I don’t know. The word retire is not in my Bible.”