Jeff Bates Celebrates Seven Years of Sobriety
In 2001, Jeff Bates was on the verge of a recording deal with Mercury Records when he was arrested for theft and drug possession, a result of his crippling meth addiction. After coming so close to achieving his dreams, “basically my career was over before it got started, and all my hard work went down the tubes,” says Bates. “I also lost friends and their trust, and every shred of self-respect and dignity I had. I honestly believe if I hadn’t gotten arrested, I would be dead now.”
Flash forward to 2008, and Bates is celebrating seven years of sobriety, a new self-titled album and a metamorphosis into a serious fitness buff. “I’m usually out of bed by 6:30 a.m. and in the gym by 8,” says Bates, whose hits include “The Love Song” and “Long Slow Kisses.”
Bates got serious about fitness after losing his father to cancer and diabetes. “I realized his quality of life could have been a lot better if he’d just been able to move,” he says. “I spent the last six months of 2007 with him and saw that the longer he was unable to get up and move, the weaker he became, until his muscles had totally deteriorated. It clicked with me that if didn’t use it, I’d lose it.
“I’m in better physical condition now than I’ve been since I was a teenager,” Bates concludes. “My mind is clear, my memory is good, and most importantly, I feel good about myself. I am able to talk to other addicts and inspire them to stay on the path of being drug-free. I don’t take it lightly. To be clean for me is as important as taking my next breath of air. It’s a matter of life and death.”
©2007 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Lila Vickery says:
I saw Jeff in Greenville, SC a few years ago and really enjoyed the concert. I am so glad to read that he has stayed clean. God Bless him with further success. I love to read about changed lives and second chances.
Gail Kuwamoto says:
God Bless You, Jeff. I am so happy for you.
Kathy Sadler says:
I had the good Fortune to see Jeff at the South Carolina State fair. He was wonderful. I hope to get see and hear more from him in the future. We will keep him in our prayers . Good Luck on some new music . We Love Ya.
Kathy in Columbia,SC
Brian says:
Ive been a big fan of his ever since Rainbow Man came out…keep on singin that traditional country music Jeff!!!
Sheryl Umphrey says:
I am very proud of you and your accomplishment! I almost had the honor of meeting you at the fan fair last year at your booth,better luck this year,lol.Keep up the great work,good luck with the new cd,I will be picking it up soon.Take one day at a time and know that your faNS ARE BEHIND YOU .
ree says:
i’am so very proud of you jeff, you inspire all you come in contact with.stay strong, i love you.
shelby says:
jeff i am from mississippi awhat have you been up to i like your song long slow kiss it really touch home for me an when i first hear it i sat an cry the i am happy for you i am behind you all the way you inspire me alot
love
ya
shelby