Country Music's Most Wanted -- Tim `Outlaw' Mcgraw Proves He's Bigger Than One Controversial Song

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Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, 7:30 tonight, Tacoma Dome; $19.50-$26.50, 628-0888. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Country can't ignore Tim McGraw anymore.

When the sensationally popular country-music singer emerged two years ago, he was an embarrassment to Nashville. He wasn't invited on TV programs on The Nashville Network; he was snubbed by country award shows. Many country radio stations turned their backs on him.

The problem was with his breakthrough hit single, "Indian Outlaw," which seemed to recycle every negative stereotype about North America's indigenous people, from squaws in tepees pounding tom-toms, to poverty, drug abuse and alcoholism. Fears of offending Native Americans and other civil libertarians led most country radio stations - including ones here - to boycott the record.

But then a funny thing happened. "Indian Outlaw" became a smash hit on Indian-owned radio stations. McGraw and his rock-influenced band were asked to perform on reservations. Far from being offended, it appeared most Native Americans, especially young ones, liked the song, especially its daring tongue-in-cheek references to Indian cliches.

Native American acceptance of "Indian Outlaw" freed non-Indian stations to play the much-requested song (although some programmed it only at night, avoiding morning and evening drive-times).

Following the song's acceptance, many fans then learned McGraw was the son of baseball legend Tug McGraw. Born out of wedlock, Tim McGraw was known as Tim Smith for most of his life but, out of pride for his birth father, whom he finally met at the age of 11, he took the name McGraw as a teenager. The elder McGraw is not a big fan of his song. That drama fueled interest in the young McGraw's career.

Album showed his talent

"Indian Outlaw," McGraw's first single, was such a success that when he finally released an album, "Not a Moment Too Soon," it took off like a rocket, landing at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard country chart, and staying there for an astonishing 29 weeks.

The album showed that McGraw was not just a one-hit wonder with a questionable novelty song. It showed he had depth as an interpreter of country songs (unlike many contemporary country stars, McGraw does not compose his own songs). His abilities were shown most effectively on the romantic, pleading "Don't Take the Girl," which also became a hit.

The videos from the album demonstrated McGraw's credibility as a performer. The wiry star wears a big black cowboy hat and exudes just enough menace to justify his "outlaw" tag. But he also has a mischievous grin under his handlebar moustache, and also shows youthful sex appeal, so that he draws both male and female fans.

Thanks to his recording success, Nashville did a complete turnaround about McGraw. That was amply demonstrated when "Not a Moment Too Soon" snagged album of the year honors at the Academy of Country Music Awards, beating out strong contenders from Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

"Not a Moment Too Soon" has gone on to sell 4 million copies.

The follow-up album, "All I Want," released last fall, washed away any lingering doubts about McGraw. Not only did it lack problematic songs, it showed him to be even more assured as a singer. The album is loaded with hits, from the rowdy, celebratory "I Like It, I Love It" to the blue-collar plea "All I Want Is a Life" to the touching romantic ballad "Can't Be Really Gone."

From a shaky beginning McGraw has fashioned what will likely be a long-standing career.

Hill blends country, pop

Anyone who watched last week's Academy of Country Music Awards already knows that Faith Hill is one together woman. Co-hosting the televised awards show, she was the picture of poise, charm and personality, easing through the three-hour telecast with aplomb while her co-hosts, Brooks & Dunn, stumbled all over themselves.

Hill is one of the new crop of glamorous female country stars, along with Shania Twain, Terri Clark and Chely Wright. A talented vocalist, her style intersects country and pop.

Her current album, "It Matters to Me," is still in the Top 10 after three months, thanks to such hits as the fun-loving, teasing "Let's Go to Vegas," the defiant "Bed of Roses" and the emotionally powerful "Someone Else's Dream."