John Tesh calls himself a man of “average talent (and) horrible ADD,” which may account for the number of pools, from news reporter to Christian musician, he’s dipped his toes into.
He’s no stranger to Tennessee, having reported in Nashville in the 1970s, working alongside Pat Sajak and fighting competing reporter Oprah Winfrey for the best scoops. Tesh returns to the Volunteer State on Monday night in concert at the Tivoli Theater.
The show, which Tesh reluctantly said is akin to a variety show, features music from all six of his public television specials, ranging from classical to hip-hop, comedy and dancing but no animals. The set list is open, allowing the tempo of the audience to lead the numbers. There is also what Tesh called an overblown crazy light show.
Ultimately, though, while the show aims to entertain, its purpose is to inspire people to follow their dreams.
“I’m sort of the poster boy for quit your seven-figure job and go do what you want to do,” Tesh said. “I grew up creating stuff to make money. That’s what I was taught.”
He left a million-plus-paying job hosting “Entertainment Tonight” and took out a second mortgage on his house to finance his PBS concerts and then start his radio show.
Without a background in psychology himself, Tesh employs 10 researchers to find what he calls “the best information out there” on everything from parenting to health and wellness that he will then try to impart to listeners. The message, he said, is hope, joy and risk.
“I’m so much different than somebody like Oprah or Dr. Phil,” he said. “I’m more of a facilitator and not a personality. If I want to be known for anything, it would be Mr. Encouragement.”
He credits people like Howard Stern for giving Americans a reason to need encourage. “Oh my gosh, I cannot take people like Stern ... with the cynicism anymore. I really would like to be encouraged to live a better life, maybe live a life of purpose.”
In his online biography, Tesh’s radio show is referred to as “purpose-driven radio,” a takeoff of Rick Warren’s “A Purpose Driven Life,” which has sparked a movement of sorts. He credits that phrase and others to the listeners.
Retirement, he said, isn’t on the horizon. “I think you’re going to find baby boomers are not going to retire, and those who do retire won’t live as long.”
He said maybe next he’ll become a missionary.
IF YOU GO
What: John Tesh in concert.
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday.
Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.
Admission: $12 ($100 for VIP seats, which include dinner and meet-and-greet with Tesh).
Phone: 757-5050.
Web sites: www.ChattanoogaOnStage.com, www.tesh.com.
