Russ, Country "ain't" the same any more.
Check out these songs that seem to go over in any venue:
Always On My Mind-Willie Nelson (Elvis did it too).
Two More Bottles of Wine - Emmy Lou Harris and also Delbert McClinton
Bartender's Blues - George Jones also James Taylor, who wrote it.
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye-various artists
The Dance - Garth Brooks

Also, if you get a chance, listen to Willie Nelson's "Stardust" album. He does all the standards with a simplified sound. It's great.
Good luck on your new career. Next thing you know your wife will leave with the kids, your dog will die and you'll start drinking to forget about it all!
DonM