For two-thirds of his 48 years, Keith Rivers of Mount Vernon has been writing, turning out more than 300 patriotic, novelty, country, gospel, bluegrass and love songs.

In the past three years, he's won the first place award twice in the Alabama Pecan Festival's Hank and Jett Williams songwriters' contest. He placed third once.

Rivers recently filmed 11 music videos that will soon be available on iTunes and he's published poetry and children's stories.

He's working on a novel, a western in the fashion of author Zane Grey.

Rivers, one of 10 children, was influenced early in life by an older brother who "not only played many instruments, but played them well," and by the music of Hank Williams, Dolly Parton and Dan Fogelberg.

Like his brother, Rivers also plays several instruments, but prefers the acoustic guitar "because of its warm tones," he said.

He uses the guitar, or occasionally a piano, to compose his music as he creates the lyrics of his songs.

Local singer Carolyn Sue Cain first met Rivers 20 years ago when they worked together at the University of South Alabama.

"We became the best of friends when we discovered we both were into country and gospel music," she said, adding that Rivers has written several songs for her. Rivers' compositions come complete with lyrics and music, Cain said, noting that he's very versatile" and especially good with blues and bluegrass tunes.

Rivers plans to enter the Pecan Festival songwriting contest again this year, though coming in first is not a priority with him, he said.

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