NATCHEZ — When Mac McAnally was young, his mother never told him all the normal colloquialisms.

“Where most peoples’ moms said ‘Be good,’” McAnally said, “My mom said, ‘Make some use of yourself.’ I’m grateful for that little bit of difference. I try to be of use.”

McAnally said he has never forgotten his mother’s advice. Even now, as he makes his way South to come to the annual Natchez Festival of Music, he is still looking for ways to make use of himself.

From the outside, one might say McAnally has made good use of his talents in his multi-decade music career.

The nine-time Country Music Awards Musician of the Year has been elected into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Alabama Hall of Fame.

He has released 16 albums, written dozens of hit singles and yet, McAnally said he does not consider himself to be one of the top musicians in county music today.

“I’m really honored that somebody puts some merit in what I do,” McAnally said. “I’m just trying to get better — Better than I was yesterday.”

McAnally is scheduled to play at the opening night gala of the Natchez Festival of Music at 7 tonight at the Natchez Performing Arts Center.

McAnally said he has not traveled to Natchez in many years, and that the last time he actually played in Natchez was more than 30 years ago.

“I haven’t been in Natchez too many times for how long I’ve been in Mississippi,” he said. “But I’m excited to get back.”

McAnally grew up in Mississippi. He played the guitar in bars on Saturday night and played the piano at church on Sunday morning.

The experience, McAnally said, was a lesson in both music and people.

“I found out, to my surprise, that I was playing to the same people,” he said. “Some people exist in both places. I exist in both places.”

This certain brand of people — Mississippi people — influenced his music greatly, McAnally said.

“We’re sort of an anomaly,” he said. “We’re first or 50th in every category. It’s a place that’s very central to my work. My work wouldn’t be what it is if I hadn’t landed here.”

McAnally said he wanted to share the Mississippi influence with young, upcoming artists, especially here in the state.

Half of all the proceeds from McAnally’s 16th album, “Southbound,” go to the University of Southern Mississippi’s music program. The other half, McAnally said, goes to a charitable organization based out of Hattiesburg called Extra Table, which brings food to the hungry in Mississippi.

“It’s based out of Hattiesburg, but it benefits the whole state,” McAnally said. “It’s a good fit for me because it’s Mississippi centric and so am I.”

The best part about pairing up with the University of Southern Mississippi’s music program, he said, is playing with the orchestra.

“I also get the glorious perk of hearing my music in an orchestra, which is kind of like winning the lottery,” McAnally said. “But really, I want the kids in Mississippi to know that though we’re sometimes at the economic disadvantage, their dreams are possible. When you’re a long way from your dreams it feels like you’re at a disadvantage.”

McAnally said he wants to help alleviate that disadvantage in any way he can.

“I want a path of less resistance for them,” he said. “And, of course, it makes me feel like I’m making use of myself.”