The parking lot of the Greenville Wal-Mart hasn't been empty since its opening in August. However, it likely hasn't been as full as it was last night since that date either.

The reason for the excitement was a visit from country music legend Charlie Daniels. Daniels, who is one of the most recognizable faces in the south, was in town to sign his new "Essential Charlie Daniels" CD.

Daniels said while he spends most of his time in crowded cities and auditoriums he is glad to get back to the small town atmosphere.

"I love to get back to the small towns," said Daniels. "I love the people the environment and everything about it."

Daniels said while he has not spent much time in Greenville he has been through before.

"I am sure I have driven through here many times," said Daniels. "I go all over the country and all over the world so there aren't many places I haven't been any more."

Daniels said meeting new people make the visits all worthwhile.

"I love to get out and do things like this," said Daniels. "There is nothing like it. To meet fans and see the looks on their faces. It's great."

Indeed Daniels did make an impression. The back room was packed with well wishers, local radio media and those who just wanted to get a glimpse of the "fiddle man in the big hat."

Daniels even took several opportunities to display his sense of humor and country charm.

From here, Daniels said he plans to remain in the state travelling south.

"I am on my way to Fairhope from here," said Daniels. "I'll be doing the same thing there as here. Meeting people and having a good time."

The performer explained the reasons why he and his band decided to make his second &uot;Greatest Hits&uot; album.

&uot;Since some of these songs were first released twenty-five or thirty years ago, the technology has so greatly improved. Also, some of our old recordings of better-known tunes were with different record labels, so you had to go through a battery of lawyers every time a movie or TV production, or what have you, wanted to use one of our songs on their soundtrack. This way, we are avoiding all that,&uot; Daniels said.

Daniels said he looks forward to meeting local fans during his CD signing, slated for the Greenville Wal-Mart at 6 p.m. Friday Nov. 5. Dr. Pepper is the corporate sponsor for the event.