Diffie Dealing With Wider Recognition

After a string of No. 1 country records, Joe Diffie’s world-class voice finally is gaining his face widespread recognition.

“All of a sudden, everybody knows who I am,” laughingly says Diffie on the eve of the Dec. 5 release of his fourth album, “Life’s So Funny.”

As an example, there was a rehearsal for the 1995 Academy of Country Music awards show in Los Angeles.

“I was walking in and there was Cybill Shepherd standing there, and she goes, ‘Oh my God, it’s Joe Diffie!’ And I’m like, ‘Cyb … uh … she knows who I am?’ And then she comes over and says, ‘You’re my favorite singer. Can I give you a big hug?’ I say, ‘Well, sure.’ “