Suzy Bogguss is now basking in the limelight of critical praise. She’s happy, for one reason, because she doesn’t have to distribute her own albums anymore.

During her early days in Nashville, Bogguss took copies of her first independent album and dropped them off at the homes of country stars.

“Nobody responded,” she recalled, laughing, “but Barbara Mandrell’s husband did invite me in.”

Bogguss, 33, still delivers her music today, but from the stage. She will be the opening act for Clint Black and Alabama in a soldout concert Thursday night in Augusta.

Her “overnight success” actually started years ago in a small Illinois town. Bogguss’ home was filled with Big Band, country and ’60s folk-rock music. Her favorites included Elton John, Paul Simon, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris.

“I had a little bit of everything” she said. “That’s one of the reasons my music is so potpourri.”

Bogguss majored in metalsmithery in college. These days, her music keeps her busy, but she did design the silver earrings, which she sells while on tour.

While in college, Bogguss began playing at small clubs. After graduating, she took her act on the road, traveling throughout the West in a camper truck, accompanied by her dog, Duchess, and her cat, Chaucer.

“I did everything for myself at that time, which made me empathetic for the people who work around me,” she said. “Also, it helped me hone my voice and my skills. That’s why I’m a good opening act, because I can chameleon myself for any type of audience.”

Part of Bogguss’ apprenticeship was a term as headliner at Dollywood, performing in five shows a day.

“That was very disciplining for me,” she said. “I had to keep myself healthy and jump in there and perform every day. But they gave me the opportunity to create my own show, and didn’t ask me to do anything that wasn’t me.”

When the time neared for Bogguss to sign a contract with Capitol Records, she conferred with the park’s founder, Dolly Parton, who offered her advice.

Her debut album, “Somewhere Between,” which was produced by Wendy Waldman, has been praised in magazines from “Country Music” to “People.” And Bogguss found a unique way to avoid the sophomore slump.

She recorded a number of songs. Then a shakeup at Capitol management resulted in Bogguss and producer Jimmy Bowen working together. The fruits of those sessions is “Moment of Truth,” which will be released Sept. 10.

“Bowen and I decided to start fresh and co-produce the album,” she said. “So we scrapped what would have been the second album. I’ve jumped into some new things, with more electric and steel guitar. There’s still an eclectic romantic side. I can’t help that. I’m a mushy person.”