Best With Hosts Lee Zimmerman and Billy Hubbard Podcasts (2024)

1
Reckless Kelly’s Cody Braun Lets Loose 31:33

7h ago31:33

31:33

Cody Braun is one of the guiding lights in Reckless Kelly, a band long known as one of the beacons of Austin’s much fabled music scene. Along with his brother Willy, he’s played an essential role in the 17 studio albums the band’s released over the course of the past 30 years, all in addition to being an astute producer and multi-instrumentalist as…

1
A Fun Late Night Conversation With Hit Singer Songwriter Billy Droze & Manager Donna Sue Roberts 1:03:26

7d ago1:03:26

1:03:26

Join hosts Billy and Sarah Hubbard for a fun late night hangout with Billy Droze and his manager Donna Sue Roberts for a conversation filled with laughter! Born in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1986, the 10th of 12 children, Billy Droze grew up in Alabama knowing that music was his life as far back as he can remember. “It’s as if I was inserted with a co…

1
Ralph Stanley II Makes His Father Proud 31:45

9d ago31:45

31:45

There’s an old saying, “Like father, like son.” Nevertheless, being the child of a famous parent can be a double edged sword. Certain doors may be opened but the expectations can run very high. That would especially seem the case when it comes to Ralph Stanley II and his famous father, a bluegrass pioneer. Nevertheless, the younger Stanley has prov…

1
Randall Bramblett Shares His Captivating Career 42:32

16d ago42:32

42:32

By any description, Randall Bramblett can claim a varied career. Aside from the fact that he’s released no fewer than 15 solo albums, as a solo artist, he’s also been a much in-demand session player, having worked with Gregg Allman, Bonnie Raitt, Robbie Robertson, Elvin Bishop, Steve Winwood, Widespread Panic, and any number of others. That’s hardl…

1
Ruthie Foster Makes The Most Of Her "Mileage" 38:15

23d ago38:15

38:15

The milestone tenth studio album from folk-blues luminary Ruthie Foster, Mileage finds the singer-songwriter reflecting on a life that’s been full of professional triumphs, courtesy of a musical journey that took a self-described “little Black girl with a guitar” from singing at churches in rural Texas to chalking up multiple Grammy nominations. Wi…

1
Y&T Records Founder Rich Ulloa Shares His Passion For His Pursuit Of Music 41:26

1M ago41:26

41:26

Rich Ulloa has always been passionate about music. That was evident early on when he established one of the most important independent record stores in the nation with Miami's Yesterday and Today Records. That led to the founding of Y&T Records, which gave birth to the Mavericks, Mary Karlzen and other seminal Florida artists that got their start c…

1
Talented Teen Wyatt Ellis Talks About A Rapid Ascent To Superstardom 27:22

1M ago27:22

27:22

Wyatt Ellis shares his backstory and music from his debut album Happy Valley. Born not far from the Great Smoky Mountains, Wyatt Ellis' first recollection of hearing the mandolin was Bobby Osborne’s iconic solo on the Osborne Brothers’ bluegrass classic “Rocky Top.” Hearing the Tennessee bluegrass anthem echo throughout the early years of his child…

1
John Smith Presley Who's DNA Proves He's The Son Of Elvis Talks About His New Movie & Netflix Special 38:40

1M ago38:40

38:40

Join Billy Hubbard and his wife Sarah on this special episode with Author/Screenwriter Rich Carlburg and Singer Songwriter John Smith Presley, a man who has presented DNA and other convincing evidence to prove he is the son of Elvis Presley. John was born in 1961 and adopted and raised by an uncle and aunt of Elvis, Ira Dee and Etta Smith. (Note - …

1
Charlie Overbey Talks About His New Album And Continuing An Outlaw Ethic 38:28

2M ago38:28

38:28

Charlie Overbey, once labeled the “Punk Rock Spy In The House Of Honky Tonk" by none other than Lemmy of Motorhead, has redefined the outlaw ethos of Americana music. That’s never been more evident than with the release of his new album, aptly titled In Good Company. A revisit to decades of writing and recording sessions from studios around the wor…

1
Graham Sharp of The Steep Canyon Rangers Talks About The Peaks They've Climbed 35:49

2M ago35:49

35:49

Simply stated, Steep Canyon Rangers rank among the upper echelon of today’s most prominent bluegrass bands. They’ve extended their musical template far beyond any confined parameters and into the realms of mass appeal, courtesy of songs that resonate with immediate accessibility and all the elements needed to ensure populist appeal. The band's new …

1
Steve Forbert Talks About His Newest Album 'Daylight Savings Time' 35:48

2M ago35:48

35:48

Grammy nominated artist Steve Forbert, best known for the classic "Romeo's Tune," is a true American musical treasure, a fact underscored by his newest album Daylight Savings Time, to be released on September 20, 2024 via Blue Rose Music. Like all his recordings of new songs, it's saturated with what renowned rock journalist Robert Christgau discer…

1
John Oates Talks About Moving Forward Into the Future 36:12

2M ago36:12

36:12

Although many people still think of him as the “And Oates” in the extraordinarily successful Hall & Oates, one of the best-selling duos of all time, John Oates stands on his own as a prolific singer, songwriter, producer, and solo artist. Not only was he responsible for writing or co-writing any number of the pair’s major hits — “Sara Smile,” “She’…

1
Andy Hall Of The Infamous StringDusters Talks About Their New Album 'Songs from the River' 50:45

3M ago50:45

50:45

The GRAMMY® Award-winning Americana quintet—Andy Falco [guitar], Chris Pandolfi [banjo], Andy Hall [dobro], Jeremy Garrett [fiddle], and Travis Book [double bass]—have musical influences that truly run the gamut, but their common denominator is certainly bluegrass -- the sound that has in essence defined the course of their career. The Infamous Str…

1
Jon Langford Reflects On His Multi-Media Abilities 44:46

3M ago44:46

44:46

Jon Langford was originally the drummer for the punk band The Mekons when it formed at the University of Leeds in 1977, but he later took up the guitar as other band members left. Since the mid-1980s he has been one of the leaders in incorporating folk and country music into punk rock. He has released a number of solo recordings as well as recordin…

1
Uncle Lucius Frontman Kevin Galloway Talks About Their Return 33:40

3M ago33:40

33:40

Passion and persistence are key traits when it comes to finding success in today’s music realms. The band that goes by the name Uncle Lucius took that fact to heart after going on hiatus in 2018 and regrouping five years later. “We started getting this thing rolling in late 2005,” lead singer and songwriter Kevin Galloway tells Lee and Billy . “We …

1
John McEuen Gets Down To The Nitty Gritty & Shares News About 'The Newsman' 44:46

3M ago44:46

44:46

There are some who still think of multi-instrumentalist John McEuen as the lively multi-instrumentalist who helped found the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in the mid ‘60s and then remained at the band’s helm for some 50 years. Nevertheless, after parting ways with the group in 2017 due to various personal and professional disagreements, he’s managed to ca…

1
Sue Foley Talks About Her Acoustic Tribute To Female Pioneers Of Guitar - 'One Guitar Woman' 43:28

4M ago43:28

43:28

Three time Blues Foundation Traditional Female Artist award winner, Sue Foley’s new album 'One Guitar Woman' is a heartfelt tribute to the female pioneers of the guitar - including Memphis Minnie, Lydia Mendoza, Maybelle Carter, Ida Presti, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The album showcases the dexterity of Foley’s acoustic nylon string guitar skills a…

1
Lucinda Williams Shares Her Songs And Stories In A Conversation With My Backstage Pass 31:03

4M ago31:03

31:03

Few artists have achieved the kind of acclaim and achievement garnered by Lucinda Williams over the course of her career. Having composed the oft-covered song “Passionate Kisses,” often described as “an Americana classic,” she went on to release any number of landmark albums, among them, Sweet Old World and Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, all of which…

1
Guy Clark Stories With Verlon Thompson & Shawn Camp 51:29

4M ago51:29

51:29

Although both Verlon Thompson and Shawn Camp claim notable credits as both singers and songwriters — with combined credits that include Willie Nelson, Barbara Mandrell, Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Anne Murray, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Del McCoury, Sam Bush, Trisha Yearwood, George Strait, Garth Bro…

1
Jesse Dayton Mines The Various Hues Of The Blues In A Conversation With My Backstage Pass 31:56

4M ago31:56

31:56

With three decades of experience playing and touring with Outlaw Country and SoCal Rock luminaries like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson, Social Distortion, and X, Jesse Dayton takes a sonic synergy between Texas and Chicago Blues, courtesy of his new album, The Hard Way Blues. In Jesse Dayton’s reckoning, the Blues are anything that…

1
Bluegrass Beckons When Irene Kelley Shares An Exclusive Interview With My Backstage Pass 29:33

5M ago29:33

29:33

Irene Kelley’s love of music has been imbued in her memory practically from the very beginning. She became wholly entranced by it while hearing it for the first time in her dad’s basement TV repair workshop as a young girl. After hearing it around the house, the music became so imbued in her that she began writing music early on and joined her firs…

1
Willie Nile - A Relentless Rock and Roll Warrior 47:58

5M ago47:58

47:58

Born and bred in Buffalo New York and a later transplant that calls Manhattan home, Willie Nile is the epitome of an urban warrior, a no-nonsense rock and roll loyalist whose urban sensibility evokes the fierce spirit of the city’s punk scene and its insurgent sensibility. Over the course of 14 studio albums and a near brush with widespread fame an…

1
The Young Fables (TYF) Reveal The Story Behind Their New Single "Second Time Around" 26:24

6M ago26:24

26:24

The Young Fables (TYF) create music with storytelling weaved into Americana roots music with pop sensibilities. East Tennessee (Maryville) natives, Laurel Wright and Wes Lunsford are influenced by timeless treasures like Patsy Cline, Bonnie Raitt, Glen Campbell and Chet Atkins. The duo’s unique sound has resonated with audiences around the globe as…

1
Danny McCloskey Co-Founder/Publisher of The Alternate Root Magazine, Record Business Veteran and Entrepreneur Shares Secrets of His Success 53:28

7M ago53:28

53:28

Lee and Billy welcome Danny McCloskey, Co-owner of The Alternate Root music magazine, Desert Roots Music and a thirty-year-plus veteran of the music industry. From 1979 to 1985 he wrote and developed radio shows, developed programming and organized the yearly local music event ‘The Rock and Roll Rumble’ for legendary radio station WBCN in Boston, M…

1
Singer Songwriter Amelia White Shines A Light On Her Career 31:59

7M ago31:59

31:59

Amelia White’s reputation as one of Nashville’s most captivating singer songwriters has increased substantially with each and every new release. And for good reason. Assured and emotive, White’s songs come across with an authority and determination that gets straight to the heart of her sentiment and intents. Her new album, Love I Swore, offers a d…

1
Cruz Contreras Shares His Thoughts About Breaking From the Past While Working His Way Towards the Future 46:58

7M ago46:58

46:58

Despite a storied career that found him firmly at the helm of the highly acclaimed East Tennessee-based band The Black Lillies, and prior to that, the primary back-up for singer Robinella, Cruz Contreras, in effect starting anew. His debut solo album Cosmico, finds him stepping out on his own and taking his music into a decidedly new direction. Bor…

1
Jim Parker - Hit Songwriter & Creator/Host of Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series ® 1:22:15

10M ago1:22:15

1:22:15

Within a year after getting his first guitar donated by his sister’s boyfriend, Jimmy Gilmer of Sugar Shack fame, Jim Parker was playing in a band and later became a founding member of The Illusions that landed a record deal with Dot Records. In 1966 he and his buddies decided to leave their hometown of Amarillo, Texas, and head to Los Angeles. Dur…

1
Ellis Paul, Singer-Songwriter, Illustrator, Author 23:13

11M ago23:13

23:13

Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. And much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dyl…

1
Songwriter, Storyteller, Multi-instrumentalist Rees Shad 34:42

11M ago34:42

34:42

This episode we have a conversation with songwriter, storyteller, multi-instrumentalist Rees Shad. Shad has been described as a master of alluring melodies and short story songs whose characters interact and reoccur in eloquent musical vignettes. An accomplished musician, composer, and creative, Shad has an impressive catalog of thirteen solo album…

1
Jim Gaines - Multiple Grammy winning producer/engineer of Huey Lewis, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Santana, Journey, and Steve Miller 43:13

1y ago43:13

43:13

In a recording career spanning some fifty years, bridging a range in time and style that reaches from the early days at Memphis’s Stax Records to Carlos Santana’s eight-Grammy year in 2000 and beyond, producer Jim Gaines has operated the mixing board for some of the greatest artists in American music. Journey, Huey Lewis and the News, Steve Miller,…

1
Steve Meyer (Part 3) Former National Promotion Director for Capitol Records & Universal/MCA 1:08:46

1y ago1:08:46

1:08:46

Be sure to also hear parts 1 and 2 of Steve Meyer! Steve was more than just a record executive whose stint as National Promotion Director for Capitol Records and Universal/MCA made him one of the biggest power brokers in the music industry during '70s, '80s and '90s. He worked with the biggest names in the business -- The Beatles (and Paul McCartne…

1
Steve Meyer (Part 2) Former National Promotion Director for Capitol Records & Universal/MCA 1:22:05

1y ago1:22:05

1:22:05

Be sure to also hear parts 1 and 3 of Steve Meyer! Steve was more than just a record executive whose stint as National Promotion Director for Capitol Records and Universal/MCA made him one of the biggest power brokers in the music industry during '70s, '80s and '90s. He worked with the biggest names in the business -- The Beatles (and Paul McCartne…

1
Steve Meyer (Part 1) Former National Promotion Director for Capitol Records & Universal/MCA 1:01:50

1+ y ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Be sure to also hear parts 2 and 3 of Steve Meyer! Steve was more than just a record executive whose stint as National Promotion Director for Capitol Records and Universal/MCA made him one of the biggest power brokers in the music industry during '70s, '80s and '90s. He worked with the biggest names in the business -- The Beatles (and Paul McCartne…

1
A Conversation with Ireland Based Band Seafoam Green 29:20

1+ y ago29:20

29:20

A conversation with the Ireland based band Seafoam Green as they bring their Americana Roots Roadshow across the Atlantic for their 2023 US tour. Learn more about Seafoam Green at http://www.seafoamgreenband.com/ What others are saying about Seafoam Green: - Classic Rock Magazine “Stunning...9/10”, - Country Music Magazine ★★★★★ - Mojo Magazine - “…

1
Linda Gail Lewis - The Original "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll" and Sister of the Legendary Jerry Lee Lewis 58:09

1+ y ago58:09

58:09

American singer, songwriter and pianist Linda Gail Lewis, often referred to as "The True Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," is the little sister to legendary musical genius, Jerry Lee Lewis. Raised on rock'n'roll pumping piano and country, Linda Gail grew up with a passion for music. She has recorded with Stephen Ackles, Van Morrison, her brother Jerry Lee L…

1
Charlie Overbey - Accomplished Singer Songwriter & Hat Maker for the "1883" TV Series 41:12

1+ y ago41:12

41:12

You don't want to miss this conversation with Charlie Overbey, an accomplished LA born and raised singer songwriter and maker of high quality hats! Charlie's soulful songs are steeped in the timeless traditions of the American South. He has toured the world supporting acts ranging from David Allan Coe and Blackberry Smoke to Social Distortion and M…

1
Singer Songwriter Shawn Camp & Singer Songwriter/Actress Lisa Stewart - Recorded Live at The Station 22:20

2y ago22:20

22:20

Some careers can be described with a couple of words, but Shawn Camp's isn't one of them. A bold and distinctive singer, a songwriter who's provided material for artists ranging from Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury and Ricky Skaggs to Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Porter Wagoner, Loretta Lynn and Brooks & Dunn, with hits such as “Two Pina Coladas” (Garth …

1
Trisha Gene Brady - Songs & Stories Series Recorded Live from The Station 1:31:40

2y ago1:31:40

1:31:40

Lee Zimmerman's Songs & Stories Series is a new musical experience (think Actor's Studio for artists) with live music, conversations, and audience Q&A's all while live taping "My Backstage Pass" podcast. This episode features singer songwriter Trisha Gene Brady! Knoxville, Tennessee native Trisha Gene Brady’s seven-year run as vocalist and instrume…

1
Verlon Thompson - A singer songwriter who personifies the purity and passion of an artist and entertainer unlike any other. 39:42

2y ago39:42

39:42

Verlon Thompson îs the real deal, not only as far as the stories behind his songs, but also the sincerity he invests in his emotions. Born and raised on the Oklahoma plains, the breeding ground for such revered American songwriters as Woody Guthrie, Roger Miller, Leon Russell, J.J. Cale and Jimmy Webb, he incorporates the rich fabric of emotional a…

1
The HawtThorns - Songs & Stories Series Recorded Live from 'The Bird and the Book' Café 1:10:23

2+ y ago1:10:23

1:10:23

In many ways, The HawtThorns — a thoroughly dynamic duo consisting of husband and wife Johnny and KP Hawthorn — find a perfect blend of melody and magic, one that incorporates the sunny sounds of classic California rock blended with the rich resonant sounds of today’s Americana musical environs. Now, with their stirring second album Tarot Cards and…

1
Greg Garing - The man Johnny Cash called "The best country singer I heard in 30 years" 38:37

2+ y ago38:37

38:37

Recorded Live at The Station - Greg Garing has gained notoriety for his mastery of every stringed instrument, and for having a stage presence second to none. The Man in Black himself, Johnny Cash, called Greg "The best country singer I heard in 30 years." A Nashville music critic described Greg as "a veritable hurricane on stage" with his natural a…

1
Dana Cooper - Songs & Stories Series Recorded Live from 'The Bird and the Book' Café 1:24:23

3y ago1:24:23

1:24:23

Acclaimed Nashville singer/songwriter Dana Cooper - Recorded live December 1, 2021 at The Bird and the Book café in Maryville Tennessee. Dana is a recipient of the Heritage Musician award from the Pilgrim Center for the Arts, Folk Alliance International's 2015 Spirit of Folk award and numerous Best of the Year kudos for both album and individual ex…

1
Musical Funnyman Ray Stevens 28:40

3y ago28:40

28:40

Ray Stevens is known mostly as a musical funnyman, no surprise really considering the novelty songs that he took to the top of the charts during a successful string of hits that dominated the radio waves throughout the 1960s. These days, songs such as “Ahab the Arab,” “The Streak” and “Gitarzan” might not find favor with those of a politically corr…

1
Melanie Safka - The Iconic Woodstock Artist Famous For “Beautiful People,” “Brand New Key,” “Peace Will Come,” and “What Have They Done to My Song, Ma” 54:17

3y ago54:17

54:17

Melanie Safka — generally referred to by her first name only — epitomized the persona of the eternal flower child, a shy, waif-like woman whose memorable appearance at Woodstock summed up the sentiments of the time — innocent, unassuming and with songs that resonated with the optimism of the age. Her work shared that sweet sensibility, as reflected…

1
Billy Droze - One of the fastest rising stars in roots music of his generation 32:33

3y ago32:33

32:33

Dolly Parton said about Billy Droze - “When your beautiful wife gave me your CD I listened to it and was very, very impressed. You have all the talent in the world and I hope they love your music as I do. Love, Dolly” At only 35 years of age, Billy Droze has acquired the title of “hit songwriter” and has been touring and making music non-stop for m…

1
Robert Vincent - Americana Music Association UK's 2021 Artist of the year AND Album of the Year! 34:46

3y ago34:46

34:46

If you haven't discovered the incredible Liverpool based artist Robert Vincent, you are certainly in for a treat! Since his debut album ‘Life in Easy Steps’ in 2013, Robert Vincent from Liverpool has been one of the most acclaimed new voices in Americana, Country and Folk. Having received the inaugural Emerging Artist Award from ‘Whispering’ Bob Ha…

1
"Paul" of Peter, Paul, and Mary - Noel Paul Stookey 50:41

3+ y ago50:41

50:41

This episode our guest is a man well known as one of the most prolific forces behind the early ‘60s folk revival and a champion of civil rights during the decades that came after. His name is Noel Paul Stookey, the "Paul" who was an essential part of the trio known throughout the world as Peter, Paul and Mary. Always served on the front lines when …

1
Bruce Sudano - Singer/Songwriter who built his reputation writing for his late wife Donna Summer, Dolly Parton, and The Jackson's, is now creating magic & music on his own 43:19

3+ y ago43:19

43:19

This episode of My Backstage Pass we speak with singer and songwriter Bruce Sudano. Mentored early on by pop wiz Tommy James of Tommy James and the Shondells fame, Bruce Sudano was one of those fortunate few who was able to achieve a parallel career as both an artist and songsmith. He achieved his greatest glories by way of the material made famous…

1
A Compelling Conversation With Singer/Songwriter Chuck McDermott 1:00:06

3+ y ago1:00:06

1:00:06

On this edition of My Backstage Pass, we talk with Chuck McDermott, an artist who spent much of his career backing legendary singer/songwriter John Stewart, the man behind such hits as “Daydream Believer,” Runaway Train” and “Gold.” He talks with us about his return to recording after spending his early years with the pioneering Americana band Whea…

1
Tamara Saviano - Film Producer/Director/Writer of "Without Getting Killed or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark" 38:12

3+ y ago38:12

38:12

In this episode we have a great conversation with film and music Producer/Director/Writer Tamara Saviano about her new Guy Clark, Susanna Clark, and Townes Van Zandt documentary "Without Getting Killed or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark." The 95-minute documentary follows Guy Clark, Susanna Clark, and Townes Van Zandt as they rise from obsc…

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