Join hosts Lee Zimmerman & Billy Hubbard as they take you backstage for conversations with singer songwriters, musicians, and music industry professionals! Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. Lee is a former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications for various CBS affiliated television stations. Lee recently authored "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers ...
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Uncle Lucius Frontman Kevin Galloway Talks About Their Return
33:40
33:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:40
Send us a Text Message. 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 te…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
John McEuen Gets Down To The Nitty Gritty & Shares News About 'The Newsman'
44:46
44:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:46
Send us a Text Message. 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 disagreem…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Sue Foley Talks About Her Acoustic Tribute To Female Pioneers Of Guitar - 'One Guitar Woman'
43:28
43:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:28
Send us a Text Message. 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 nylo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Lucinda Williams Shares Her Songs And Stories In A Conversation With My Backstage Pass
31:03
31:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:03
Send us a Text Message. 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 G…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Guy Clark Stories With Verlon Thompson & Shawn Camp
51:29
51:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:29
Send us a Text Message. 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, …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Jesse Dayton Mines The Various Hues Of The Blues In A Conversation With My Backstage Pass
31:56
31:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:56
Send us a Text Message. 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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bluegrass Beckons When Irene Kelley Shares An Exclusive Interview With My Backstage Pass
29:33
29:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:33
Send us a Text Message. 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 earl…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Willie Nile - A Relentless Rock and Roll Warrior
47:58
47:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:58
Send us a Text Message. 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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Young Fables (TYF) Reveal The Story Behind Their New Single "Second Time Around"
26:24
26:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:24
Send us a Text Message. 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 audie…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Danny McCloskey Co-Founder/Publisher of The Alternate Root Magazine, Record Business Veteran and Entrepreneur Shares Secrets of His Success
53:28
53:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:28
Send us a Text Message. 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 s…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Singer Songwriter Amelia White Shines A Light On Her Career
31:59
31:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:59
Send us a Text Message. 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, …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Cruz Contreras Shares His Thoughts About Breaking From the Past While Working His Way Towards the Future
46:58
46:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:58
Send us a Text Message. 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 deci…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Jim Parker - Hit Songwriter & Creator/Host of Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series ®
1:22:15
1:22:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:22:15
Send us a Text Message. 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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ellis Paul, Singer-Songwriter, Illustrator, Author
23:13
23:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:13
Send us a Text Message. 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 fro…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Songwriter, Storyteller, Multi-instrumentalist Rees Shad
34:42
34:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:42
Send us a Text Message. 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 catalo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Jim Gaines - Multiple Grammy winning producer/engineer of Huey Lewis, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Santana, Journey, and Steve Miller
43:13
43:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:13
Send us a Text Message. 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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Steve Meyer (Part 3) Former National Promotion Director for Capitol Records & Universal/MCA
1:08:46
1:08:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:46
Send us a Text Message. 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 Be…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Steve Meyer (Part 2) Former National Promotion Director for Capitol Records & Universal/MCA
1:22:05
1:22:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:22:05
Send us a Text Message. 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 Be…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Steve Meyer (Part 1) Former National Promotion Director for Capitol Records & Universal/MCA
1:01:50
1:01:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:50
Send us a Text Message. 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 Be…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
A Conversation with Ireland Based Band Seafoam Green
29:20
29:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:20
Send us a Text Message. 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 ★…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Linda Gail Lewis - The Original "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll" and Sister of the Legendary Jerry Lee Lewis
58:09
58:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:09
Send us a Text Message. 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,…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Charlie Overbey - Accomplished Singer Songwriter & Hat Maker for the "1883" TV Series
41:12
41:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:12
Send us a Text Message. 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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Singer Songwriter Shawn Camp & Singer Songwriter/Actress Lisa Stewart - Recorded Live at The Station
22:20
22:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:20
Send us a Text Message. 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 “T…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Trisha Gene Brady - Songs & Stories Series Recorded Live from The Station
1:31:40
1:31:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:31:40
Send us a Text Message. 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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Verlon Thompson - A singer songwriter who personifies the purity and passion of an artist and entertainer unlike any other.
39:42
39:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:42
Send us a Text Message. 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 ri…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The HawtThorns - Songs & Stories Series Recorded Live from 'The Bird and the Book' Café
1:10:23
1:10:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:23
Send us a Text Message. 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 seco…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Greg Garing - The man Johnny Cash called "The best country singer I heard in 30 years"
38:37
38:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:37
Send us a Text Message. 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 s…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Dana Cooper - Songs & Stories Series Recorded Live from 'The Bird and the Book' Café
1:24:23
1:24:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:23
Send us a Text Message. 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…
…
continue reading
Send us a Text Message. 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 tho…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
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
54:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:17
Send us a Text Message. 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 s…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Billy Droze - One of the fastest rising stars in roots music of his generation
32:33
32:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:33
Send us a Text Message. 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 mak…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Robert Vincent - Americana Music Association UK's 2021 Artist of the year AND Album of the Year!
34:46
34:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:46
Send us a Text Message. 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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
"Paul" of Peter, Paul, and Mary - Noel Paul Stookey
50:41
50:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:41
Send us a Text Message. 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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
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
43:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:19
Send us a Text Message. 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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
A Compelling Conversation With Singer/Songwriter Chuck McDermott
1:00:06
1:00:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:06
Send us a Text Message. 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 pionee…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Tamara Saviano - Film Producer/Director/Writer of "Without Getting Killed or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark"
38:12
38:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:12
Send us a Text Message. 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 Zand…
…
continue reading
Send us a Text Message. In this episode Lee & Billy have a conversation with singer songwriter EmiSunshine who was 16 years old at the time! Billy's YouTube video of Emi in 2014 (Emi Sunshine "Folsom Prison Blues") quickly garnered over 3 million views! Emi has been attracting national attention since she was 9 years old ("Today," "Little Big Shots…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes - Exclusive Interview
30:43
30:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:43
Send us a Text Message. Billy's cohost Lee Zimmerman interviews Chris Robinson lead singer and founding member of the Black Crowes! Host Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. A former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
A Conversation With The Legendary Pam Tillis
35:26
35:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:26
Send us a Text Message. In this episode we're chatting with the legendary Pam Tillis! Pam is a 3-time CMA award winner, including the prestigious 1994’s Female Vocalist Of The Year Award, and being nominated multiple times for Grammy’s Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1993 for “Maybe It Was Memphis, in 1996 for “Mi Vida Loca” and in 1998 fo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Billy Prine (Brother Of The Late Great John Prine) and Producer Michael Dinallo
49:31
49:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:31
Send us a Text Message. A conversation with Nashville Bluesman Billy Prine, the younger brother of the late great John Prine, and Billy's music producer Michael Dinallo! Billy Prine formed and led his first bar band in Chicago at the tender age of twelve. Chicago in the 1960’s and early 1970’s was wide open, just as FM radio was evolving, with all …
…
continue reading
Send us a Text Message. A conversation with iconic harmonica player Charlie McCoy! Charlie has played on dozens of hit records, including Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash. George Jones, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Perry Como, Joan Baez, Steve Miller Band, Kris Kristofferson, Paul Simon, Barefoot Jerry, on Ringo Starr's 'Beaucoups of Blues', and…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Wildeyes Band - A Conversation With One Of Nashville's Incredible Bands
59:07
59:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:07
Send us a Text Message. In this episode your hosts Lee Zimmerman & Billy Hubbard take you backstage for a conversation with Emily, Daniel, and Max of the Wildeyes Band! Check out this incredible band online at https://wildeyesband.com/ Host Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publ…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Johnny Cash's Grandson - Singer Songwriter Thomas Gabriel
46:48
46:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:48
Send us a Text Message. In this episode your hosts Lee Zimmerman & Billy Hubbard take you backstage for a conversation with singer songwriter Thomas Gabriel, the eldest grandson of Johnny Cash! Thomas talks about his own music and memories of growing up with his iconic grandfather. Learn more about Thomas Gabriel online at https://www.thomasgabriel…
…
continue reading