My Backstage Pass

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 Stringdusters stand out as the rare group who can team up with contemporary artists on late night television one night and headline the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre or perform alongside The Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh the next, and have recently emerged as proprietors behind their newly found independent record label, Americana Vibes. Manifesting an actual flock of impassioned fandom, much like those who paved the road before them, the band have attracted a faithful international audience that continues to grow. Moreover, their powerful music and performances paved the way for a GRAMMY® Award win in the category of “Best Bluegrass Album” for 2017’s Laws of Gravity, and a number of International Bluegrass Music Awards in a variety of categories. The Infamous Stringdusters, have released Songs from the River, their first true compilation album featuring select catalog tracks that fit the theme of rivers. This 24-song compilation is available now via their label Americana Vibes in partnership with Regime Music Group. The release comes in tandem with the band’s upcoming ‘Nights on the River’ tour they will embark on throughout the summer into the fall occurring in primarily river towns across the country. Learn more about Andy Hall and The Infamous StringDusters at https://www.thestringdusters.com Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 recordings with other bands outside of The Mekons, most notably the Waco Brothers, which he co-founded after moving to Chicago in the early 1990s. He is also involved with the Chicago-based independent record label Bloodshot. Langford is also a prolific and respected visual artist best known for his striking portraits of country music icons including Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. Since 2005 he has co-hosted a weekly radio program, “The Eclectic Company,” broadcast on WXRT 93.1 FM in Chicago, and has contributed to This American Life. Langford’s first official solo album, Skull Orchard, a look back at his hometown of Newport, Wales, was released in 1998. He followed it with All the Fame of Lofty Deeds, in 2004, Gold Brick in 2006, and Old Devils in 2010. His new album, Where It All Starts, recorded with the band The Bright Shiners, will be released in August 2024. Learn more about Jon Langford at https://jonlangford.de Host 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 the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains. Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's new album was released on Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 put out our first album in 2006 and we had a great run through the year 2018. I set the band down and I said ‘You know what, I just think it's time to move on for 100 different reasons.’ And we talked about it in an amicable way and did like a seven month farewell thing. And then we dropped the mic in March of 2018 and moved on. I moved on to some solo things. The guys in the band were doing different projects and living different lives.” Nevertheless, as Galloway tells it, fate had other ideas in store. Three years after the band broke up, one of their songs, “Keep the Wolves Away,” which they had released in 2012, was tapped for the hit series “Yellowstone.” That turned the spotlight back on the band and eventually led them to reconsider their earlier decision and regroup. Listen to their fascinating story in this latest edition of My Backstage Pass and check out Uncle Lucius on line at https://www.yourunclelucius.com Host 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 the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains. Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's new album was released on Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 carve out a vigorous and varied solo career — one which includes an autobiography, a role as host of the Acoustic Traveller radio program on Sirius/XM, a notable contribution to pal Steve Martin’s number one, Grammy-winning album The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo, and his own series of solo albums. His allegiance to tradition and the music bred in America’s heartland has always been foremost in his efforts, a fact that’s never been more obvious than on his latest LP, The Newsman, a series of striking spoken word narratives with instrumental accompaniment. McEuen shares his thoughts on the project -- and his career in general -- with Lee and Billy courtesy of My Backstage Pass. Learn more about John McEuen at https://johnmceuen.net Host 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 the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains. Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's new album was released on Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 as she expands on her blues playing into other genres like Piedmont fingerpicking, traditional country, flamenco and classical. “These are the women who were expressing themselves through the instrument as far back as the 1920’s, at the inception of radio and recorded music. They are the trailblazers and visionaries whose footsteps I walk in,” says Foley. In May 2023, Foley was awarded the Blues Music Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist (the Koko Taylor Award) in Memphis TN for the third time. She was also honored with Guitarist of the Year and Blues Act of the Year at the 2023 Austin Music Awards, and Guitarist of the Year at the 2023 Maple Blues Awards. Her last studio album, Pinky’s Blues took home Best Traditional Blues Album at the 2022 Blues Music Awards, and her latest live album Sue Foley Live In Austin Vol. 1 has spent 12 weeks at number 1 on the Roots Music Chart and has been on a number of blues Best Of 2023 lists. Learn more about Sue Foley at https://suefoley.com Host 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 the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains. Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's new album was released on Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 have made her one of the most celebrated performers of her time. She’s garnered three Grammys over the course of her career as well as 17 nominations, ranked high in practically every critic’s poll there ever was, received two Americana Awards, achieved exceptional status on rankings by both VH1 and Rolling Stone, received an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the Berkeley College of Music and named America’s Best Songwriter by Time magazine. Lee and Billy had the opportunity to talk with a woman who can clearly be considered a leading light in the world of Americana music. And what a wonderful conversation it was. Listen in as Lucinda provides listeners with insights into her amazing career. Learn more about Lucinda Williams at https://www.lucindawilliams.com Host 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 the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains. Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's new album was released on Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 Brooks, and many more - each man played an important part in the career of the legendary seminal Texas icon, Guy Clark. Not only did they spend years in Clark’s company, as constant musical companions on tour and in the studio, but they played an essential role in helping to foster Clark’s legendary presence and positioning as one of the most important artists in the whole of the Americana spectrum. Indeed, their continuing collaborations reflect the honor and humility borne from their time spent in the company of Guy Clark. The two men graciously agreed to sit down in person with Lee and Billy for a very special edition of My Backstage Pass in which they shared the anecdotes and experiences they still treasure all these years later. It’s a conversation filled with joy, humor and an abundance of musical memories. Tune in and experience it for yourself. Host 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 the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains. Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's new album was released on Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 keeps you from your home. Whether that be a place, a person, or a state of mind. But the music of the Blues is what helps you navigate that journey home. It chronicles your hardships and heartaches, and when you ultimately succeed in your journey, it commemorates your strength and perseverance in overcoming The Hard Way Blues. Of course, blues and rock are natural bedfellows, especially nowadays with headliners like Joe Bonamassa and Tommy Emmanuel drawing stadium-sized crowds and competing for the commercial credibility once reaped by Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Stevie Ray Vaughn. In that regard, Dayton makes no apologies for his dynamic and driving sound. His music has as much to do with attitude as it does with aptitude, which allows him to find favor with those looking for tenacity and tradition to go hand in hand. When Jesse shares his thoughts with Lee and Billy in an extraordinary interview, the proof of that premise becomes consistently clear. Learn more about Jesse Dayton at https://www.jessedayton.com Host 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 the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains. Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's new album was released on Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com My Backstage Pass intro & outro music credit: Intro - Billy Hubbard "Waitin' on The Wind" Outro - Billy Hubbard "Lonesome When I'm With You" Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 first band at the age of 15. In 1981, she made her big career leap when she was invited to join the bluegrass band Redwing as lead singer. She soon found herself performing at any number of major festivals and gaining major traction in the process. Her move to Nashville in 1984 added increased momentum and she was soon signed to MCA Nashville for whom she recorded her first album which also featured an all-star line-up in the persons of Sam Bush, Carl Jackson and Mark O’Connor. She also found success as a songwriter, penning songs for the likes Alan Jackson, Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White, Loretta Lynn and Trisha Yearwood. Nevertheless, despite her accomplishments, her devotion to the basics of bluegrass remained first and foremost. With early influences that include Jean Ritchie, Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard, Rodney Crowell, Pete Goble, Greg Allman, Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn.These days, Irene is carrying the torch forward, not only through her own efforts, but that of her daughters as well, all of whom joined her for her recent holiday LP Kelley Family Christmas. My Backstage Pass recently had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Kelley in a sit-down face to face interview which found her sharing her musical journey and her fervent belief in bluegrass past and present. Learn more about Irene Kelley at https://www.irenekelley.com Host 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 the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains. Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's new album was released on Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 and notoriety that came courtesy of an early association with Arista Records, Nile admittedly had his share of setbacks, but his devotion to the relentless spirit of pure rock and roll has never wavered. Nile’s latest offering, Live at Daryl’s House Club remains true to that tack, spotlighting him in the environment that suits him best — that is, in front of an appreciative audience, one that allows him to let his free-spirited attitude run wild. In fact, there’s not a single song among this baker’s dozen that fails to reflect his workingman-like regimen, all of which are amplified in this stirring concert setting. Those that have followed Nile since his seminal beginnings in the early ‘80s ought to appreciate Live at Daryl’s House Club for its unabashed energy, while those who, until now, have somehow remained unknowing and unawares could consider this an ample introduction. In short, Nile’s never sounded so energized or inspired. His new interview with My Backstage Pass affirms the obvious. Learn more about Willie Nile at https://www.willienile.com Host 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 the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains. Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's new album was released on Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com My Backstage Pass intro & outro music credit: Intro - Billy Hubbard "Waitin' on The Wind" Outro - Billy Hubbard "Lonesome When I'm With You" Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 live performances have become stages from which The Young Fables discuss themes and topics typically saved for the therapy couch. Strong advocates for mental health awareness, The Young Fables are focused on helping to erase the stigmas surrounding the topic. Recognizing the duo’s advocacy, the pair were honored with The Troy Gentry Compassion Award in 2021 for compassion, commitment, kindness and love. The couple has dropped 3 full length albums Two, Old Songs, and Pages (the latter two collaborations with GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Mitch Dane). Their sound - a whimsical, distinguishable classic country-meets-Americana pop blend - was praised by iconic artists and taste-makers alike, with nine-time GRAMMY® Award winning artist Sheryl Crow tweeting, “Laurel’s as good as any country singer out there!” Their releases opened the door for a Rolling Stone “10 Best Country and Americana Songs of the Week” nod, direct support for artists like Vince Gill, Amy Grant, and Rascal Flatts and an invitation from multi-platinum songstress Shania Twain to take part in the CBS showcase celebration Real Country. “Wes is a perfect partner for Laurel’s voice. I fell in love with these guys as a genuine, authentic talent and sound,” mused Twain, and Travis Tritt added, “Our industry needs (TYF) right now! Learn more about The Young Fables at https://www.theyoungfables.com Host 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 the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains. Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's new album was released on Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com My Bac Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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, Massachusetts. In 1985, Danny joined Atlantic Records, handling services for Island and Virgin Records when under the Atlantic umbrella, as promotion manager for the Boston / New England region where he remained until 1990. Moving on to San Francisco in 1990, Danny managed a publicity firm, The Madera Group. He started his own firm, Next Step Promotion and Publicity in 1996 which later became Next Step Music Management handling artist management, music supervision, publishing and artist development. Songs With Vision started operations in 2002 focusing on film and television music placement for labels and independent artists and acting as a Music Supervisor for a number of film projects as well as in-house for Hallmark Films. Songs With Vision joined forces with The Artist Development Group in 2007, going on to form The Media Guide, The Alternate Root magazine, ADC Films, Alternate Root TV, and other arms of The Alternate Root. The common factor in all the endeavors has been music. Luckily, what Danny does for a living and the way he lives have never been separated. Check out The Alternate Root on line and subscribe at http://www.thealternateroot.com Host 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 authored "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound," as well as his recent book about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains "Thirty Years Behind The Glass. Lee also played a key role in securing airplay for Jimmy Buffett’s first major hit, “Margaritaville.” During his time at Capital records Lee also worked with such legends as Paul McCartney, Bob Seger, the Steve Miller Band, and others. You can contact Lee at lezim@bellsouth.net Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is a Tennessee based Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and venue developer/booking manage and co-founder of the iconic Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 discourse revolving around bracing emotional issues — the struggle to maintain core relationships, dealing with loss and loneliness, and, in particular, the difficulties and diversions encountered by road-weary musicians. Taken in tandem Love I Swore is a testament to White’s powers of persuasion — that is, her ability to involve the listener and leave behind an emphatic impression. It’s everything a set of songs should be — personal, provocative and flush with earnest emotion. As a result, White’s made a definitive statement and also the most defining album of her career. The love she swears to is clearly evident throughout. Learn more about Amelia White online at http://www.ameliawhite.com Host 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 authored "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound," as well as his recent book about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains "Thirty Years Behind The Glass. Lee also played a key role in securing airplay for Jimmy Buffett’s first major hit, “Margaritaville.” During his time at Capital records Lee also worked with such legends as Paul McCartney, Bob Seger, the Steve Miller Band, and others. You can contact Lee at lezim@bellsouth.net Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is a Tennessee based Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company, as well as a music and podcast producer. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and venue developer, booking manager, and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East Tennessee. As an artist Billy is endorsed by Godin's Simon & Patrick Guitars and his YouTube channel has over 3 million viewers. Billy's new self titled album was released on Spectra Records October 2023 on i Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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. Borne from a personal perspective that is, by turns, both ethereal and emphatic, music conveyed through tone, texture and melodies that immediately crawl under the skin and then linger there in a perpetual haze. In this episode Cruz sits down with Lee Zimmerman and Billy Hubbard to discuss the stories behind the songs and this bold new chapter and what lies ahead. Learn more about Cruz Contreras at https://www.cruzcontreras.com Host 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 authored "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound," as well as his recent book about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains "Thirty Years Behind The Glass. Lee also played a key role in securing airplay for Jimmy Buffett’s first major hit, “Margaritaville.” During his time at Capital records Lee also worked with such legends as Paul McCartney, Bob Seger, the Steve Miller Band, and others. You can contact Lee at lezim@bellsouth.net Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is a Tennessee based Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company, as well as a music and podcast producer. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and venue developer, booking manager, and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East Tennessee. As an artist Billy is endorsed by Godin's Simon & Patrick Guitars and his YouTube channel has over 3 million viewers. Billy's new self titled album was released on Spectra Records October 2023 on iTunes and all major outlets! Learn more about Billy online at http://www.BillyHubbard.com My Backstage Pass intro & outro music credit: Intro - Billy Hubbard "Waiting' on The Wind" Outro - Billy Hubbard "Lonesome When I'm With You" Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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. During that time, The Illusions became “The Kitchen Cinq” recording with Lee Hazelwood’s LHI label for three years. This later led to jobs with other recording bands like Armageddon and THEM (post Van Morrison) with some studio work with Sonny and Cher and various recording artists on the side. Fifty years later, on August 28, 2015, AceRecords of the UK and its affiliate US label Light in the Attic Records released “The Kitchen Cinq, When the Rainbow Disappears”, as an anthology complete with a booklet of photos and history of the band. Moving to Nashville in 1975 was the beginning of another serendipitous phase of Jim’s career where he met a young John Anderson and began writing successful chart songs. Then Jim branched out and has co-written with many #1, Hall of Fame and Grammy winning songwriters over the years and continues to do so today. Jim is the creator and host of a popular series at the Von Braun Center Playhouse in Huntsville, AL since 2005 called Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series ® where he showcases the incredible talent of his hit songwriter friends from Nashville, Muscle Shoals, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Canada and surrounding areas. Without the songwriter there would be no music because it all begins with a songwriter and a song. Learn more about Jim Parker at JimParkerMusic.com Host 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 authored "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound," as well as his recent book about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains "Thirty Years Behind The Glass. Lee also played a key role in securing airplay for Jimmy Buffett’s first major hit, “Margaritaville.” During his time at Capital records Lee also worked with such legends as Paul McCartney, Bob Seger, the Steve Miller Band, and others. You can contact Lee at lezim@bellsouth.net Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is a Tennessee based Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company, as well as a music and podcast producer. Billy i Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 Dylan and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless. Born and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and in the evenings became a fixture on the city’s open mic circuit. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the ear of folk luminary Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album Say Something in 1993. This led to a seven- album contract with Rounder Records and the 1994 album, Stories. His songs have appeared in several blockbuster films (Me, Myself, and Irene; Shallow Hal, Hall Pass) and have been covered by award winning country artists (Sugarland, Kristian Bush, Jack Ingram). Through a steady succession of albums of his own – a remarkable 23 releases so far – and a constant touring presence around the world, Paul’s audience has grown into a loyal legion of fans. Learn more about Ellis Paul at www.ellispaul.com Host 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 authored "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound," as well as his recent book about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains "Thirty Years Behind The Glass," both are now available on Amazon and other outlets. Lee also played a key role in securing airplay for Jimmy Buffett’s first major hit, “Margaritaville” so you can blame him for the fact that it’s become something akin to a Parrot heads’ national anthem! During his time at Capital records Lee also worked with such legends as Paul McCartney, Bob Seger, the Steve Miller Band, and others. You can contact Lee at lezim@bellsouth.net and find him online at https://www.storiesbeyondthemusic.com Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is a Tennessee based Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company, as well Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 albums (with another dozen side projects) containing a wide range of music and narratives. Shad grew up absorbing the NYC music scene immersing himself in vintage blues, jazz, folk, country, classic rock and punk before moving to upstate New York to embrace a more rural lifestyle. An experienced studio engineer, musician, and producer, he has happily and determinedly iterated his craftsmanship over the decades, and his latest release, Tattletale contains some of his most compelling work to date. Learn more about Rees Shad at www.ReesShadMusic.com Host 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 authored "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound," as well as his recent book about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains "Thirty Years Behind The Glass," both are now available on Amazon and other outlets. Lee also played a key role in securing airplay for Jimmy Buffett’s first major hit, “Margaritaville” so you can blame him for the fact that it’s become something akin to a Parrot heads’ national anthem! During his time at Capital records Lee also worked with such legends as Paul McCartney, Bob Seger, the Steve Miller Band, and others. You can contact Lee at lezim@bellsouth.net and find him online at https://www.storiesbeyondthemusic.com Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is a Tennessee based Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company, as well as a music and podcast producer. Billy is also the venue developer, booking manager, and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East Tennessee. As an artist Billy is endorsed by Godin's Simon & Patrick Guitars and his YouTube channel has over 3 million viewers. Billy's new self titled album was released on Spectra Records October 2023 on iTunes and all major outlets! Learn more abou Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Dionne Warwick are just a few of the influential musicians who have entrusted their creativity and talent to his proven abilities. Host 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 authored "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound," as well as his recent book about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains "Thirty Years Behind The Glass," both are now available on Amazon and other outlets. Lee also played a key role in securing airplay for Jimmy Buffett’s first major hit, “Margaritaville” so you can blame him for the fact that it’s become something akin to a Parrot heads’ national anthem! During his time at Capital records Lee also worked with such legends as Paul McCartney, Bob Seger, the Steve Miller Band, and others. You can contact Lee at lezim@bellsouth.net and find him online at https://www.storiesbeyondthemusic.com Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is a Tennessee based Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company, as well as a music and podcast producer. Billy is also the venue developer, booking manager, and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East Tennessee. As an artist Billy is endorsed by Godin's Simon & Patrick Guitars and his YouTube channel has over 3 million viewers. Billy's new self titled album will be released on Spectra Records October 2023 on iTunes, Amazon, Shopify and all major outlets! Learn more about Billy online at http://www.BillyHubbard.com My Backstage Pass intro/outro music credit; Billy Hubbard "Waiting' on The Wind" Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 McCartney and John Lennon individually), Bob Seger, Steve Miller, Elton John, Little River Band, and so many other artists who defined Top 40 and Album-Oriented radio for all time. He not only worked the records, but actually played a role in which songs would be released as singles and go on to become major hits. He helped define the strategy and eventual success of the many musicians he worked with and, in turn, helped create careers that became absolutely indelible within his realms of modern music. Lee worked with Steve during his own stint at Capitol Records and considers him a mentor. As a result, the conversation he and Billy had not only makes for an informative encounter, but one well stocked with memories, musings and emotion. Tune in and see why! History and happenstance take center stage! Host 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 authored "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound," as well as his recent book about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains "Thirty Years Behind The Glass," both are now available on Amazon and other outlets. Lee also played a key role in securing airplay for Jimmy Buffett’s first major hit, “Margaritaville” so you can blame him for the fact that it’s become something akin to a Parrot heads’ national anthem! During his time at Capital records Lee also worked with such legends as Paul McCartney, Bob Seger, the Steve Miller Band, and others. You can contact Lee at lezim@bellsouth.net and find him online at https://www.storiesbeyondthemusic.com Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is a Tennessee based Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company, as well as a music and podcast producer. Billy is also the venue developer, booking manager, and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East Tennessee. As an artist Billy is endorsed by Godin's Simon & Patrick Guitars and his YouTube channel has over 3 million viewers. Billy's new Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

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 McCartney and John Lennon individually), Bob Seger, Steve Miller, Elton John, Little River Band, and so many other artists who defined Top 40 and Album-Oriented radio for all time. He not only worked the records, but actually played a role in which songs would be released as singles and go on to become major hits. He helped define the strategy and eventual success of the many musicians he worked with and, in turn, helped create careers that became absolutely indelible within his realms of modern music. Lee worked with Steve during his own stint at Capitol Records and considers him a mentor. As a result, the conversation he and Billy had not only makes for an informative encounter, but one well stocked with memories, musings and emotion. Tune in and see why! History and happenstance take center stage! Host 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 authored "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound," as well as his recent book about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains "Thirty Years Behind The Glass," both are now available on Amazon and other outlets. Lee also played a key role in securing airplay for Jimmy Buffett’s first major hit, “Margaritaville” so you can blame him for the fact that it’s become something akin to a Parrot heads’ national anthem! During his time at Capital records Lee also worked with such legends as Paul McCartney, Bob Seger, the Steve Miller Band, and others. You can contact Lee at lezim@bellsouth.net and find him online at https://www.storiesbeyondthemusic.com Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is a Tennessee based Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company, as well as a music and podcast producer. Billy is also the venue developer, booking manager, and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East Tennessee. As an artist Billy is endorsed by Godin's Simon & Patrick Guitars and his YouTube channel has over 3 million viewers. Billy's new Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com