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My Backstage Pass

Music Podcasts

Join hosts Lee Zimmerman & cohost Billy Hubbard as they take you backstage for conversations with singer songwriters, musicians, and music industry professionals! 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 "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound" which is 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. 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 and booking manager of 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. You can find Billy Hubbard online at http://www.BillyHubbard.com *My Backstage music intro/outro credit: Billy Hubbard 'Waitin' On The Wind" available on all outlets and iTunes at https://music.apple.com/us/album/waitin-on-the-wind/1212970936?i=1212971289

Join hosts Lee Zimmerman & cohost Billy Hubbard as they take you backstage for conversations with singer songwriters, musicians, and music industry professionals! 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 "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound" which is 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. 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 and booking manager of 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. You can find Billy Hubbard online at http://www.BillyHubbard.com *My Backstage music intro/outro credit: Billy Hubbard 'Waitin' On The Wind" available on all outlets and iTunes at https://music.apple.com/us/album/waitin-on-the-wind/1212970936?i=1212971289

Location:

United States

Description:

Join hosts Lee Zimmerman & cohost Billy Hubbard as they take you backstage for conversations with singer songwriters, musicians, and music industry professionals! 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 "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound" which is 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. 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 and booking manager of 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. You can find Billy Hubbard online at http://www.BillyHubbard.com *My Backstage music intro/outro credit: Billy Hubbard 'Waitin' On The Wind" available on all outlets and iTunes at https://music.apple.com/us/album/waitin-on-the-wind/1212970936?i=1212971289

Language:

English

Episodes

The HawtThorns - Live Remote from 'The Bird and the Book' Café

4/19/2022
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 Shooting Stars, the couple ratchet up the quotient of ambience and engagement, sharing songs that shimmer, shine and create an immediate...

Duration:01:10:23

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

4/12/2022
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 ability to play and sing anything. His performance raises goosebumps and inspires gasps of wonder when he channels the Great American Music Muse —...

Duration:00:38:37

Singer/Songwriter Dana Cooper - Live Remote from 'The Bird and the Book' Café

12/7/2021
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 excellence, he’s performed at any number of major festivals, venues and gathering places where the folk faithful tend to gather in order to express...

Duration:01:24:23

Musical Funnyman Ray Stevens

11/29/2021
Great Country BalladsMelancholy Fescue (High Class Bluegrass)Slow DanceNouveau Retro (What’s Old Is New Again) — Iconic Songs of the 20th Century (The Soundtrack of Our Lives) https://raystevens.com/https://raystevenscabaray.com/ Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Soundlezim@bellsouth.net The Stationhttp://www.BillyHubbard.com

Duration:00:28:40

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”

10/7/2021
Gather MeLearn more about Melanie Safka online at https://www.melaniesafka.com and tune in for a fascinating interview with the legend herself on "My Backstage Pass" 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 for various CBS - affiliated television stations. Lee, who currently lives in East Tennessee, recently authored...

Duration:00:54:17

Billy Droze - One of the fastest rising stars in roots music of his generation

9/23/2021
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 more than a decade. This truly unique artist and highly prolific songwriter, with lyrics that dig deep into the heart of life, melodies and a...

Duration:00:32:32

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

9/16/2021
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 Harris in 2016 – who described Vincent as “absolutely magnetic”, Vincent was then invited onto BBC4’s ‘Old Grey Whistle Test: For One Night Only’....

Duration:00:34:46

"Paul" of Peter, Paul, and Mary - Noel Paul Stookey

7/12/2021
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 it comes to advocacy and education, he, along with Peter Yarrow and the late Mary Travers, helped bring those populist precepts into the modern...

Duration:00:50:41

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

7/7/2021
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 by others — among them, the Jacksons, Dolly Parton and his late wife, Donna Summer. Nevertheless, he was seduced by the stage early on, and his...

Duration:00:43:19

A Compelling Conversation With Singer/Songwriter Chuck McDermott

6/29/2021
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 Wheatstraw and the years he spent with John Stewart, resulting in a reignited quest to make his own music, beginning with his last album, 2017’s Gin &...

Duration:01:00:05

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

4/30/2021
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 obscurity to reverence: Guy, the Pancho to Van Zandt’s Lefty, struggling to establish himself as the Dylan Thomas of American music, while Susanna...

Duration:00:38:12

A Conversation with EmiSunshine

3/19/2021
In this episode Lee & Billy have a conversation with 16 year old singer songwriter EmiSunshine! Billy's YouTube video of Emi in 2014 (Emi Sunshine "Folsom Prison Blues") quickly garnered over 3 million views! Be sure to watch Emi on ABC's American Idol Sunday 3/21 at 8pm ET/ 7pm C! Emi has been attracting national attention since she was 9 years old ("Today," "Little Big Shots," the Grand Ole Opry, etc.) In 2018, Emi was featured in the Grammy-nominated (for soundtrack) Elvis Presley...

Duration:00:34:21

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes - Exclusive Interview

3/8/2021
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 for various CBS - affiliated television stations. Lee, who currently lives in East Tennessee, recently authored "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an...

Duration:00:30:42

A Conversation With The Legendary Pam Tillis

2/18/2021
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 for “All The Good Ones Are Gone”. Pam is also proud to be a 9-time Academy of Country Music Award nominee, a 2-time Grammy award winner and 6-time Grammy nominee, and an...

Duration:00:35:26

Billy Prine (Brother Of The Late Great John Prine) and Producer Michael Dinallo

11/15/2020
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 types of music, but especially the blues from the famed Chess Records and country music with the National Barn Dance, which was a precursor to the Grand Ole Opry....

Duration:00:49:31

Harmonica Legend Charlie McCoy

10/30/2020
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 many more! At the height of his activity, McCoy played on over 400 recording sessions per year. He played guitar on Dylan's "Desolation Row", from the album Highway 61...

Duration:00:55:17

Wildeyes Band - A Conversation With One Of Nashville's Incredible Bands

9/16/2020
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 publications. A former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications for various CBS - affiliated television stations. Lee, who...

Duration:00:59:07

Johnny Cash's Grandson - Singer Songwriter Thomas Gabriel

8/22/2020
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.thomasgabrielofficial.com/ Host Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. A former promotions...

Duration:00:46:48