July 10, 2025 • 17 mins
Josie chats with J.D. Shelburne about his big Grand Ole Opry Debut!
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:08):
Br BR BR bring Cry Try right roasting around the
world on the world Wide Web, ladies and.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Gentlemen, and here it is.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
The most.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
And the other stations are tuning in too.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
Oh yeah. Broadcasting live in the Josey Network Studios in
downtown ma Dinah, Tennessee.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
It's that time of week again.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
It's time for the Josie Shoe, bringing you the most
exciting music, news and guests from around the world right
here on the Jersey Show. Please make walking beautiful. It's talented,
(00:59):
he love me, America's Riddy Elsli Business Josie asking, Hey noble.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
Hello everyone, and welcome to the Josie Show. I am
so excited we get the chance to talk to JD.
Shelburn right fresh off of his grandle Opry debut. So
I am so excited to talk to him all about
that and so much more so stay tuned into the
whole show.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
I am so excited to catch up with him. Here
you go.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Please, welcome to the Josie Show. My guest Jadie Shelburne.
Speaker 1 (01:31):
Hello, how you doing. Good to hear your voice again.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Oh, good to hear your boys. Thank you so much
for coming on.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
Glad to be here. It's been a crazy weekend for me.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
Yeah, you literally just came off of your Opry debut.
Tell us a little bit about first off, walking onto
that stage of the Grand Ole Opry for your debut
very first time.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
What was running through your mind in that exact moment?
Speaker 1 (01:56):
I was thinking, don't forget the words of my songs. Yeah, yeah,
it's yes, it happens, trust me. I've played so many shows,
but just it was just overwhelming. I had my entire
family there. The Opry staff could have not have been
more kind to my family, my guests, or my my
(02:18):
band memory. They was just an amazing experience all the
way around. There was there was not one glitch in
the entire just experience there. They made my Opery debut
just something all they'll be. It's to my memory forever.
So I'm really grateful and just uh, I'm still righting
high and it's Monday, so it's been a couple of
days since, right, But.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Yeah, you're never gonna forget this moment that it's something
so special, you know, getting your Opery debut. I mean
that's something that artists really work for and work towards,
and you know, that's like when I ask you know,
your big highlight moment that's usually on the list, So
you know, having that moment, I mean, it's it's insane
and and it's so well deserved too, because it's seventeen
(03:01):
years in the making.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
Seventeen years I've been I've moved to Nashville in February
of two thousand and eight and have just been building
my own ship. Literally, I never took a year off,
never took a month or a week off. I've just
been grinding on the road for seventeen straight years with
no label, and you have just built everything myself from
ground up. And you know, people like you guys have
recognized so many artists like myself have done this independently.
(03:27):
It's taken it a little bit longer, but it's just
been more rewarding, and you know, just it's amazing to
know that they actually reached out and invited me. I mean,
I've been grinding a long time, and it's like, I'd
love to know what made them actually offer me. You know,
it's like you want to know those things, but you
don't really want to ask. But the email when they
actually offering, they said they've been wanting to do this
for a few years and they're really grateful to do
(03:48):
it now. So oh that was that was very just
you know, it's kind of a relief to know that
people have been watching my music and sometimes you don't
think they are and when they really are.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
So absolutely, yes, Oh it must feel so good to
actually be invited because that's one of the stages that
you have to get invited to perform, so that makes
it even more special. It's been yes, you know what
I mean, And I'm just I'm so excited for you
and I'm hoping many many more. I'm pretty sure you
are going to be invited back many many a time.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
So I'm looking forward to that moment.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
I hope so, I truly hope so. And if I do,
I let that guys get an amazing favor for me.
Last year getting to perform on the Josie Awards, it
was a huge moment for me and I will never
forget your generosity and that, so I owe you guys
once one of these days I get asked back what
we'll have to bring you back love?
Speaker 3 (04:36):
So yes, absolutely, I would love that, Thank you so much,
And it's it's just a pleasure of getting the chance
to see your musical journey. I think that's what, you know,
the coolest part of it is, you know, is seeing artists.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
You know, kind of do their thing. And you are
just an incredible artist.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
And I'm just so so happy that you finally got
this opportunity and hopefully, like I said many many more times,
please if anybody's listening, Opry, come on, because I think
I think it would just be so wonderful.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
And you killed it, you really did. I was able
to watch it so.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
Oh, thank you so much. Yeah the world.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Yes, yes, not live.
Speaker 3 (05:15):
I wasn't there in person, but I was able to
see it luckily streaming, and you were incredible.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Oh my gosh, it.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
Means the world from you. Seriously, thank you so much.
It's one of those things that's like you waited for
the moment for so long and it's like, you know,
I will say that you're And many people told me this.
Getting to perform on the Josie Awards last year really
kind of honestly helped me a touch because I had
already walked into the circle and really had that experience
of walking from the podium to the center stage, so
(05:46):
I kind of had already kind of slowly had broken
the eye, So it wasn't as much pressure as I
would think now. Had I not done the Josie Awards
last year, I probably would have been even more nervous,
But I kind of knew expected because I mean last
year's show at Your Words show, it was a dreams
and rush for me just to be there and amongst
all the all these artists and songwriters I've worked with
for so many years, and then and then getting to
(06:06):
do the opry. So I will say the Josie Ward's
moment helped me a slight bit.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Oh that's awesome. Yes, well that that is awesome.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
And you you, like I said, you absolutely slayed it.
Can you tell us a little bit because you know
so many country legends have stood on that stage before you?
Of course, did you feel that regents are that legacy
as you perform?
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Like just thinking in.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Your head, Wow, I'm standing where so many artists you
know what I mean, it's just tell me about that.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
Yeah, I did, yes, walking out to soundcheck when I
got to that, we got there about five. We had
a five point thirty sound check, so actually we checked
actually on the stage, which is really cool to get
the full vibe and your monitors and and so. And
I looked down at the circle and I'm sitting there
and I'm like checking my acoustic and I'm thinking, man,
I remember the first time I can when I moved
to Nashville and wait, I came to the I bought
(06:57):
tickets to the Opry and I went and Porter Wagner.
When I moved, I moved to Nashville O eight so
when I was in college and about it, I want
to say, it was like oh four or five. Porter
Wagoner was still alive at the time, and I bought tickets,
came down to Nashville. I hadn't moved here yet, but
I was kind of hinting moving here. I wasn't sure
if I was going here or not. But I came
down here and the girl I was dating at the time,
(07:19):
we got tickets and we had really bad seats. We're
way up high. I mean it was way well. This
lady dressed as Mini Pearlle came out to the concourse
and happened to notice us. We must have stuck it
stuck out like store thumbs or something. But they were like,
what kind of seac had the night? And I'll never
forget they moved us from the top row to the
front row. No, this is about four oh five and
(07:42):
Porter Wagner and Dolly played that night. I remember the
Porter came out and Porter had on a I want
to say, a pink suit and he sat on a
barstool and it's like I got to see that in
the circle. So I thought of that moment actually because
I was like man, Porter Wagoner and Dolly actually singing
the night I came to the Opry and it's been
I was still in college at the time, so I
think about all the times I've been there just as
(08:03):
a guest and sitting in the balcony and watching these shows,
and it's like now to be actually in the circle,
it's just crazy. I mean literally, hard work does win.
I mean if you work hard enough and you stick
to your guns and you just you just go out
and you and you take every show you can play
and build fans the right way, I really feel like
anything is possible. And for me to tell you that,
(08:23):
I mean it's I'm living proof. I mean I've been
grinding this career, making living doing this for years. I've
played over three thousand shows. Now I kind of in
the back of my minds, like, am I ever going
to get to play the operatum? Hopefully? But I always
say nice guys finished last Well I certainly didn't finish
last Saturday night. I finally got some kind of earned it.
So I'm really really proud of it.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
You did, you really did.
Speaker 3 (08:45):
I mean, you've been working your butt off three thousand
you know plus shows. I mean you, let's just say
you've earned this, and which I think is just incredible
that you were able to work your way to this moment.
It makes even more sweeter if only getting the chance
to make it up there you know, and and so yes,
so tell us a little bit about the songs you
chose for your debut and why they were meaningful to you?
Speaker 2 (09:08):
Why did you choose those?
Speaker 1 (09:09):
That was the toughest part of the whole opportunity. So
what am I going to sing? I mean, I've been
I've been thinking about this opera moment for years and years,
and each year i'd pick another song and then, you know,
because you want to try to sing, you know, your
current stuff and your most popular. Well, ye, when I've
got a new record coming out in September, and one
of the songs on it, I just put out a
couple weeks. Who actually it was called Summertime all Year.
(09:31):
It's been out for about two weeks. It's off my record.
It's kind of a fun, upbeat summer song. I decided
to play it first. It's got some great energy and
I wanted to kind of come out and just you know,
just have good energy and kind of wake people up.
And so I did that. And then Church Pew Barstools
was a number one video on CMT for US, and
it's probably my most viral video, probably my most popular
(09:53):
amongst all my fans, and it's one I've kind of requested.
I get requested to play songwriter shows and shows every night,
so I ended up selecting church Pews. It's a couple
of years old, but it was you know, I could
slow it down in the operay and it tells a
really great story and you're kind of I'm definitely not
in the in the Mother Church of Rahma downtown, but
it still has the same feel as the operating the
(10:14):
church and stuff, and so I just thought it went
over great. So it was able. It kind of gave
me time to kind of settle down and just let
let my breathe a little bit while singing. So because
when you first come out to the stage and you're
you're jelling, is pumping, you're trying to catch your breath,
and then you can slow down on the second one.
So it worked that great. That's why I chose those songs.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Yes, all they're perfect. They were perfect songs, they really were.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
And I just loved I just loved your reaction, like
when you first came up on the stage, like I
mean tears, you know what I mean, Like you just
interface who was the best?
Speaker 1 (10:44):
My voice cracked about halfway through summertime, and I'm like,
oh no. My wife called me out about it when
she got backstage after because they went outside and watched.
They went out and watched from backstage, and so she's like,
I can tell your voice is cracking, so.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
We wouldn't blame you. We would not blame you all.
Oh I imagine.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
Wow, that's incredible, And I'm so glad that your family
and your friends and also a long time supporters were
able to go, you know, and enjoy your debut. I
mean any messages or moments that meant a lot to you.
Having your closest friends and family there.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
I mean, it was so nice that they gave us
about thirty tickets, and so I got to bring about
fifteen people backstage. I got my brother coming. My brother
doesn't come out much. He's back home in Taylorsville, and
so he brought my nephew and my niece and then
my son, JACKX was four and a half, and so
they were all running around the hallways and playing with
their legos and the little I pads and it was
(11:39):
really cool to see that because I'm like, they have
no idea, that's what this moment is. Not every kid
gets to do this, and it's like to have them
back there. And I bought Jackson Parr's first cowboy boots
at boot Barn, and so he wore his cowboy That's
where he was. He was traveling around those cowboy boots
all and so you can hear him coming a mile
away before he saw him in those cowboy boots. He
thought it was something.
Speaker 3 (11:59):
So cute.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
So but it was a wonderful experience. I cannot wait
to go back. I sure hope they have me back.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
Oh yeah, I'm sure. I'm sure. You were incredible. I
don't see why not.
Speaker 3 (12:10):
I mean, you were you were just amazing and I
love that, you know, your family was able to be
a part of it, especially your SOD. I mean getting
the chance to you know, I mean, I know one
hundred percent he probably doesn't understand it yet, but he'll
look back at it, you know what I mean and
be like, wow, that was pretty dang cool.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
You know my dad was able.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
To do that, you know, right right, So that's that
is pretty pretty neat.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
I love that.
Speaker 3 (12:30):
And from your early days in Kentucky to the opery stage,
I mean, what parts of your journey do you feel
like led directly to this moment maybe prepared you.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
I think just getting out and playing in front of people.
You know, I've never was one to have to have
a weekend off, you know, I've always playing somewhere and
just getting out because I mean, you do, I've played
in front of so many different kinds of people, you know,
where it's just like, you know, really packed crowds and
some that were you know, hardly nobody showed up. I'm
(13:00):
on both ends of the spectrum through the years of
playing music, and now I think all that's kind of
prepared me. Because you know, when you're when you're in
in a spotlight and you're on a big stage, and
you know it's not every time you get a reaction,
so you just have to roll with it and show
your show, your smile and just you know, it's you
have to entertain, and it's entertaining is not something you
can't You're either born with it or you're not. And
(13:21):
I feel like just getting out and working in the
clubs and these festivals and Phariseity year really helped me
kind of no when to step up and actually put
on a show for people and not show your nerves
and stuff. I really felt like I did okay at
at the opera side, because I was I was, I
was pretty nervous, but at the same time, I was
really prepped for it because I've just I've just done
this so many times. I've played a lot of big
(13:41):
shows where it's like but I mean, obviously the opera
show was the bigges show I've ever done, but the
moment of just being nerves and having to just put
those aside and just putting on a show for the people,
so you just got in those moments you just I
think just playing so many shows in the passes really
helped me kind of break through all.
Speaker 3 (13:57):
That Oh, yeah, absolutely, and and you could just tell,
I mean, how professional you kept it even though inside
you were probably you know, shaken to the core, you know,
oh definitely, yes, but yes you could tell, you know
how professional you you were, and you just you made
it happen.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
You really did. I mean, honestly, I don't know how
you did it, but you made it. I would have
been on the ground.
Speaker 3 (14:18):
Let's it's just what an incredible, incredible moment, And did
anything unexpected happened behind the scenes that made your debut
even more memorable.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
I didn't realize this when when I got there, but
Bill Anderson was on the bill with me. However, he
did not attend that night, and I couldn't wait to
meet him. I've been a Bill Anderson fan a long time,
of course, been a member of the opera over fifty years.
But John Connelly took his place last minute, and he's
from Kentucky, so it was kind of neat to see
Crystal Gale, myself, Steve Warner there, all all forms with
(14:47):
Kentucky roots. That was pretty neat to see that. So wow,
I was really grateful to see another Kentucky and on there.
It was really kind of made it just that more bittersweet.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
Absolutely, it was Kentucky's night that night. I'm it was not.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Even playing as you know, it just happened last minute.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
So represent absolutely. I love that. That is so so cool.
Speaker 3 (15:10):
And yes, and you know, now that you've had your
opry debut, what is next? Because, like I said, that's
like the highlight that everybody you know really dreams for.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
Is there any dreams still waiting to be chased?
Speaker 1 (15:21):
You know? It's funny asked that because Mom asked me
that today. You know, I've always wanted to play the Rymen,
Like I've done a corporate show down there, but never
for the Opry. I want to do the Rymen. You know,
I always wanted to do the Today Show. I grew
up watching The Today Show my whole life, and Mom
would watch it. We watched them before school. And I've
been there. I've toured it for just been there for
events and just been invited, but never been asked to play.
(15:43):
So maybe one of these days, but just you know,
those kind of things. And you know, obviously Carnegie Hall,
but the Rymen operates the Rhymeen would be definitely be
a bucket list to do a Christmas song on the
Rhymes stays near and December runs there, so I don't know,
we'll see I hope to get on Gina, and AND's
a good side.
Speaker 3 (16:01):
Yes, absolutely, I think you already have.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
You've been amazing. Oh my goodness. Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (16:07):
I just I loved, I loved every every second of
being able to watch you do your thing. And I'm
just so excited to see what's next. And I can't
wait to see more of your dreams, you know, come true.
And you know it's been making such a huge impact.
People are, you know, talking about it all over on Facebook.
But also I seen like a post from Randy.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
Travis, you know, talking about it, and.
Speaker 3 (16:26):
What does it feel like? These artists, these legends who
I'm sure you grew up listening to It's mine.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
It's it's mind blowing. I mean, the people I've met
along the way in the seventeen years I've been in Nashville.
I mean, it's just you know, Randy Travis, Oaker's Boys,
Montgomery Gentry, Steve Warner, Travis Tridd, all these people that
I've become friends with and I grew up listening to.
It's surreal to know it tells me I'm doing something
right obviously like that, I've I'm here for a reason
that I'm I'm not wasting time. I'm really you know,
(16:52):
other people see the good and what I've put into
the road and songs and so you know, it's just
it's it's it's just so thrilling to see people like
Randy Travis who out of his way to send a
message to me of just of just kindness.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
You did mention briefly that you're going to have an
album coming out. Can you tell us about it any.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
Yes, I'm actually wrapping up the album now. It's going
to be out in September. It's called Raised on the
Good Stuff, and I'm really excited about it. Seventh record
out of Nashville. So I'm working on new album, new music,
and just continuing this train on down the track, so
we'll see what happens. I'm ready to go.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
I love it so once it comes out. That's my
excuse to get you back on, is what you're saying.
Speaker 2 (17:27):
Perfect, perfect, Perfect.
Speaker 3 (17:31):
We'll have you back on and talk all about it
and promote it. But congratulations against so much.
Speaker 2 (17:35):
You're very very.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
Welcome, And next time, next time you're at the Opry,
I will definitely be there with bells.
Speaker 1 (17:40):
On sounds good. I look forward to having you.
Speaker 2 (17:43):
Thank you, Thank you so much for Bae Bae
Br BR BR bring Cry Try right roasting around the
world on the world Wide Web, ladies and.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Gentlemen, and here it is.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
The most.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
And the other stations are tuning in too.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
Oh yeah. Broadcasting live in the Josey Network Studios in
downtown ma Dinah, Tennessee.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
It's that time of week again.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
It's time for the Josie Shoe, bringing you the most
exciting music, news and guests from around the world right
here on the Jersey Show. Please make walking beautiful. It's talented,
(00:59):
he love me, America's Riddy Elsli Business Josie asking, Hey noble.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
Hello everyone, and welcome to the Josie Show. I am
so excited we get the chance to talk to JD.
Shelburn right fresh off of his grandle Opry debut. So
I am so excited to talk to him all about
that and so much more so stay tuned into the
whole show.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
I am so excited to catch up with him. Here
you go.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Please, welcome to the Josie Show. My guest Jadie Shelburne.
Speaker 1 (01:31):
Hello, how you doing. Good to hear your voice again.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Oh, good to hear your boys. Thank you so much
for coming on.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
Glad to be here. It's been a crazy weekend for me.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
Yeah, you literally just came off of your Opry debut.
Tell us a little bit about first off, walking onto
that stage of the Grand Ole Opry for your debut
very first time.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
What was running through your mind in that exact moment?
Speaker 1 (01:56):
I was thinking, don't forget the words of my songs. Yeah, yeah,
it's yes, it happens, trust me. I've played so many shows,
but just it was just overwhelming. I had my entire
family there. The Opry staff could have not have been
more kind to my family, my guests, or my my
(02:18):
band memory. They was just an amazing experience all the
way around. There was there was not one glitch in
the entire just experience there. They made my Opery debut
just something all they'll be. It's to my memory forever.
So I'm really grateful and just uh, I'm still righting
high and it's Monday, so it's been a couple of
days since, right, But.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Yeah, you're never gonna forget this moment that it's something
so special, you know, getting your Opery debut. I mean
that's something that artists really work for and work towards,
and you know, that's like when I ask you know,
your big highlight moment that's usually on the list, So
you know, having that moment, I mean, it's it's insane
and and it's so well deserved too, because it's seventeen
(03:01):
years in the making.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
Seventeen years I've been I've moved to Nashville in February
of two thousand and eight and have just been building
my own ship. Literally, I never took a year off,
never took a month or a week off. I've just
been grinding on the road for seventeen straight years with
no label, and you have just built everything myself from
ground up. And you know, people like you guys have
recognized so many artists like myself have done this independently.
(03:27):
It's taken it a little bit longer, but it's just
been more rewarding, and you know, just it's amazing to
know that they actually reached out and invited me. I mean,
I've been grinding a long time, and it's like, I'd
love to know what made them actually offer me. You know,
it's like you want to know those things, but you
don't really want to ask. But the email when they
actually offering, they said they've been wanting to do this
for a few years and they're really grateful to do
(03:48):
it now. So oh that was that was very just
you know, it's kind of a relief to know that
people have been watching my music and sometimes you don't
think they are and when they really are.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
So absolutely, yes, Oh it must feel so good to
actually be invited because that's one of the stages that
you have to get invited to perform, so that makes
it even more special. It's been yes, you know what
I mean, And I'm just I'm so excited for you
and I'm hoping many many more. I'm pretty sure you
are going to be invited back many many a time.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
So I'm looking forward to that moment.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
I hope so, I truly hope so. And if I do,
I let that guys get an amazing favor for me.
Last year getting to perform on the Josie Awards, it
was a huge moment for me and I will never
forget your generosity and that, so I owe you guys
once one of these days I get asked back what
we'll have to bring you back love?
Speaker 3 (04:36):
So yes, absolutely, I would love that, Thank you so much,
And it's it's just a pleasure of getting the chance
to see your musical journey. I think that's what, you know,
the coolest part of it is, you know, is seeing artists.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
You know, kind of do their thing. And you are
just an incredible artist.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
And I'm just so so happy that you finally got
this opportunity and hopefully, like I said many many more times,
please if anybody's listening, Opry, come on, because I think
I think it would just be so wonderful.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
And you killed it, you really did. I was able
to watch it so.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
Oh, thank you so much. Yeah the world.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Yes, yes, not live.
Speaker 3 (05:15):
I wasn't there in person, but I was able to
see it luckily streaming, and you were incredible.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Oh my gosh, it.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
Means the world from you. Seriously, thank you so much.
It's one of those things that's like you waited for
the moment for so long and it's like, you know,
I will say that you're And many people told me this.
Getting to perform on the Josie Awards last year really
kind of honestly helped me a touch because I had
already walked into the circle and really had that experience
of walking from the podium to the center stage, so
(05:46):
I kind of had already kind of slowly had broken
the eye, So it wasn't as much pressure as I
would think now. Had I not done the Josie Awards
last year, I probably would have been even more nervous,
But I kind of knew expected because I mean last
year's show at Your Words show, it was a dreams
and rush for me just to be there and amongst
all the all these artists and songwriters I've worked with
for so many years, and then and then getting to
(06:06):
do the opry. So I will say the Josie Ward's
moment helped me a slight bit.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Oh that's awesome. Yes, well that that is awesome.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
And you you, like I said, you absolutely slayed it.
Can you tell us a little bit because you know
so many country legends have stood on that stage before you?
Of course, did you feel that regents are that legacy
as you perform?
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Like just thinking in.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Your head, Wow, I'm standing where so many artists you
know what I mean, it's just tell me about that.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
Yeah, I did, yes, walking out to soundcheck when I
got to that, we got there about five. We had
a five point thirty sound check, so actually we checked
actually on the stage, which is really cool to get
the full vibe and your monitors and and so. And
I looked down at the circle and I'm sitting there
and I'm like checking my acoustic and I'm thinking, man,
I remember the first time I can when I moved
to Nashville and wait, I came to the I bought
(06:57):
tickets to the Opry and I went and Porter Wagner.
When I moved, I moved to Nashville O eight so
when I was in college and about it, I want
to say, it was like oh four or five. Porter
Wagoner was still alive at the time, and I bought tickets,
came down to Nashville. I hadn't moved here yet, but
I was kind of hinting moving here. I wasn't sure
if I was going here or not. But I came
down here and the girl I was dating at the time,
(07:19):
we got tickets and we had really bad seats. We're
way up high. I mean it was way well. This
lady dressed as Mini Pearlle came out to the concourse
and happened to notice us. We must have stuck it
stuck out like store thumbs or something. But they were like,
what kind of seac had the night? And I'll never
forget they moved us from the top row to the
front row. No, this is about four oh five and
(07:42):
Porter Wagner and Dolly played that night. I remember the
Porter came out and Porter had on a I want
to say, a pink suit and he sat on a
barstool and it's like I got to see that in
the circle. So I thought of that moment actually because
I was like man, Porter Wagoner and Dolly actually singing
the night I came to the Opry and it's been
I was still in college at the time, so I
think about all the times I've been there just as
(08:03):
a guest and sitting in the balcony and watching these shows,
and it's like now to be actually in the circle,
it's just crazy. I mean literally, hard work does win.
I mean if you work hard enough and you stick
to your guns and you just you just go out
and you and you take every show you can play
and build fans the right way, I really feel like
anything is possible. And for me to tell you that,
(08:23):
I mean it's I'm living proof. I mean I've been
grinding this career, making living doing this for years. I've
played over three thousand shows. Now I kind of in
the back of my minds, like, am I ever going
to get to play the operatum? Hopefully? But I always
say nice guys finished last Well I certainly didn't finish
last Saturday night. I finally got some kind of earned it.
So I'm really really proud of it.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
You did, you really did.
Speaker 3 (08:45):
I mean, you've been working your butt off three thousand
you know plus shows. I mean you, let's just say
you've earned this, and which I think is just incredible
that you were able to work your way to this moment.
It makes even more sweeter if only getting the chance
to make it up there you know, and and so yes,
so tell us a little bit about the songs you
chose for your debut and why they were meaningful to you?
Speaker 2 (09:08):
Why did you choose those?
Speaker 1 (09:09):
That was the toughest part of the whole opportunity. So
what am I going to sing? I mean, I've been
I've been thinking about this opera moment for years and years,
and each year i'd pick another song and then, you know,
because you want to try to sing, you know, your
current stuff and your most popular. Well, ye, when I've
got a new record coming out in September, and one
of the songs on it, I just put out a
couple weeks. Who actually it was called Summertime all Year.
(09:31):
It's been out for about two weeks. It's off my record.
It's kind of a fun, upbeat summer song. I decided
to play it first. It's got some great energy and
I wanted to kind of come out and just you know,
just have good energy and kind of wake people up.
And so I did that. And then Church Pew Barstools
was a number one video on CMT for US, and
it's probably my most viral video, probably my most popular
(09:53):
amongst all my fans, and it's one I've kind of requested.
I get requested to play songwriter shows and shows every night,
so I ended up selecting church Pews. It's a couple
of years old, but it was you know, I could
slow it down in the operay and it tells a
really great story and you're kind of I'm definitely not
in the in the Mother Church of Rahma downtown, but
it still has the same feel as the operating the
(10:14):
church and stuff, and so I just thought it went
over great. So it was able. It kind of gave
me time to kind of settle down and just let
let my breathe a little bit while singing. So because
when you first come out to the stage and you're
you're jelling, is pumping, you're trying to catch your breath,
and then you can slow down on the second one.
So it worked that great. That's why I chose those songs.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Yes, all they're perfect. They were perfect songs, they really were.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
And I just loved I just loved your reaction, like
when you first came up on the stage, like I
mean tears, you know what I mean, Like you just
interface who was the best?
Speaker 1 (10:44):
My voice cracked about halfway through summertime, and I'm like,
oh no. My wife called me out about it when
she got backstage after because they went outside and watched.
They went out and watched from backstage, and so she's like,
I can tell your voice is cracking, so.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
We wouldn't blame you. We would not blame you all.
Oh I imagine.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
Wow, that's incredible, And I'm so glad that your family
and your friends and also a long time supporters were
able to go, you know, and enjoy your debut. I
mean any messages or moments that meant a lot to you.
Having your closest friends and family there.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
I mean, it was so nice that they gave us
about thirty tickets, and so I got to bring about
fifteen people backstage. I got my brother coming. My brother
doesn't come out much. He's back home in Taylorsville, and
so he brought my nephew and my niece and then
my son, JACKX was four and a half, and so
they were all running around the hallways and playing with
their legos and the little I pads and it was
(11:39):
really cool to see that because I'm like, they have
no idea, that's what this moment is. Not every kid
gets to do this, and it's like to have them
back there. And I bought Jackson Parr's first cowboy boots
at boot Barn, and so he wore his cowboy That's
where he was. He was traveling around those cowboy boots
all and so you can hear him coming a mile
away before he saw him in those cowboy boots. He
thought it was something.
Speaker 3 (11:59):
So cute.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
So but it was a wonderful experience. I cannot wait
to go back. I sure hope they have me back.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
Oh yeah, I'm sure. I'm sure. You were incredible. I
don't see why not.
Speaker 3 (12:10):
I mean, you were you were just amazing and I
love that, you know, your family was able to be
a part of it, especially your SOD. I mean getting
the chance to you know, I mean, I know one
hundred percent he probably doesn't understand it yet, but he'll
look back at it, you know what I mean and
be like, wow, that was pretty dang cool.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
You know my dad was able.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
To do that, you know, right right, So that's that
is pretty pretty neat.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
I love that.
Speaker 3 (12:30):
And from your early days in Kentucky to the opery stage,
I mean, what parts of your journey do you feel
like led directly to this moment maybe prepared you.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
I think just getting out and playing in front of people.
You know, I've never was one to have to have
a weekend off, you know, I've always playing somewhere and
just getting out because I mean, you do, I've played
in front of so many different kinds of people, you know,
where it's just like, you know, really packed crowds and
some that were you know, hardly nobody showed up. I'm
(13:00):
on both ends of the spectrum through the years of
playing music, and now I think all that's kind of
prepared me. Because you know, when you're when you're in
in a spotlight and you're on a big stage, and
you know it's not every time you get a reaction,
so you just have to roll with it and show
your show, your smile and just you know, it's you
have to entertain, and it's entertaining is not something you
can't You're either born with it or you're not. And
(13:21):
I feel like just getting out and working in the
clubs and these festivals and Phariseity year really helped me
kind of no when to step up and actually put
on a show for people and not show your nerves
and stuff. I really felt like I did okay at
at the opera side, because I was I was, I
was pretty nervous, but at the same time, I was
really prepped for it because I've just I've just done
this so many times. I've played a lot of big
(13:41):
shows where it's like but I mean, obviously the opera
show was the bigges show I've ever done, but the
moment of just being nerves and having to just put
those aside and just putting on a show for the people,
so you just got in those moments you just I
think just playing so many shows in the passes really
helped me kind of break through all.
Speaker 3 (13:57):
That Oh, yeah, absolutely, and and you could just tell,
I mean, how professional you kept it even though inside
you were probably you know, shaken to the core, you know,
oh definitely, yes, but yes you could tell, you know
how professional you you were, and you just you made
it happen.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
You really did. I mean, honestly, I don't know how
you did it, but you made it. I would have
been on the ground.
Speaker 3 (14:18):
Let's it's just what an incredible, incredible moment, And did
anything unexpected happened behind the scenes that made your debut
even more memorable.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
I didn't realize this when when I got there, but
Bill Anderson was on the bill with me. However, he
did not attend that night, and I couldn't wait to
meet him. I've been a Bill Anderson fan a long time,
of course, been a member of the opera over fifty years.
But John Connelly took his place last minute, and he's
from Kentucky, so it was kind of neat to see
Crystal Gale, myself, Steve Warner there, all all forms with
(14:47):
Kentucky roots. That was pretty neat to see that. So wow,
I was really grateful to see another Kentucky and on there.
It was really kind of made it just that more bittersweet.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
Absolutely, it was Kentucky's night that night. I'm it was not.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Even playing as you know, it just happened last minute.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
So represent absolutely. I love that. That is so so cool.
Speaker 3 (15:10):
And yes, and you know, now that you've had your
opry debut, what is next? Because, like I said, that's
like the highlight that everybody you know really dreams for.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
Is there any dreams still waiting to be chased?
Speaker 1 (15:21):
You know? It's funny asked that because Mom asked me
that today. You know, I've always wanted to play the Rymen,
Like I've done a corporate show down there, but never
for the Opry. I want to do the Rymen. You know,
I always wanted to do the Today Show. I grew
up watching The Today Show my whole life, and Mom
would watch it. We watched them before school. And I've
been there. I've toured it for just been there for
events and just been invited, but never been asked to play.
(15:43):
So maybe one of these days, but just you know,
those kind of things. And you know, obviously Carnegie Hall,
but the Rymen operates the Rhymeen would be definitely be
a bucket list to do a Christmas song on the
Rhymes stays near and December runs there, so I don't know,
we'll see I hope to get on Gina, and AND's
a good side.
Speaker 3 (16:01):
Yes, absolutely, I think you already have.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
You've been amazing. Oh my goodness. Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (16:07):
I just I loved, I loved every every second of
being able to watch you do your thing. And I'm
just so excited to see what's next. And I can't
wait to see more of your dreams, you know, come true.
And you know it's been making such a huge impact.
People are, you know, talking about it all over on Facebook.
But also I seen like a post from Randy.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
Travis, you know, talking about it, and.
Speaker 3 (16:26):
What does it feel like? These artists, these legends who
I'm sure you grew up listening to It's mine.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
It's it's mind blowing. I mean, the people I've met
along the way in the seventeen years I've been in Nashville.
I mean, it's just you know, Randy Travis, Oaker's Boys,
Montgomery Gentry, Steve Warner, Travis Tridd, all these people that
I've become friends with and I grew up listening to.
It's surreal to know it tells me I'm doing something
right obviously like that, I've I'm here for a reason
that I'm I'm not wasting time. I'm really you know,
(16:52):
other people see the good and what I've put into
the road and songs and so you know, it's just
it's it's it's just so thrilling to see people like
Randy Travis who out of his way to send a
message to me of just of just kindness.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
You did mention briefly that you're going to have an
album coming out. Can you tell us about it any.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
Yes, I'm actually wrapping up the album now. It's going
to be out in September. It's called Raised on the
Good Stuff, and I'm really excited about it. Seventh record
out of Nashville. So I'm working on new album, new music,
and just continuing this train on down the track, so
we'll see what happens. I'm ready to go.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
I love it so once it comes out. That's my
excuse to get you back on, is what you're saying.
Speaker 2 (17:27):
Perfect, perfect, Perfect.
Speaker 3 (17:31):
We'll have you back on and talk all about it
and promote it. But congratulations against so much.
Speaker 2 (17:35):
You're very very.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
Welcome, And next time, next time you're at the Opry,
I will definitely be there with bells.
Speaker 1 (17:40):
On sounds good. I look forward to having you.
Speaker 2 (17:43):
Thank you, Thank you so much for Bae Bae
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