If you were to write an intro for “The Hell I Won’t” before it played on the radio, what would you want listeners to know about the song?
“The Hell I Won’t” is an anthem for anyone that has ever been held back, told ‘no,’ ‘they never will,’ ‘you can’t,’ ‘you won’t,’ and your response to them has always been, ‘the hell I won’t!’
6 Things You Don’t Know About Me:
Idaho. Reba. Loss of your mother (who named you after her favorite band, ZZ Top). Military. Whiskey Creek. Chattanooga. Your path to a career in music. If you were to put together a playlist of your career defining moments, which song would top the list?
“Ninety Nine Halos” — The first song I ever recorded and released.
Working in HR for the past 15 years, focused on Head Hunting/Corporate recruiting. How has your ‘day’ job helped as a musician?
By keeping the lights on and the bills paid!
What is your favorite thing about your career?
Touring and meeting the people that come to my shows! I love hearing their stories and how they connected with my music.
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
I wouldn’t. I have lived some really hard times, most of which I wouldn’t change, because they made me who I am, but times I don’t want to ever relive. I want to continue looking forward and the life I’m building on my own turns and doing the things that I’ve always set out to do and see where that takes me!
Your band, “I couldn’t do this without you. … words will never convey how thankful I am for you guys and how fortunate I feel to do this music thing with you and be able to call you family. I love you guys!” Can you tell us about each band member and how you first connected?
Drew Plowman — Acoustic Guitar/Background vocals — Drew was the first band member; we met when we arrived in TN. He was a musician himself and we instantly connected. He understood the bigger picture and has rode out the difficult times putting a new band together.
Greg Roberts — Lead Guitar/Background Vocals — Greg is a Soddy Daisy, TN native and has been playing music professionally for many years. We had been talking to him long before we even moved to TN and once we arrived we met with him and knew he was an instant fit! His versatility, and skill level is unmatched.
Jim Cross — Bass Player and ‘Band Dad’ — Jimmy is a good friend of Greg’s and they have played music together in years passed. Greg introduced us to him during the early stages of putting our band together and I knew immediately he was the one. He is like our band dad and we couldn’t do it without him!
Rich Terry — Drummer/Background Vocals — Richie has played drums professional since the ‘80s. He is good friends with both Greg and Jimmy and was introduced to us as we had been struggling to find a drummer. He was high energy, and a giant teddy bear and I knew he was the right fit instantly.
Glenda Watts — Keys/Background vocals — Glenda is also good friends with the other guys in the band and came to us as the remaining missing piece! She has played keys for nearly 50 years and brought so much charisma to the band and
was exactly what we were missing!
Wade Huston — Band Manager, Harmonica, Vocals and band ‘Stache Daddy’ – Wade is what keeps this train on the tracks. He books, he manages, he does it all. Plus he has a killer mustache!
New music this summer. What can you share about the upcoming album?
My upcoming album, The Hell I Won’t, is a project I’m tremendously proud of. It’s full of songs I’ve written, and one that I’ve poured my heart and soul in. I have taken my time putting this one out because I wanted it to reflect who I am as an artist and what my music is about.
Can you share 12 songs that have influenced your life and career?
“Fancy” — Reba McEntire
My first concert at 11 years old and watching her perform told me that that was what I wanted to do with my life.
“Night Moves” — Bob Seger
Any song by Bob Seger has been an influence, honestly. His songs are simple but the melodies stick with you through the years. They’re nostalgic and create the kind of memories I hope my music influences.
“All Too Well” (The 10 min version) — Taylor Swift
A lyrical genius who has been able to take her own tragedy and experiences and reach millions of people through her music. She is the truest definition of an artist.
“80’s Ladies” — K.T. Oslin
Her voice and the way she delivered her songs hit me right in the feels from a young age. Being an adult, this song just hits different now.
“I Will Always Love You” — Dolly Parton
“I Will Always Love You” — Whitney Houston
This song is probably one of the most iconic songs ever written and performed. It has stood the test of time through so many generations.
Anything by Tina Turner
Her energy, her fight and drive is HUGE! How she carried herself through so much heartache and managed to overcome everything and everyone who tried to hold her down. L.E.G.E.N.D!
“Dreams” — Stevie Nicks
It’s the music I grew up on and even from the early age of my childhood, there was something so magnetic about her. The way she performed, and her voice was so mesmerizing.
“Rhiannon” — Fleetwood Mac
Again, the story it tells, the haunting lyrics and melodies. They just grab you and you lose yourself in the music. It’s a song that could go on for 20 mins and you wouldn’t notice or care.
“Never Will” — Ashley McBryde
It’s an upbeat song about being in the music business and all the ups and downs you face, as well as the struggles of not selling out and doing things your way.
“Where Have You Been” — Kathy Mattea
One of the first songs that emotionally hit me when I was a child. Made me think of my grandparents.
“Bobby” — Reba McEntire
One of the first songs that ever made me cry. I was in the 6th grade when I first heard it and sang it at my end of year school talent show. Watching her perform it still gets me every time.
“Love Can Build A Bridge” — The Judds
One of my mom’s favorite songs, and one she used to ask me to sing over and over. I also sang this one at a talent show as a kid and for the last time at her funeral when I was 15. To this day, I can’t listen to it when it comes on.
