Episodes

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Ep 42 - Ryan Story: "The artists that thrive can still play live." Today we’re talking with Ryan Story — LA-based pop artist, songwriter, and all-around good vibe generator. Ryan’s got a great story. He grew up on the east coast of Florida, sharpened his craft in Nashville and finally made the big leap to the bright lights of Hollywood. In this episode, we check out some of his great pop songs and get into his path, what surprised him, what pushed him, and what kept him going. And of course, the big question every creative asks at some point: how do you actually make it in LA? Grab a coffee, settle in and let’s dive into "the story behind the Story."

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EP 41: "Why isn't this guy a major star already?" This week we’re hanging out with Rusty Van Sickle and his 19-year-old son, Whitley—two generations of songwriters cut from classic country cloth. We'll hear a few great songs and explore everything from the legends that shaped Rusty’s sound to the Nashville scene today, with a special nod to Keith Whitley, young Whitley’s namesake. Expect plenty of laughs, a couple of “dang, that hit me right in the feels” moments, and a whole lot of heart. And when Rusty lets that rich baritone loose… yeah, you’ll hear why we call it ready-for-stardom. Tune in and enjoy the ride.

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Count It Off Ep 40 : Russ Pahl - steel guitar master If you’ve listened to country radio anytime in the last 25 years, odds are you’ve heard the unmistakable shimmer of Russ Pahl’s steel guitar—whether you knew it or not. Nashville may be full of pickers, but Russ is the guy other players point to when they talk about tone, taste, and pure musical magic. Raised on the warm hum of the folk era, hooked by the British Invasion’s spark, and ultimately reeled in by the twangy, string-bending heroes of classic country, Russ followed a sonic trail that led straight to the steel guitar. And once he picked it up, the instrument—and the industry—were never quite the same. How influential is he? In one recent year, of the ten country songs that hit #1 and featured steel guitar, Russ played on eight of them. Eight! That’s not a résumé—that’s gravitational pull. He's played on records for everyone from Carrie Underwood to CeLo Green and with producers like Dan Auerbach and T-Bone Burnette. We talk about his approach to each project and you'll hear his respect for the pioneers of this truly quirky invention. So settle in and let’s talk with the man who made the steel guitar modern again: Nashville’s go-to string magician, Russ Pahl.

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Ep. 39 - Chris talks Garth In this episode, Count It Off sits down with legendary guitarist Chris Leuzinger—the man whose playing you’ve heard on every Garth Brooks album and across countless miles of tour dates. Chris takes us back to those early days in the studio, sharing how the very first Garth tracks came together, the sparks of creativity that shaped them, and the moments none of them realized they were making history. He opens up about Garth’s genuine kindness and generosity behind the scenes—the quiet gestures, the encouragement, the way he made every musician feel valued. We also shine a light on the incredible players, producers, and studio wizards who helped build Garth’s unmistakable sound. From spontaneous late-night sessions to the chemistry that only happens when the right people end up in the same room, Chris brings us stories that are funny, heartfelt, and downright iconic. If you love music, behind-the-scenes magic, or just a great story well told, this one’s a must-listen.

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Count It Off — Episode 38: Jake Shimabukuro - ambassador of Hawai'i's signature stringed instrument In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jake Shimabukuro, widely celebrated as the world’s #1 ukulele virtuoso. We'' hear some of his music and follow Jake's shares stories from his upbringing in Hawai‘i, the deep love for practice that shaped his musicianship, and the early YouTube moments that launched him onto the global stage. We dive into his unforgettable tours with legends like Jimmy Buffett and Tommy Emmanuel, as well as his recent travels across China, Japan, Europe, and beyond. His young fans overseas look up to him like their Shohei Ohtani superhero and you'll hear his modesty and gratitude for those future players. Join us for an uplifting, music-filled conversation as Count It Off welcomes Jake Shimabukuro to Episode 39.

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Episode 37: On the Road with Lee Greenwood In this week's show, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s like to play in Lee Greenwood’s band. From long bus rides and late-night diners to the goosebumps moment when “God Bless the U.S.A.” kicks in, we’ve seen it all. We’re sharing stories from the stage, memories from the road, and what it’s like working with a true American legend who still gives it everything, every night. Lee is a consummate artist and is generous to his band - we'll even hear a song of mine he sang for my demo. Take a Morning Ride with us :)

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🎙️ Ep 36 - Key West, Jimmy Buffett, Trop Rock music and the musical side of the southernmost point Join us as we meet the founders of Trop RockN Duval, a week-long festival of beach music. We join artists, songwriters and even a local 5th generation Bahamian Conch. One of the fastest growing genres of music, Trop Rock comes to Key West the last week of October every year and artists from all over the world come to perform for their fans and the lucky tourists who happen in to hear live original music in dozens of venues. This is a fun one... so join us!

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🎧 Episode 35: Me, Myself & AI — One Musician’s First Steps into the Hot/Bold/Scary New Technology In this episode, we dive into my first experiences using artificial intelligence as a musician — the tools that sparked new ideas, the challenges that test our industry and the questions that keep me curious. It’s a look at creativity in the age of algorithms: where inspiration meets automation, and where humans still make the magic happen. We'll include listener feedback and do some impromptu testing. Hope you'll enjoy the new hot topic!

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🎙️ Scott Joyce: Road Songs & Honky Tonk Stories Nashville songwriter and touring musician Scott Joyce joins us to share about his life on the road with Blake Shelton , Kenny Chesney , and Tracy Lawrence . From backstage laughs to songwriting magic, Scott brings the journeys, the heart, and the country charm of a Music City career that’s taken him from Texas to the biggest stages anywhere. 🤠🎸 Turn it up and ride along — this one’s pure Nashville gold.

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🎸 Episode 33: Luc Nyhus: Stories from the Strings This week, we sit down with Luc Nyhus — a Nashville guitarist, songwriter, and road warrior whose playing has lit up stages with Big & Rich, Elle King, Sam Barber and more. Luc opens up about life on the road, the lessons learned between gigs, and how he's learned to put his heart in his songs..His story is one of passion, hustle, and a deep love for the music that connects us all. 🎶 A warm, genuine conversation with one of Nashville’s most soulful guitar storytellers.

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🎧 Episode 32: Phil Solem: Behind the Claps You know the song — the one that made millions of people clap along every Thursday night. But there’s a lot more to the story than just the Friends theme. In this episode, we sit down with guitarist Phil Solem , singer, songwriter, and one half of The Rembrandts , to talk about how “I’ll Be There for You” became one of the most recognizable songs in television history. Phil shares the story behind the hit, the unexpected whirlwind that followed, and how he’s continued to evolve as an artist beyond the ‘90s spotlight. From the Los Angeles music scene to global fame — and everything in between — we dive deep into the challenges of the music biz, the cast members of the show and share the effect of a song that still brings people together decades later. Tune in for stories, laughter, and a behind-the-scenes look at the man who helped define the sound of friendship.

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🎙️ Episode 31: Harmony, Heritage & Heart with Rudy Gatlin In this episode, we sit down with Rudy Gatlin of the legendary Gatlin Brothers to talk about a lifetime in music, family, and faith. From their early days singing in small Texas churches to becoming Grammy Award–winning artists and Grand Ole Opry members, the Gatlins have left an indelible mark on country and gospel music. Rudy shares behind-the-scenes stories from the road, what it was like growing up in a family where harmony was both musical and personal, and how he’s navigated decades in an ever-changing industry. We also dive into his personal passions off the stage, lessons learned from a life in the spotlight, and what continues to inspire him today. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Gatlin Brothers or just discovering their music, this conversation offers a heartfelt look at the man behind the songs — filled with humor, wisdom, and a whole lot of harmony.

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Count It Off – Episode 30: Joe Soucheray of Garage Logic On this episode of Count It Off , we’re joined by none other than Joe Soucheray , the voice behind Garage Logic, the Mayor of Gumption County and Flashlight King himself. If you’ve ever tuned into GL, you know Joe’s got a knack for mixing common sense, humor, and a little bit of curmudgeonly wisdom into conversations that just stick with you. The show pulls hundreds of thousands of monthly listeners from around the globe and ranks in the top 25% of all podcasts. We talk about how Garage Logic came to be, how good podcasts succeed and what keeps Joe fired up to hit the mic after all this time. Whether you’re a long-time citizen of Garage Logic or just curious what it’s all about, this one feels like hanging out in the mayor’s office—coffee, chatter, and plenty of laughs included. Don't miss this one.

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🎙️ Count It Off – Episode 29 : Erica Sunshine Lee In this episode of Count It Off , we sit down with the unstoppable Erica Sunshine Lee — a powerhouse singer-songwriter known as the Georgia Gypsy . From her small-town Southern roots to touring across the globe, Erica’s journey is fueled by grit, passion, and a love for telling stories through song. She’s earned #1 chart-topping songs, penned heartfelt ballads, rowdy anthems, and everything in between, earning fans worldwide with her fearless honesty and undeniable stage presence. In this conversation, Erica opens up about life on the road, the inspirations behind her songs, and what it really takes to carve out an independent career in today’s music industry. Whether you’re chasing your own creative dreams or just love a good story wrapped in melody, this episode will leave you inspired to count it off and dive in. ✨ Listen now and join the ride with Erica Sunshine Lee.

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🎹 Count It Off Ep 28: Funk, Faith & Purple Keys with Tommy Barbarella This week we’re hanging out with the one and only Tommy Barbarella — keyboardist, composer, and longtime member of Prince’s legendary New Power Generation. We dig into what it was like holding down the keys for one of the greatest artists of all time, the magic (and madness) of life on tour, and how Tommy found his own sound outside the Purple universe. We’ll hear how Tommy has expanded to composing and scoring everything from orchestral works, commercial videos and even an epic Super Bowl ad. From Twin Cities beginnings to the biggest stages in the world, Tommy shares stories that are equal parts funny, wild, and inspiring. We talk about the pressure of keeping up with Prince’s genius, what it takes to survive in the music industry, and how collaboration fuels his creativity to this day. If you love Prince, music history, or just want to hear some behind-the-scenes stories from the guy who helped shape the soundtrack of a generation, this one’s for you.

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Welcome to Count It Off , the podcast where we shine a light on the stories behind the music that moves us. Today, we're counting it off with none other than Kensie Coppin — a powerhouse singer-songwriter who made her Grand Ole Opry debut at just 11 years old. With a voice that cuts deep and a rich alto tone that commands every lyric, Kensie has earned three #1 singles on the Texas charts and built a name rooted in heart, grit, and undeniable talent. From center stage to the writing room, she’s blazing her own trail in country music — and we’re here for the ride.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Friedman, President of the Trop Rock Music Association (TRMA) — a nationwide network uniting artists, venues, fans, and radio stations passionate about tropical rock. Mark shares his insights into the vibrant world of Trop Rock, its grassroots growth, the passionate fan base, and how the TRMA fosters connection and recognition within the genre. We dive into the evolution of Trop Rock music, its cultural roots, and the role of the association in supporting emerging talent, organizing events, and amplifying the genre across the U.S. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just discovering the sound of saltwater-soaked tunes and island vibes, this episode offers a front-row seat to the movement keeping the music alive and the mission of the ParrotHeads to “Keep the Party Going” in remembrance of Jimmy Buffett. 🌴 Tune in for stories, rhythms, and community straight from the heart of Trop Rock.

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In this episode, we meet with Billy Alcorn, owner of the Nashville road case company supplying gear for some of the biggest names in music like Metallica, Justin Timberlake, Chris Stapleton and Eric Church. We learn about his roots in Walnut Grove, MN (birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder and home of Little House On the Prairie) , explore his years behind the wheel of Phil Vassar’s tours and we get to hear some of the songs they wrote. It’s a fascinating dive into how custom gear and production like Alcorn Custom Cases builds plays a key role in making the big shows all happen. 🎧 Tune in for stories, music talk, some country humor and a look at what it takes to bring legends to the stage.

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This week, we’re diving deep into the purple legacy with a true pioneer of the Minneapolis Sound: Matt "Dr. Fink" Prince. As the longtime keyboardist for Prince and an original member of The Revolution, Dr. Fink was a key architect of the sonic landscapes behind some of Prince’s most groundbreaking work — from *Dirty Mind* and *1999* to *Purple Rain* and beyond. In this candid conversation, Matt shares firsthand stories from the studio and the stage: what it was like to collaborate with Prince at the peak of his creative powers, how The Revolution came together, and the moments that defined an era. We talk about the iconic look (yes, the scrubs), cool tales of the live shows (including opening for the Rolling Stones), the evolution of Prince’s sound, and what it meant to be part of a musical movement that broke boundaries across genre, race, and style. Whether you're a die-hard Prince fan or just curious about one of the most influential bands in pop music history, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and behind-the-scenes details you won’t hear anywhere else.

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Scottish-born Callum Kerr has a great double-fisted career going... he's starred in seasons 2-6 of the Netflix series Virgin River and acted in 12 other shows and now, he's making his Grand Ole Opry debut with his soulful, gritty voice and A-list production. We talk about his life in Edinburgh Scotland, his acting career but mostly about his enthusiasm for a debut album, produced by Dann and David Huff. They just don't come any better and I know you'll love his relaxed personality and Scottish brogue. Don't miss this one!

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Country station BOB-FM is a rare example of independent playlists and down-home personalities. Neil Freeman joins us to talk about his rise from small market radio to one of the top-rated stations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul market. They also are one of the few country stations that love to play homegrown artists. Learn what they look for in submissions and how they give back to the community as well.

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Join us as we chat with Andy Peake and hear about his long history as the timekeeper for some of the best artists we've known, from Delbert McClinton to Nicolette Larson, Lee Roy Parnell to Don Williams and more. We cover some of the challenges as an independent recording artist as well. He's got history in Boulder, Gainesville and the past 35 years in Nashville. Hang out with us!

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From Music City comes a slayin' hard rocker who's seen it all, from the hair band heyday of LA in the early 80s to his current gig at possibly the #1 recording studio in Nashville. Mike has a great love for his heroes - Richie Blackmore, Eddie Van Halen and more. We'll also talk about his new book "Tennessee Metal" and more. Grab a coffee and join us for some cool guitar instrumentals and tales of the Roxy and the Rainbow Room. Recommended!

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Colorado recording artist Chris Daniels talks about releasing his 20th album "Blues With Horns II," working with Sonny Landreth and Billy Payne, touring Europe and the US and so much more. We also get a very personal inside view of tackling his acute myeloid leukemia and pulmonary fibrosis and being a 10 year survivor, plus playing 40 shows a year, teaching at the University of Colorado, producing records, staying positive and most of all, keeping it real. This is without a doubt one of most "close to the bone" shows we've had yet, and it's one of my favorites. Join us and enjoy!

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Join us as we get to know this prolific hit writer and trace his journey from St. Louis to Nashville. Over 100 songs recorded by Blake Shelton to George Jones and more, including five #1 chart hits. We talk about being new in Nashville and 'making it.' He's as positive and fun a guest as his ever-present smile would indicate. Twice nominated for a Grammy Award, he's also huge on the Parrothead circuit with the Trop Rock crowd. You'll like him for sure!

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Join us as we learn about Kevin's star-crossed journey from railroad brakeman to Tangled Up In Blue guitarist and beyond. We have some fun hearing about being in the studio with the legendary Bob Dylan and his connections to the early crew that helped Prince launch his enormous career. He turned a west coast group into the international National Academy of Songwriters, lining up superstar members like Paul McCartney and Lionel Richie, and fighting for songwriters' rights in Washington DC. Dylan fans especially, don't miss this!

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50 year radio legend Jim West and I chat about his career in country music and what makes a great station great. He shares stories that includes Dick Clark, Garth Brooks, George Strait and more. How do local bands get their songs on radio? We'll cover that too. Enjoy!

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In the late 60s and early 70s, David worked side-by-side with the late great Brian Wilson. You'll hear the first-person stories and we'll play some music to show the influence Brian had on his young understudy and collaborator. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind interview.

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Christie and I discuss her burgeoning career in music as a young songwriter, artist and influencer. We'll hear some of her music and learn about the differences between LA and Nashville, talk about streaming and the new hot topic, AI. All that, plus we learn about her years around the world as a medical volunteer with her doctor parents in places like India,Africa and the Far East. She's upbeat, clean and a lot of fun. Hope you'll listen in!

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Alabama native Jerry Foster is a real storyteller and he's had a huge career around the greats. From Elvis to Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Charlie Pride and Johnny Paycheck, he's penned their chart records for decades. Don't miss this one! Jerry is a beloved force in Nashville still today, with plans for a new TV series.. We'll learn his secrets of staying young too. I love this guy and you will too.

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Case Hardin is a chart-topping cowboy singer, raised on hard work, ranching and rodeo in west Texas. His young career is taking off and he's got some of the Lone Star State's biggest names giving him a hand up. We talk about how rodeo runs generations deep in his family, we'll check out some of his #1 songs and his dreams for the future. If you love George Strait and Cody Johnson, don't miss this one!

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If you're a Jimmy Buffett fan, you will probably love the music and conversation with steel drum player John Patti. One of a very few specialists on the official instrument of Trinidad & Tobago, he tours the US, the tropics and all over the globe. Trop Rock music is what the beach music of the Parrotheads is sometimes called and our guest has played with all the Coral Reefers and many more. Don't miss his cool original music either!

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Taylor Roberts is part of a very small club - he plays 7-string jazz ala Bucky Pizarelli and George Van Eps. Based in Jacksonville, Florida.he just finished a sold-out West Coast tour. His encounters with the Stones and the jazz world are great stories and he's as classy as his music. He's been featured in Jazz Guitar Life and many others. Don't miss it!

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Native New Yorker Eddie Kilgallon - best known as EddieK - traces his journey from working in a New York restaurant to founding member of the 90s hit Nashville group Ricochet to writing a career #1 song for King George and his current job as tour manager and bandleader for Eddie Montgomery. We'll get to hear some fun music and learn how just "showing up:" can pay huge dividends.

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Roger Bartlett's story is an awesome saga of opportunity colliding with talent and drive. From New York to the Gulf Coast, we explore his journey, do a little name dropping and listen to his songs that were recorded by Buffett and on his own records. Recommended!

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Rich Eckhart is an example of the deep well of Nashville guitar talent and his quarter-century with the late great Toby Keith bears that out. We'll hear some of his music and explore the road with him. Don't miss it!

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Phoenix smooth jazz producer Mike Browning (aka Michael B) shares his journey from teaching keyboard lessons to a top-tier producer and artist. He's got so many cool 'happenstances' in his story and he's a mellow guy to boot. We'll hear some of his music and name check Paul McCartney among others. Be sure to listen!

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We’re thrilled to welcome multi-instrumentalist Forrest O’Connor to the Count It Off podcast! Check out his history! Nashville-born mandolinist, guitarist, and songwriter Forrest O’Connor earned national recognition as one of the lead vocalists and instrumentalists in the O’Connor Band, a group he co-founded with his wife, Kate, and his father, seven-time CMA Award-winning violinist Mark O’Connor. Forrest wrote several songs, including the title track, for the O’Connor Band’s first album Coming Home, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Albums Chart and won a Grammy Award in 2017. He also arranged and contributed a track to the John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project Vol. 1 tribute album, which was nominated for a Grammy in 2021. Both independently and as part of the O’Connor Band, Forrest has performed or recorded with Paul Simon, Zac Brown, Steve Martin, Kenny Loggins, Clint Black, Emmylou Harris, Suzy Bogguss, Judah & The Lion, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, and many others. He has played numerous times at The Grand Ole Opry and The Ryman as well as Fenway Park, the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards Ceremony, and many prominent festivals and venues around the country. He appeared in the last season of ABC’s hit show Nashville and was one of the lead instrumentalists in Marcus Hummon’s folk opera Favorite Son (premiered by the Nashville Opera in 2022) and musical No Man’s Land (Belmont University, 2024). Prior to the O’Connor Band, Forrest toured nationally as a duo with Kate and frequently performed as a sideman at The Station Inn in Nashville. In 2014, he won the Tennessee State Mandolin Championship. He is a graduate of Harvard University.

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Welcome to Count It Off! Our guest this week is Tab Laven, a fabulous guitarist, songwriter and recording artist from Nashville, TN. He’s spent the past 25 years touring the world (literally) with the legendary Art Garfunkel, founding member of Simon & Garfunkel. From sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall to every major TV and live award show, Tab has been Art’s right-hand man. Tab shares his stories with the Hall Of Fame legend and his journey from his youth playing with Mary McGregor, Michael Johnson and even jamming on banjo with John Hartford. It’s a delightful collection of history and along the way, you’ll hear some tracks from his most recent release, Cranberry Red Balloon. This is one not to be missed.

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Kim's an awesome singer - as you'll hear - and we're stoked to have her on Count It Off! She'll share her stories and music as we talk all things Nashville, touring with the likes of Brooks & Dunn, Kathy Mattea, Christopher Cross and singing in the background vocals group on the Grand Ole Opry stage. She's an awesome artist in her own right and has a warmth and humor we know you'll love. So glad to introduce her to all of you! Please share this show with your musical friends and we're confident they'll love her too.

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I'm so glad to know this amazing musician, writer, entertainer and guitarist. His passion for the music shines through every note he sings and plays. That voice! I sometimes call his sound "Los Lonely Boys meet Vince Gill." From his roots in Phoenix AZ to his Nashville years working with Ronnie McDowell and Kenny Chesney, to his SoCal years, we'll hear about his rich history and check in on the live gig situation on the coast. He plays at least 32 gigs a month and never loses that smile and sincerity. I know you're going to want to hear his music and vibe.

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I was Glen Campbell's bandleader and guitarist for 15 years and with his birthday approaching, I thought it would be meaningful to assemble family and friends to pay tribute to him. We gathered three Campbell kids with Glen's bandleader before me, Carl Jackson on April 22, what would have been his 89th birthday. Great stories from growing up Hollywood famous and living on the road, plus Carl's long history and years writing and producing songs with Glen. If you're a deep Glen fan, you'll want to hear this!