My Backstage Pass

Ray Stevens is known mostly as a musical funnyman, no surprise really considering the novelty songs that he took to the top of the charts during a successful string of hits that dominated the radio waves throughout the 1960s. These days, songs such as “Ahab the Arab,” “The Streak” and “Gitarzan” might not find favor with those of a politically correct persuasion, but back in the day, they establis...

Melanie Safka — generally referred to by her first name only — epitomized the persona of the eternal flower child, a shy, waif-like woman whose memorable appearance at Woodstock summed up the sentiments of the time — innocent, unassuming and with songs that resonated with the optimism of the age. Her work shared that sweet sensibility, as reflected in songs such as “Beautiful People,” “Brand New K...

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 h...

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 “abso...

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,...

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 Parto...

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,...

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 V...

In this episode Lee & Billy have a conversation with singer songwriter EmiSunshine who was 16 years old at the time! Billy's YouTube video of Emi in 2014 (Emi Sunshine "Folsom Prison Blues") quickly garnered over 3 million views! Emi has been attracting national attention since she was 9 years old ("Today," "Little Big Shots," the Grand Ole Opry, etc.) In 201...

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...

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 Acad...

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 Record...

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...

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 Reco...

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...