Songwriter Connection

Randy wrote the popular Grandma Got Runover by a Reindeer song. Here is the story behind it and how it became a Holiday smash. Co-host Marc-Alan Barnette joins me for this special Holiday re-release origianlly published on May 1, 2023.

Angie Jolyn is making new music and is the daughter of a big Nashville songwriter. She has and amazing story that she shares with us and co-host Mark-Alan Barnette. They also do a few songs around the dining room table.

Michelle Canning wrote her first song demo in the 5th grade. She is the the youngest person and only female to earn the title of New England Banjo Champion. She blends Bluegrass, country and many other influenced to create her own special Michelle Canning style.

John Michael Ferarri is a multi award wining singer/songwriter from Navada. He also is a director and radio host. He and Pepper Jay do so much for the songwriting community and are in Nashville putting a TV/Documentary on Nashville Songwriters. We are very forunate to have them for some great stories, songs and advice for songwriters.

Juan Casey is a singer/songwriter from South Africa. He tells us about life and music there shares his songs and stories with us around the dining room table.

Mary Kaye Holt is a multiple award winning entertainer who tours extensively throughout the US and Canada.with her unique brand of Western Folk, Americana and Western Swing music. Mary Kaye talks about her musical journey which has brought her from Utah to Nashville.

Randi Driscoll is an award winning songwriter/performer who hosts Randi's Revival at the True Music Room in Nashville. She has written a song that has touched so many people and benefits the Matthew Shepard Foundation helping to erase hate throughout the world.

Music is in Donna's blood. Her music legacy goes back to her Great Grandparents. Donna is an award winning troubadour who plays all across the US, UK and the Caribbean. She has some amazing stories and songs.

Exile is celebrating 60 years together and is still going strong with a new album called A Million Miles Later. It is also the 45th anniversary of their giant hit Kiss You All Over. Sonny LeMaire and Marlon Hargis. join us with new music and stories from their years together.

Craig Monday is a hit songwriter with cuts from Kenny Chesney, Randy Houser, Vince Gill, Diamond Rio Amy Grant and more. But, he considers his greatest success the friends he's made along the way. Today he mentors writers throught NSAI and is a tremendous part of the Nashville songwriting community. Join us for great stories and songs.

Pete Sallis is a pro writer from Nashville with cuts in every genre. Maddi & Tae, Ronnie Dunn, Phillip Phillips, Keb Mo, Shenendoah and more. Lots of great advice about songwriting. He uses the analogy of writing a song being like building a house. Pete plays a few around the dining room table as he tell us about his musical journey.

Cindy Alter was an international star by the age of 21 with her band from South Africa called Clout. Their song "Substitute" climbed to the top of the charts as they performed at the biggest venues all over the world. We talk about her journey which eventually landed her in Nashville. You'll hear what she is up to today as she plays some of her new songs and we chat around the dining r...

Addie Levy is a multi instrumentalist singer songwriter. She's an American Bluegrass Country artist who comes from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and now calls Nashville her home. Addie shares her journey and songs on the podcast. She is one to watch, indeed!

Ridge Banks shares his songs and adventures in Music City. He's getting noticed playing venues all over the midwest. His rugged acoustic music is resonating with music lovers all over. Join us for lessons he's learned along the way.

Joe Bizelli is one of the most passionate singer songwrirters in Nasvhille. He performs at all the most popular writer's rounds in Music City His songs and shows are attracting attention. We find out why and hear a few songs around the dining room table. Its fun conversation and amazing songs.

Jessica Nixon is a singer/Songwriter from Bristol TN. She has found success in life through her songs, her beauty pageant win, her Doctorate in Pharmacy and most importantly from her wonderful family. She has a passion for music and helping other people.

Jay Vern is my guest this week along with co-host Marc-Alan Barnette. Jay is a 30 plus year Music Row veteran who has worked and played with everyone, including a stint in the Grand Ole Opry Band. Jay is the owner of one of Music Row's remaining recording studios Jay's Place on 17th Ave. We talk demos and recording your songs. Plus, we make time for a little music around the dining room ta...

Taylor Borton moved to Nashville at age 19 to pursue her musical dreams. She attended the Blackbird Academy and has played all over Nashville and up to her hometown of Youngstown, OH. She has a new EP and single streaming everywhere. Hear the songs live around the dining room table on the Songwriter. Connection.

Dave Isaacs is known as the Music Row Guitar Guru. He is the preeminent guitar intructor in Nashville. He has tons of stories and ways to make your songwriting better. This is a must listen to for all songwriters.

Steve Bloch wears many hats in the music business. He's a publisher a consultant, songplugger and a frequent guest of songwriter festivals, workshops and publisher nights. He hosts Speed Pitch here in Nashville and has garnered cuts with many of todays big country artitsts.

Ricky Randolph has toured with Greg Allman, Michael McDonald, Delbert McClinton and others. His songs have been recorded by The Band Perry, Trent Tomlinson and more. There is so much to talk about as he joins us by phone from his home in Huntsville, Alabama. Ricky is one of the nicest people you will meet in the music business!

Paul Jefferson is an incredible songwriter and performer. His songs have been recorded by Keith Urban, Aaron Tippin and others. Co-hosting is Marc-Alan Barnette and they share some truly funny and entertaining stories. Plus, some live hits around the dining room table!

Cameron Barton is a Nashville singer/songwriter who also happens to be the lead singer for the rock band Survivor. He's played with best and shared the stage with Kansas, Lover Boy, Styx and so many others. Also, we have special guest Producer/Engineer/Songwriter and Artist Develper Jonell Polansky.

Sheyna is a rising star in music. She has a voice that needs to be shared. She performs all over the world and has opened for Elton John, Stevie Wonder and many more. From LA originially she now calls Nashville Home and is a veteran of the Lower Broadway Scene.

Ash Taylor moved to Nashville from Bakersfield California. She and her husband Chris DeLisle join us for some songs and stories around the dining room tabld. We talk songwriting and the Bakersfield sound!