The Jay Franze Show: Music - News | Reviews | Interviews

Singer-songwriter Will Wesley joins us for a heartfelt conversation that sheds light on the emotional journey behind his latest single, "12 O'Clock in Texas." Through a poignant personal story, Will opens up about his late brother Daniel's influence on his life and music, revealing how his loss became a powerful source of inspiration. Our discussion is an exploration of grief,...

Singer, songwriter, and entertainer John Michael Ferrari graces our show, offering an inspiring look into his musical journey. From snagging his first award at the Las Vegas Music Awards to climbing the national charts, John's story is packed with milestones that have opened doors throughout the music industry. Together, we uncover the significance of these achievements and the crucial role o...

Country music fans, brace yourselves! We had the pleasure of hosting the talented Robby Johnson, who took us on an enthralling journey through the vibrant Nashville music scene. He shared his personal experiences performing at iconic venues like Tootsie's and engaging with fans at CMA Fest, painting a vivid picture of the electric energy that defines these events. Robby's candid stories...

John Mlynczak, President and CEO of NAMM, takes us on an inspiring journey from his beginnings as a band kid to becoming a pivotal figure in the music industry. Through a rich tapestry of personal stories, John reveals how his time as a gigging musician, his experiences at PreSonus Audio, and his background in music education shaped his path to leadership. Expect to uncover the amusing, like gigs...

Ever wondered how starting with melodies rather than lyrics can transform your songwriting? Join us for an inspiring conversation with singer-songwriter Mike Errico, where he reveals how this approach leads to surreal and unexpected lyrical content. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how different instruments and tunings can not only ignite creativity but also shape the narrative arc of a song in fas...

Ever wondered what goes into creating a hit country song? Join us as we sit down with the vibrant country artist Brian Frazier to uncover the fascinating backstory of his signature song "Put Me in a Bar." From its fun-filled, personal lyrics to its journey to becoming a fan favorite, Brian spills all the secrets. He shares hilarious fan encounters, discusses the influence of Brad Paisley...

Can a voice memo from a child ignite a powerful musical journey? Join us on The Jay Franze Show as we sit down with the legendary William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys and the talented Danny Stefanetti. William opens up about a deeply personal voice memo from his son, Solomon, that inspired him to write a heartfelt song capturing his emotions as an absentee father. Danny Stefanetti shares how s...

What happens when you mix Metallica's raw power, Stevie Ray Vaughan's soulful riffs, and the heart of Americana? You get Huckleberry Road, the Western Country Rock trio that's turning heads with their unique sound. We're bringing you an inside look at their creative process, focusing on their storytelling approach to songwriting and the diverse influences that shape their music...

Curious about the magic behind restoring vintage tape machines? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Chris Mara, the brilliant mind behind Mara Machines and owner of the unique recording studio, Welcome to 1979. Chris’s journey from an assistant engineer in Minneapolis to a studio owner in Nashville is filled with accidental ventures, innovative inventions, and meaningful community service...

Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up in a rodeo family and then carve out a career in country music? Country music recording artist Chad Bushnell joins us to share his fascinating journey from steer wrestling to performing at Cowboy Church and opening for top country artists. Chad’s story is a testament to the blend of hard work, faith, and passion. Listen as he recounts his childhood filled wi...

What happens when three talented musicians cross paths with one of Nashville's most esteemed producers? Join us as we uncover the serendipitous origins of McBride and the Ride, a band that became legendary under the masterful guidance of Tony Brown. Ray Herndon reveals his shift from touring with Lyle Lovett to joining the band, Billy Thomas shares stories of playing with legends, while Terry...

Award-winning musician Lucy Becker joins us to share her captivating journey from a musical family background to becoming one of Kentucky's finest fiddle players. Ever wondered how a musician can gracefully switch between the fiddle and the violin depending on the venue? Lucy reveals her secrets and recounts her experiences playing at both formal events and honky-tonks, highlighting her multi...

What if a chance encounter with a determined young paperboy could change the trajectory of your creative journey? Join us as we sit down with John McEuen, the legendary solo artist and founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, to explore the life-altering moments that have shaped his illustrious career. John shares the heartfelt story behind his album "The Newsman," inspired by a yo...

Unlock the secrets of the entertainment industry with Josh Lastine, managing partner of Lastine Entertainment Law, on The Jay Franze Show. Ever wondered what goes into crafting the perfect contract for TV, film, or even NFTs? Josh breaks it all down, offering an insider's perspective on the complex world of entertainment deals. From his vast experience working with studios, production compani...

What if the roots of your creativity were planted by your grandparents? Join us for a heartwarming episode of The Jay Franze Show as we engage with the wonderfully talented singer-songwriter Kate Stanton. Kate takes us on a journey through her musical beginnings, sharing the invaluable lessons she learned from her grandparents. With her grandfather's gift for playing piano by ear and her gran...

What happens when you grow up in a household brimming with musical legends? Discover the captivating history of Don Parker, an outstanding drummer from a renowned Kentucky music family. Don takes us down memory lane, sharing stories from his early years, playing his uncle's drum kit, and absorbing the musical wisdom of icons like Joe Clark and Randy Hayes. We also spotlight his sister Chelsea...

What if you discovered that some of the most heartfelt songs come from the most unexpected places? Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of songwriter Bruce Tarletsky and his Nashville supergroup, High Mountain Breezes. Bruce, who took up songwriting later in life, found inspiration in a loyal group of session musicians. With producer Bob Bullock by his side, Bruce created a unique musical...

Discover the journey of Chloe Styler, an exceptionally talented country music artist, as she takes us behind the scenes of her dream performance at Nashville's Bluebird Cafe. Chloe reveals the overwhelming sense of accomplishment and the unique atmosphere of the venue, where the attentive audience contributed to an unforgettable night. She shares her initial nerves and the contrasting vibes b...

What ignites a lifelong passion for music? For country music recording artist Kyle Fields, it was a Christmas gift from his grandmother that set him on a remarkable trajectory. This week on the Jay Franze Show, join us as Kyle takes us from his musical roots in Greenup, Kentucky, through high school jam sessions and garage bands, to the culture shock of Nashville in his early 20s. Discover how Kyl...

What happens when the decline of Detroit's automotive industry fuels a surge in musical creativity? Join us as we sit down with rock and roll legend Mike Skill, founder of The Romantics, who takes us through the gritty yet exhilarating music scene of Detroit in the 70s. From working automotive industry jobs to fund his passion to rehearsing in old storefronts, Mike shares how the communal spi...

What if your favorite song could completely change the vibe of an entire room? This episode we take you backstage with country music recording artist Avery Glenn Crabtree, who reveals the secrets behind his powerful performances. From tapping into deep emotions for every song, whether it's sad, sexy, or aggressive, to his preference for deep cuts over popular tracks, you'll get an inside...

Ever wondered how a serendipitous meeting can change the course of a musical career? Join us on The Jay Franze Show as we sit down with country music artist Will Wesley, who takes us on an emotional journey recounting the profound impact his late manager, Brian Abrams, had on his life and career. From their chance encounter at a concert in Florida to their unforgettable ride through the bustling s...

Ever felt like giving up was the only option? Join us as Miguel Antonio, the lead singer of Run With It, shares a deeply moving turning point in his life that led him on a decade-long journey of healing. Miguel bravely opens up about his struggles with depression, anxiety, and OCD, and how these battles have infused their music with hope and inspiration. Through powerful storytelling behind their...

When a young musician strums the strings of destiny, a symphony of stories unfolds. Join Jay as he gets an intimate look at Malachi Gagnon's rise from a boy with a Taylor guitar to a country music phenomenon with millions of downloads. In their heart-to-heart, Malachi reminisces about discovering his vocal talent at a family karaoke night and the unwavering support system that fueled his jour...

As Jay sits down with the effervescent Mackenzie Phipps, he couldn't help but be struck by her pure, unadulterated passion for music that's as clear as the Bluefield skies she hails from. Their conversation takes you on a journey from a Virginia church choir to the heart of Nashville's music scene, where Mackenzie shares candid stories about her family's unwavering support and...