Children of Song

Singer/Songwriter Ben Danaher is a survivor. A big talent with a soulful voice, he's endured unimaginable tragedy and somehow, he's found a way with his music to the other side; a little bit stronger, more resilient and still feeling lucky. In this episode, Ben opens up and shares the heart-wrenching story of when his brother was shot and killed at his own three-year-old's birthday party. The senseless act of violence grabbed the attention of major news outlets who covered the tragedy for a stunned national audience. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. Ben sings some of the very best songs from his first album "Still Feel Lucky," including My Father's Blood, Over That Mountain, Jesus Can See You and the title track of this exciting first effort. Producer Brad Newman hosts this interesting look at an up-and-coming artist, who's collaborated with some of the best in his field, including Maren Morris and Jason Isbell. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might not know Amy Stroup by name, but you've probably heard her voice on one of your favorite shows or movies. The singer/songwriter has been featured in over 400 top tv shows and movies, including Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood, Private Practice and many more. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. In this episode, we'll hear about Amy's journey which included hanging out with legendary songwriters Walt Aldridge and Brad Crisler as an eager 10-year-old with a trusty notebook in hand. With its many twists and turns, Amy has taken the path that's made the most sense for her. In return, we see an artist with a varied repertoire who's open to opportunity and a sound that's constantly evolving. Amy shares stories and sings some her best singles including Just You, Stare, Hope onto Hope Love and Magic. The series producer, Brad Newman hosts this interesting look at an artist who likes to keep her fans guessing and wondering what she'll come up with next. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before Tammy Wynette sang with George Jones, Margie Singleton cut a whole 14 song album and sang powerful harmonies with the country music superstar. A prolific songwriter, Margie perfected her craft on the Louisiana Hayride and even performed there one night with Elvis. As we'll hear, these are just two highlights of a legendary career that has spanned over seven decades. In this episode, Margie takes us through her remarkable journey, where we'll learn the inspiration behind some of her biggest hits and find out why she continues to write songs and delight crowds to this day. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. Margie sings some of her top hits including, Lie To Me, which she wrote for Brook Benton, Keeping Up with the Joneses, which she sang with Faron Young and the more recent, Jesus Is My Pusher. We'll also hear a bit of her latest single, Heaven or Hell, which has audiences buzzing and standing on their feet wanting more. Robert K. Oermann hosts this entertaining episode with the series producer Brad Newman by his side. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Children of Song, we find out what it was like growing up with country superstar Toby Keith. According to Krystal, he was just one heck of a Dad. A chip off the old block, Krystal brings plenty of personality and a ton of talent as she tries to burst onto the country music scene. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. In this segment, we find out Toby Keith gave the music industry the "middle finger" after he visited Nashville as a young singer and music executives told him he wasn't good enough. Krystal clears up that 5 of those 10 songs that he played back then for Nashville insiders went on to become big, big hits. As a result, Krystal has grown up knowing she'll have to earn everything that comes her way in the music business. Krystal talks about other early influences including Patsy Cline and even sings a little of her legendary Crazy. She also sings excerpts of her Daddy's Should Have Been a Cowboy as well as her own Daddy Dance with Me. Robert K. Oermann hosts this entertaining episode with the series producer Brad Newman by his side. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Emmy, Tony and Oscar award winner Joel Grey looks back at a sensational career that has spanned seven decades. It all started back at the Cleveland Playhouse when he was just 9 years old and still flourishes on Broadway and in Hollywood to this day. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. In this episode, Mr. Grey talks about how he overcame antisemitism, hid from his sexuality, and made his way from the nightclub circuit to the bright lights of Broadway where he originated his famous role as the M.C. in Cabaret, a role that brought him a Tony and an Oscar. Wonderful stories throughout this episode including gems about Cabaret and the movie's director Bob Fosse, his co-star Liza Minnelli and many more. As part of our Broadway series, the former NY Times theatre critic Charles Isherwood hosts this entertaining episode with the series producer Brad Newman. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Children of Song welcomes Keifer Thompson and Shawna McIlwain to the podcast. The married duo known as Thompson Square delight fans with their upbeat love songs containing strong melodies and beautiful harmonies. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. In this episode we learn that Keifer and Shawna moved to Nashville from different parts of the country on the same week almost 18 years ago. The budding soloists met at a singer/songwriter competition where it was love at first sight. They soon realized while they were talented on their own, together they were unstoppable. This episode is filled with music including the duo's top hits Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not, Everything I Shouldn't Be Thinking About, and the latest single from their new album Masterpiece. Robert K. Oermann hosts this entertaining episode with the series producer Brad Newman along for the ride. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The always entertaining David Frizzell sits down with the Children of Song podcast and talks about growing up and touring with his older brother, the honky-tonk legend Lefty Frizzell. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. In this episode we get a more complete picture of the great Lefty Frizzell. Known for his hard drinking and quick temper, a gentler Lucky seems to have protected and nurtured his younger brother. "Lefty never made me feel like I was in the shadows of him," says the younger Frizzell in the podcast. This episode is filled with music including David's famous novelty song, Gonna Hire a Wino, Goodbye, and of course Lefty's If You've Got the Money, I've Got the Time. Robert K. Oermann hosts this entertaining episode with the series producer Brad Newman by his side. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week the Rock & Roll and Country Music hall of famer Brenda Lee joins the series for a wide-ranging interview that looks back at her childhood, her incredibly long career and the mentor she's become for young female artists like Taylor Swift, Lauren Alaina and LeAnn Rimes. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. In this episode, Ms. Lee shows why she's one of the most likable stars of her generation. Down to earth and generous to a fault, you'll hear how this amazing talent took care of her family after her father's death and though she was short in stature, her voice rang out like the size of her heart touching the world for generations. Great stories abound in this segment, including one about the Beatles who opened for Ms. Lee on a tour through England, a gem about Patsy Cline who once rescued Brenda after getting stiffed from a gig in Texas and a very funny tale about her chain-smoking Mama. Robert K. Oermann hosts this wonderful look back with a musical giant and the series producer Brad Newman comes along for the ride. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week the feisty and uber-talented Cherish Lee joins the podcast and reveals what it was like growing up with her famous parents. Her daddy Johnny Lee, who's also featured in this episode was a legendary honky-tonk hero and her mother Charlene Tilton, was the sexy siren who turned heads and broke hearts on Dallas, one of biggest television shows of all time. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. In this episode, Cherish tells some great stories including the time her father gave her a famous Martin guitar, which she promptly painted with glitter nail polish. You'll hear Johnny Lee describe what it was like raising his little songwriter/poet and hear the pride in his voice as he talks about his daughter following him on stage and into this often uncertain profession. Cherish reveals that even though she had the backing of her famous dad, she's still suffered her share of set-backs in the music industry, but perseverance and drive along with a winning personality have kept her dreams alive. Cherish talks about how she made her latest album, Tequila Cowgirl for just 15-hundred bucks, a sum so low it doesn't seem possible by today's standards. But as she says, "where there's a will, there's a way" and Cherish is not the type who's gives up easily. This "can do" attitude serves her well as she carves out a new career in Nashville while raising her young son with her husband, Chase Christopher. Robert K. Oermann hosts this interesting look at an up-and-coming artist with the series producer Brad Newman by his side. As you'll hear in this episode, Cherish Lee is a real spitfire who's poised to take the country music industry by storm. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week the legendary singer Larry Gatlin invited us into his man cave to talk about his long, colorful journey inside the country music industry. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. The Grand Ole Opry star shared moments from the time he and his brothers beat out Roy Orbison in a talent contest as children, to almost singing with the Imperials and backing up the king, Elvis Presley. Never shy and always with a flair for the dramatic, Larry talks about helping Kris Kristofferson find Jesus, touring with Dottie West and personally surviving an addition to drugs and alcohol. He's also not immune to controversy. As we'll find out, Larry wrote a song paying homage to the homeless and some of the offended burned Gatlin Brothers records in Arkansas. But he and his brothers have always bounced back into the spotlight, where their blood harmonies have mesmerized fans for generations. Our host, Robert K. Oermann and the series producer, Brad Newman guide us through this candid, revealing look into one of country music's most entertaining stars. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Garth Brooks did everything to shield his children from the limelight, even shutting down his own career until his three girls left for college. And yet from the time his youngest Allie Colleen was 8 years old, writing and playing music was the only thing this powerful singer/songwriter has wanted to do in life. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. In this episode, we find out Allie had to sneak around the house at night just to hear her Daddy sing. "Honestly," she says, "they were phenomenal in that they shut down everything" referring to her Dad's career. "I don't know what it's like to have a celebrity parent. My Dad was there every night." A child of divorce, Allie says her parents set up a system where she and her siblings would switch houses at the same time every night because they wanted the girls to see both parents every day. As a result, she might have misplaced a science book or a favorite pair of jeans in the swap, but she had a fairly normal, loving upbringing and even refers to her step-mother Trisha Yearwood as her bonus mom. We find out that Allie promised her Dad that she wouldn't sign a record contract until she graduated from college, but with a degree in hand from Belmont University, this talented singer is poised to make her mark. In this episode, she sings some of her best original songs, including Stoneheart, Close Enough and Neverland. Robert K. Oermann hosts this interesting look at an up-and-coming artist with the producer, Brad Newman by this side. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A modern day coal miner's daughter, Angaleena Presley grew up in a holler close to her childhood idol Loretta Lynn in the hills of Beauty, Kentucky. But this dynamic singer/songwriter has forged her own path writing fearless songs that capture the hard life inside this rugged part of Appalachia she calls home. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. In this episode, we find out how Angaleena was called in the middle of the night to join Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe in what would become one of country music's hottest trios, the Pistol Annies. She shares how the three write music quite prolifically together and joked that she recently told her bandmates, "I hate you girls so much because I don't want to write with anyone else." Angaleena recently made a name for herself by standing up to country music radio who's opted out of playing female artists and addresses why she spoke up knowing it might ultimately hurt her career. Her latest album "Wrangled" won critical praise for highlighting this industry practice. There's a courage and strength that can be heard throughout Angaleena's catalog and she sings some of her best songs in this episode including, "Housewife's Prayer," "Cheer Up Lil Darling," "Pain Pills," "Wrangled," "Good Girl Down" and "Dreams Don't Come True." Robert K. Oermann hosts this music-filled, story-driven journey with the producer, Brad Newman adding insight along the way. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The legendary Tanya Tucker and her daughter Presley join us for an intimate look at her childhood, a career that's spanned almost 50 years and the lessons she's learned after a wild life in the spotlight. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. In this episode, a wiser and more reflective Tanya Tucker talks about how a driven father matched only by her own fearless pursuit led the two inside the most influential offices on Nashville's Music Row. She sings excerpts of some of her biggest hits including "Delta Dawn" and "It's a Little Too Late" and joins Presley harmonizing behind her daughter in an especially soulful "South of Sober." Tanya also reveals some new perspective on her famously stormy relationship with Glen Campbell, calling him "my one true love." We also hear how she was picked to record Garth Brook's "Thunder Rolls" only to have it taken away once the famous singer/songwriter got his big break and signed with a label just days after her recording session. Our host, Robert K. Oermann and the series producer, Brad Newman guide us through this candid, revealing exchange filled with great stories and new insight into one of Country Music's biggest stars. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The up and coming Country Music star, Jordan Davis joins us in the studio this week to talk about his debut album Home State, which has industry insiders buzzing about its originality. The dynamic singer/songwriter known for his big, bushy beard is getting more attention for his hit song Singles You Up which continues to make its way to the top of the charts. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. Jordan talks about growing up in a musical family and sings some of his biggest songs including his hit Singles You Up, Leaving New Orleans and Take It From Me. The series producer, Brad Newman hosts this music-filled episode from our podcast studios in midtown Manhattan. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The two-time Tony Award winner, Chita Rivera looks back at her sensational career from charming the master choreographer George Balanchine, to wowing audiences in the American classic West Side Story... and beyond. This episode includes her journey with the composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb and their winning collaboration in Kiss of the Spider Woman. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. Ms. Rivera and her daughter Lisa Mordente provide colorful stories and rare insight into what it was like to grow up inside a musical family and on a Broadway stage. As part of our Broadway series, the former NY Times theatre critic Charles Isherwood hosts this lovely ride down memory lane with the series producer Brad Newman. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Louisiana native Dylan Scott stops by the studio to talk about his journey from the tiny town of Bastrop to one the top young artists to watch in Country Music. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. Dylan sings some of his biggest songs in this episode including his #1 hit My Girl, Making This Girl Go Crazy and Hooked. The series producer, Brad Newman hosts this fun-filled episode from our podcast studios in midtown Manhattan. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the best showmen around, Jason D. Williams lights up this week's podcast with his own brand of humor, electrifying piano playing and stories galore. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. Jason D. is the self-proclaimed, but scientifically unproven son of Jerry Lee Lewis. In this episode, we delve into what makes these two entertainers so unique. Jason D. demonstrates how he can swing with his left hand in a way that would leave the greatest of piano players in awe. The series producer, Brad Newman co-hosts this memorable episode with multi-platinum artist, Gunnar Nelson from his home in Franklin, Tennessee. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pat Green's been called the "Springsteen of the Southwest" and while this comparison would be flattering to any artist, in this case, it also falls a little short. Sure, he has plenty of grit and a soulful voice that can draw in the toughest of crowds. But in this episode, Green does it without a hint of swagger or arrogance often associated with big-time acts. In fact, this country music star is just as approachable and down to earth as that great neighbor across the street. As Green says, "I just want to be the next door neighbor everyone wants to live next to." Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. Interesting stories throughout including a few colorful tales about his wife, who's the muse behind much of his music. Green provides insight behind some of his biggest hits and sings some of his best, including Wave on Wave, Crazy, Wrapped and an emotional version of Footsteps of our Fathers. The series producer, Brad Newman hosts this important episode from our podcast studios in midtown Manhattan. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Ashley Campbell, Wesley, Roy and Alex Orbison sit down to talk about growing up with their famous fathers, Glen Campbell and Roy Orbison. Among other revealing stories, we find out these two musical giants respected and adored one another. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. Great stories throughout this one including a gem about a disheveled Bob Dylan who was mistaken for a homeless person by the Orbison boys who had no idea a Rock & Roll icon was merely walking through their backyard to visit their dad. Ashley sings "Remembering" a song she wrote for her father who suffered from Alzheimer's disease until his death last Summer. Robert K. Oermann hosts this insightful episode as part of our Nashville Sessions with the series producer, Brad Newman by his side. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up-and-coming country music star William Michael Morgan stops by for an entertaining trip down memory lane. We find out William ran around the house belting out Marty Robbins' El Paso as a small child and worked his up to playing honky-tonks throughout Mississippi all before he was just 10-years-old. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. William reveals some wonderful insight about his journey to Nashville, his close relationship with his parents and shares snippets of his biggest songs including, I Met a Girl, Missing, and Vinyl all from his debut album which was released last year. Robert K. Oermann hosts this music-filled episode as part of our Nashville Sessions with the series producer, Brad Newman by his side. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices