Children of Song

Latest Episodes:

John Carter Cash & Waylon Payne: Making Music Inside the Cash Cabin Oct 06, 2017

Show notes

Once considered the most famous baby in country music, the author, producer, and singer/songwriter John Carter Cash is still making music inside the famous cabin that his father built almost 50 years ago. The son of June Carter and the legendary Johnny Cash, John Carter grew up during the height of his parents' careers, sharing the world's biggest stage from the moment he could walk. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. In this episode, John Carter shares some insightful stories about his father's writing process, their life on the road and sings some of his favorite songs from both sides of his family. He talks about growing up inside the Carter Cash legacy, admitting it might have been more difficult if his father hadn't been such a humble and generous man who wrote and recorded music till the day he died. One of the artists that Johnny Cash championed was a talented girl from Oklahoma, named Sammi Smith. Her son, singer/songwriter Waylon Payne also joins us in this episode to celebrate his Mama. Through the ups and downs, Waylon describes life as one of constant struggle, but also one of indelible perseverance. He speaks of his mother in reverent tones as someone who believed and constantly inspired him as he followed in her footsteps. Waylon sings beautifully throughout and plays a powerful rendition of "Mama Drive On," a song he wrote in his mother's honor. Robert K. Oermann hosts this special 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

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Cathy Rich: My Perfectionist Papa, Buddy Rich Oct 02, 2017

Show notes

Buddy Rich was a relentless perfectionist whose life revolved around making great music and entertaining audiences everywhere. Arguably the greatest drummer that ever lived, this self-taught genius never practiced but instead, played with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and Artie Shaw, always making these giants better. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. Notorious for being brash and brutal to those who failed him, this episode reveals a loyal craftsman, who might have been an even better performer. With his lightning-quick wit and charismatic charm, he entertained kings and celebrities with the grace of Sinatra and the ease of Jerry Lewis, both of whom he counted as close friends. Through the eyes of his daughter Cathy Rich, we learn about the many sides of her famous father, who could be demanding, but always fair. Cathy has devoted her life to preserving Buddy Rich's legacy and she shares some telling stories about the man who she says played the drums like a Stradivarius. Great insight in this episode from the trumpeter, Ross Konikoff who played with Buddy Rich and a fun story about the drummer and Benny Goodman from the guitarist/entertainer, John Pizzarelli. The series producer, Brad Newman hosts this episode, which takes a wonderful trip down memory lane. 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

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Georgette Jones: Not Afraid To Be Herself Sep 25, 2017

Show notes

The daughter of country music royalty, Georgette Jones talks about growing up with her legendary parents, Tammy Wynette and George Jones. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. With a pure voice reminiscent of her mother, Georgette sings classics and her own originals, while sharing emotional stories about her wonderful and somewhat eccentric parents. She tells of a childhood filled with music, but also one full of ups and downs. Faced with numerous death and kidnapping threats, she grew up always looking over her shoulder, running from house fires and weird circumstances that haunted Tammy Wynette and the family at every turn. For the first time, Georgette reveals who she believes was terrorizing her mother and why the curse seemed to lift after a certain suitor's proposal was finally accepted. As Georgette developed as an artist, she made peace with her past and reunited with her troubled, often absent father before he died. She recalls the tender time they recorded "You, Me and Time," a song she wrote in his honor. Robert K. Oermann hosts this powerful 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

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Lorrie Morgan and her son, Jesse Keith Whitley: The Life of a Country Music Star Sep 13, 2017

Show notes

In our first edition, we head to Nashville and sit down with the country music star, Lorrie Morgan. The daughter of Country Music Hall of Famer George Morgan, Lorrie was encouraged by her famous father and made her mark early on, singing at the Grand Ole Opry when she was just 13 years old. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. With three #1's and numerous hits over the years, Lorrie has eclipsed her famous daddy in many ways, who died of a heart attack when she was just a teenager. But her life off-stage is almost as well-known as that velvety voice, which has wowed Opry crowds for three decades. Married six times, including a romance with the late country music great, Keith Whitley, Lorrie shares touching stories about losing the love of her life to alcohol addiction and how she soldiered on for her kids, herself and ultimately for the fans who she still plays for today. In this episode, Lorrie weaves spectacular stories, singing snippets of her greatest hits while leaving the room in stitches with her wild sense of humor. Joined by her son Jesse, she still sings with a lot of emotion and joy. She'll make you laugh; she'll make you cry; sometimes all at the same time. Our host, Robert K. Oermann, and the series producer, Brad Newman, set the course for this journey, which promises to be a fun 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

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Kristin Chenoweth and Kelli O’Hara: Growing Up with the Legendary Florence Birdwell Sep 13, 2017

Show notes

They grew up in tiny towns in different corners of the heartland, but Kristin Chenoweth and Kelli O'Hara both found their way to the one and only Florence Birdwell. A tough vocal coach who would challenge their talent, Mrs. Birdwell insisted on their best, and ultimately supported and championed their careers for the rest of her life. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. In this episode we'll hear from the joyful, passionate, no-nonsense Mrs. Birdwell and see how she touched these lovely Broadway stars, developing their emotional core, as much as she cultured their craft. Kristin and Kelli share intimate stories about their beginnings in New York, the funny quirks of their wonderful teacher, and the lasting mark of a mentor who has never left their side. Former NY Times theatre critic, Charles Isherwood hosts this wonderful trip 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

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Vince Gill and his daughter, Jenny Gill: The House Sessions Sep 13, 2017

Show notes

While in Nashville, we visited the home studio of country superstar Vince Gill, who was joined by his talented, up-and-coming daughter, Jenny Gill. Surrounded by guitars and Grammys, we wondered what it was like to grow up with the legendary guitarist and Country Music Hall of Famer. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. Always candid and just as emotional, Vince sings excerpts of his favorite songs and weaves in wonderful stories about practicing his craft, writing from the heart, and always putting family before the music. In this episode, Vince shares an incredible story of how he turned down the Grand Ole Opry in order to play for Jenny's first grade talent show. The two replay this emotional moment with a tearful rendition of "You are My Sunshine," one that would have made Minnie Pearl proud. Our host, Robert K. Oermann and the series producer, Brad Newman guide us through this emotional, fun-filled exchange that's sure to keep you laughing, tapping your toes, or running for a tissue. It's simply one of our best. 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

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CeCe Winans: A Musical Dynasty Lives On Sep 13, 2017

Show notes

Our trip through Nashville continues, where we're joined by the best-selling female gospel artist of all time: CeCe Winans. The eighth child of ten musically-talented brothers and sisters, this 10-time Grammy Award winner grew up destined to touch people's lives through the power of song. Though she initially resisted, CeCe made her mark in the church choir when she was just three years old, raising the rafters with "Fill My Cup Lord," which she reprises for us in this segment. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. Gospel was the only music that played in CeCe's Detroit home, so it was no surprise that she and her brother, BeBe would go on to flourish in this genre. On tour, the brother and sister duo captured many fans, including the eyes and ears of the late Whitney Houston. In this episode, CeCe recalls meeting Whitney for the first time, and how that one night led to years of collaboration and most importantly, friendship. CeCe is joined by her son Alvin Love III, who produced her latest album. The two share heartwarming stories accented by CeCe's angelic voice as she sings everything from the first gospel song she ever performed, to her Grammy winning hits. This is a talent, a voice, and an episode that shouldn't go unheard. Our host, Robert K. Oermann and the series producer, Brad Newman take us along for this spiritual 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

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