The milestone tenth studio album from folk-blues luminary Ruthie Foster, Mileage finds the singer-songwriter reflecting on a life that’s been full of professional triumphs, courtesy of a musical journey that took a self-described “little Black girl with a guitar” from singing at churches in rural Texas to chalking up multiple Grammy nominations.

With this album in particular, Ruthie shares a collection of songs that was inspired by heartfelt conversations with producer Tyler Bryant and Rebecca Lovell, Bryant’s wife and one-half of the duo Larkin Poe. In that regard, Mileage was borne from a unique and very personal experience, one that found the music emerging organically and in ways that were both real and illuminating. The result is an album flush with creative synergy and symmetry, a snapshot of a career well spent.

Consequently, Mileage also marks for a profound collaboration with the legendary Sun Records, one that allows Ruthie’s narrative to intertwine with the legendary label's rich tapestry of musical history courtesy of a soul-stirring journey through America’s musical heartland. In that regard, it’s more than merely an album — rather, it’s an invitation to take part in a conversation about memories, emotions, and shared humanity. Speaking with Lee and Billy, Ruthie describes the ways in which she was able to dig deep into her own life story and bring to life her dreams, desires and aspirations. With both verve and vulnerability, she shares her story. No matter whether she’s singing blues, gospel, R&B, or rock and roll, on records or in conversation, Ruthie Foster makes it an honor to simply be in her presence. Learn more about Ruthie Foster at http://www.ruthiefoster.com

Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue The Station in East TN. Billy's album was released by Spectra Records Oct 2023! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com
Outro credit: Billy Hubbard "Lonesome When I'm With You"
Intro credit: Billy Hubbard "Waitin' On The Wind"

Host Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. Lee is a former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications for various CBS affiliated television stations. Lee recently authored the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains.

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If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass

My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

Rich Ulloa has always been passionate about music. That was evident early on when he established one of the most important independent record stores in the nation with Miami's Yesterday and Today Records. That led to the founding of Y&T Records, which gave birth to the Mavericks, Mary Karlzen and other seminal Florida artists that got their start courtesy of the label. In recent years, Y&T has achieved even greater prominence through several high profile releases, including an all-star tribute album saluting the legendary Eric Andersen and an ongoing series of unreleased Badfinger efforts offered through the cooperation of the Tom Evans and Pete Ham estates.

Rich talks with Lee and Billy about the evolution of the label, his current plans and the enthusiasm for music that brought him to this point... and well beyond. Check out Y&T Records and their artists online at http://www.ytmusiconline.com/ and http://www.marykarlzen.net/

Host Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. Lee is a former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications for various CBS affiliated television stations. Lee recently authored the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains.

Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue The Station in East TN. Billy's album was released by Spectra Records Oct 2023! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com
Outro credit: Billy Hubbard "Lonesome When I'm With You"
Intro credit: Billy Hubbard "Waitin' On The Wind"

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Support the show

If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass

My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com

Wyatt Ellis shares his backstory and music from his debut album Happy Valley.

Born not far from the Great Smoky Mountains, Wyatt Ellis' first recollection of hearing the mandolin was Bobby Osborne’s iconic solo on the Osborne Brothers’ bluegrass classic “Rocky Top.” Hearing the Tennessee bluegrass anthem echo throughout the early years of his childhood is what led Wyatt to set his sights on learning to play mandolin. With his schedule packed with school, Boy Scouts and team sports, it was hard to find time for music.

The COVID lockdown began just as he was forging those real-life musical friendships. Team sports, local lessons and bluegrass jams came to an abrupt end. At the same time, festivals and in-person recording sessions suddenly stopped, parking the most in-demand bluegrass musicians at home. Many of his favorite mandolin players started teaching or simply spending more time connecting within the community online.

In the fall of 2020, Wyatt was chosen by his hero Sierra Hull, herself a former mandolin prodigy, for a Tennessee Folklife apprenticeship. Eager to improve under the watch of a true virtuoso, Wyatt describes those one-on-one tutorials as “working on exactly what I needed to work on at the time. Details. Timing. Tone."

In October 2022, Wyatt performed alongside former Bluegrass Boy Peter Rowan and Grammy winner Molly Tuttle at Rowan’s induction into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame. Wyatt was invited by his ultimate mandolin hero, Marty Stuart, to help kick off the Grand-Reopening of the Ellis Theater in Philadelphia, Mississippi. In February 2023, at 13 years old, he made his Grand Ole Opry debut appearance with bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent. Moments after his debut appearance he was jamming backstage with acoustic icons Vince Gill and Mark O’Connor. In March 2023, Wyatt joined the genre’s newest superstar, Billy Strings, to honor Doc Watson at his 100th birthday celebration. Learn more about Wyatt Ellis at https://wyattellis.com

Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's new album was released by Spectra Records 10/2023. Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com

Host Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. Lee is a former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications for various CBS affiliated television stations. Lee recently authored the book "T

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Support the show

If you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass

My Backstage Pass is sponsored by The Alternate Root Magazine! Please subscribe to their newsletter, read the latest music reviews and check out their weekly Top Ten songs at this link http://www.thealternateroot.com