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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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

Billy's wife Sarah sits in for Lee Zimmerman on this special episode with Author/Screenwriter Rich Carlburg and Singer Songwriter John Smith Presley, a man who has presented DNA and other convincing evidence to prove he is the son of Elvis Presley. John was born in 1961 and raised by Elvis’ aunt Gladys Presley and her husband.

John has been described as “The most famous person you’ve never heard of,” and is the subject of a film about his life currently in the works based on Rich Carlburg’s book Let the boy Sing. John is also part of a new Netflix documentary currently in production which is where we caught up with him today. As an artist John has performed with the likes of John Denver, Ronnie Milsap, Restless Heart and others. This is a breaking story you don't want to miss!

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 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com

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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

Charlie Overbey, once labeled the “Punk Rock Spy In The House Of Honky Tonk" by none other than Lemmy of Motorhead, has redefined the outlaw ethos of Americana music. That’s never been more evident than with the release of his new album, aptly titled In Good Company. A revisit to decades of writing and recording sessions from studios around the world, it is, in effect, the perfect summation of a career that stretches back nearly 30 years, with guest contributors that include such superstars as Nils Lofgren, Marcus King, Jaime Wyatt, Charlie Starr, Rami Jaffee, Jimmy Vivino, Duane Betts, Eddie Spaghetti, Chris Masterson, Danny B Harvey, and Sarah Gayle Meech, it confirms his standing as one of the more important figures in the cow punk movement…and more.

A renaissance man of sorts, Charlie’s also made his name in the fashion industry with his well-received line of custom hats, Lone Hawk Hats, which finds him as a one man entrepreneur. They’ve been worn by artists such as Lainey Wilson, members of the Foo Fighters, Sheryl Crow, Marcus King, and Tim McGraw & Faith Hill from the popular television series “1883.”

On the episode of My Backstage Pass, Charlie makes a return appearance and speaks with Lee and Billy about his new album, his career in general and his non-stop flow of continuing creativity. Check out Charlie Overbey online at https://charlieoverbey.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 "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 new album was released by Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com

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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

Simply stated, Steep Canyon Rangers rank among the upper echelon of today’s most prominent bluegrass bands. They’ve extended their musical template far beyond any confined parameters and into the realms of mass appeal, courtesy of songs that resonate with immediate accessibility and all the elements needed to ensure populist appeal.

The band's new album, Live at Greenfield Lake, is a perfect summation of their strengths and a true compendium of all the band has achieved in their career thus far. Recorded before a hometown crowd in Wilmington North Carolina, it finds the band — drummer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Mike Ashworth; singer, songwriter and banjo picker Graham Sharp; bassist and vocalist Barrett Smith; fiddler Nicky Sanders; singer and mandolin player Mike Guggino; and vocalist, guitarist and “new guy” Aaron Burdett — replaying songs from the band’s classic catalog and breathing fresh life into each of them in the process.

The release of the new album provided a perfect opportunity for Lee and Billy to talk to Graham Sharp about Steep Canyon Rangers' remarkable road forward and their consistent success. Learn more about Graham Sharp at https://grahamsharp.com and the Steep Canyon Rangers at https://www.steepcanyon.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 "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 new album was released by Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com

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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

Grammy nominated artist Steve Forbert, best known for the classic "Romeo's Tune," is a true American musical treasure, a fact underscored by his newest album Daylight Savings Time, to be released on September 20, 2024 via Blue Rose Music. Like all his recordings of new songs, it's saturated with what renowned rock journalist Robert Christgau discerned as his "omnivorously observant" songwriting, marked by Steve's gift for finding the more profound meaning and magic within the spectrum of everyday moments of human existence and the character of the world around us as well as his abundant melodic and poetic enchantment.

"Like Warren Zevon, Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Bruce Springsteen, Steve Forbert has left his unmistakable imprint on the landscape of American music," says American Songwriter. Like these esteemed creative souls, his work is marked by distinctive qualities all its own and speaks genuinely to his listeners.

Daylight Savings Time is Forbert's 21st album and third release helmed by producer/engineer Steve Greenwell (Joss Stone, Gavin DeGraw); it’s essential tracks cut old-school style at Greenwell's studio in Asbury Park, NJ, where Steve now resides. Learn more about Steve Forbert at https://www.steveforbert.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 "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 new album was released by Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com

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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

Although many people still think of him as the “And Oates” in the extraordinarily successful Hall & Oates, one of the best-selling duos of all time, John Oates stands on his own as a prolific singer, songwriter, producer, and solo artist. Not only was he responsible for writing or co-writing any number of the pair’s major hits — “Sara Smile,” “She’s Gone,” “Out of Touch,” “You Make My Dreams,” “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do),” and “Maneater,” among them — but he’s a an assured solo artist all on his own. Over the course of the past twenty years or so, he’s released a steady succession of individual albums that have helped broaden his parameters while also bringing him back to his roots in seminal Americana. A member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he continues to make his name all on his own, given that his prolific prowess continues to carry him from past to present.

Oates’ new album Reunion finds him reconnecting with his past precepts and rediscovering his roots in the sounds that influenced him early on and continue to inspire him as he continues his remarkable journey as defined in his 2017 memoir, Change of Seasons. He graciously took time to speak about the new album and his remarkable backstory with Lee and Billy for another enlightening edition of My Backstage Pass. Learn more about John Oats at https://johnoates.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 "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 new album was released on Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com

Send us a text

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