Rick Monroe and the Hitmen

Jeff sits down with Audra McLaughlin, the outstanding soul/country songstress that first gained notoriety after a four-chair turn on "The Voice" and then as a member of Blake Shelton's "Team Blake." They talk about the opportunities and obstacles of beginning a music career on television, the steps that enabled her to do music full-time, the mental health struggles after launching in the national spotlight, and why she has to always be honest as a songwriter...followed by an intimate live performance of her song, "Hate Being Me," featuring McMahon on keys and Jonathan Warren on fiddle. (Interview recorded 12/5/2023)

Rick Monroe swings by "McMahon on Keys" to give a sneak peek of the album, "Six Gun Soul," from Rick and his devoted band, The Hitmen. Together, they reflect on their early appreciation of the legendary Jim Croce ("Bad Bad Leroy Brown," "Operator," "Time in a Bottle.) They also talk about the process of making vinyl records and actually recording as a BAND in the studio. This episode features a live performance of "Which Way is Home" with Rick and Jeff, also including Maddye Trew on backup vocals. 

As an artist, Ashlyn Grayce broke into the music scene with her first EP, Somethin’ ‘Bout A Song, and its debut at #4 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter Chart and their Bestseller list; as a songwriter, she collaborates with some of Nashville's best. In this episode, Ashlyn and Jeff talk about his playing piano for her when she was still in high school, how she broke in as a songwriter, and finding Grammy-winner Sheryl Crow waiting for her backstage after a show. Together they share an intimate performance of her song, "I Need to Feel This," which they first recorded together for her debut collection. Listen in and enjoy their walk down memory lane.

McMahon kicks back with longtime Tim McGraw bandleader, guitarist and co-producer Darran Smith as they laugh their way through past adventures on the road and in the studio. Darran goes full storyteller as he tells his tales of winning an award, ("I forgot to thank the band,) losing an award, ("It's okay, 'cuz she's a legend,") and making records that still resonate after twenty years ("They still know "Live Like You Were Dying.") Then he steps up to the mic for a a rare and intimate live performance to close out this warm and reflective episode.  

Yes, Paige King Johnson is an award-winning songwriter, artist, and vocalist. She's a strong talent, an impressive creative, so much so that country legend Pam Tillis has saddled up alongside her as mentor and collaborator. As I've come to know her first through our friends, later through music,  it's clear she treats her music as she does her friends and family...leading with the heart. Yeah, I feel the magic, lady. 

Country funk songstress Julielle is a new artist by most standards, but she has hit the ground running with confidence and certainty. With four single releases in 2023 and more on the way, Julielle has already stirred up the music pot from Los Angeles to Nashville with her refreshing mix of Motown, country, pop and all things groovy. Clearly...no last name needed!

A last-minute opening concert slot for hitmaker Chris Cagle introduced us to Dakota Danielle and her music, a country blend of spunk, kindness and resilience. Dakota shares how her experience on the tennis court has helped her succeed musically, explains her desire to inspire the young girls coming behind her, and offers up an inspired piano version of her song "One Day Closer to You."

"The Indian Buckarette" is the alter ego of Richa Nagendra, a blogger, promoter, and lover of country music born and raised in Bangalore, India. We discuss being a country fan from across the world, her first trip to Nashville, and what it's like to need your dad's fingerprint to access his music collection...and share her request of a Tim McGraw song from McMahon on keys with Maddye Trew and featuring Jonathon Warren on fiddle.

Now in Nashville with a brand-new alt-pop record, Emma Rowley was first a star on Broadway as a kid, with a professional debut alongside stage icon Patti Lupone in Gypsy, followed by a run of Bye Bye Birdie starring John Stamos. Noting her theatrical pedigree with a passion for country storytelling, Rowley and McMahon explore showbiz lessons, the challenge of juggling different musical styles ... and how Taylor Swift is just like Freddie Mercury of Queen. 

Now a vibrant radio personality on three radio stations in the Chicago area, Hannah B. has been on our radar since her first podcasting venture while still a college student with a dream of being in radio; Hannah invited McMahon in as part of the launch of her new podcast, "Nothing But Positive Vibes." This is that shared episode; enjoy the conversation, and congratulations to Hannah B. for "livin' the dream!"