Jo Dee Messina - Defining Moments

The second part of the best-of episodes “Kix” off with a hilarious unreleased story from when Brooks and Dunn opened for The Rolling Stones, told by the man himself, Kix Brooks. Phil introduces one of his favorite up and coming artists in Nashville, Lexie Hayden, as she performs her single, “Relit Cigarette.” They bond over the correlation between personal growth and growth as a songwriter, and how they directly influence the other. Phil flashes back to one of his favorite performances - Brothers Osborne playing their smash hit, “It Ain’t My Fault.” Phil and Vince Gill swap hilarious and humbling never-before-heard stories, spanning from their early days as up and coming artists to modern times amidst their success. The best-of sequel closes with Phil and Kix jamming on the good ol’ blues.Performances:“Relit Cigarette” - Lexie Hayden“It Ain’t My Fault” - Brothers OsborneBlues Jam - Kix Brooks & Phil VassarTo stay up to date with Lexie Hayden, head on over to https://www.lexiehayden.com To stay up to date with Kix Brooks, head on over to https://www.kixbrooks.comTo stay up to date with Brooks And Dunn, head on over to https://www.brooks-dunn.comTo stay up to date with Brothers Osborne, head on over to https://www.brothersosborne.com To stay up to date with Vince Gill, head on over to https://www.vincegill.com More info on Songs From The Cellar & details on how to watch the TV series can be found at https://www.songsfromthecellar.comKeep up with Lexie Hayden on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyKeep up with Kix Brooks on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyKeep up with Brooks and Dunn on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyKeep up with Brothers Osborne on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyKeep up with Vince Gill on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyFollow Phil Vassar and Songs From The Cellar at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyCheck out more awesome podcasts at:American Songwriter Podcast NetworkAnd go!

The first best-of episode starts off with a never-before-heard, extended interview with Tracy Lawrence talking about his famous tour pranks. Phil then recalls one of his favorite moments of the whole series - getting to hear the behind the music story from Larry Gatlin on how he created one of Phil’s all time favorite songs, “I’ve Done Enough Dying Today.” Next is a special moment for Phil - an interview and performance with his daughter, singer-songwriter Haley Vassar. They talk about her being the inspiration behind Phil’s hit “American Child” and discuss the unique dynamic of cowriting as father/daughter, which led to the creation of their song, “This Is Where The End Starts,” which they have both released as artists. Phil transitions into a classic performance with one of his good friends, Kellie Pickler, when they performed the classic country hit “Islands In The Stream,” which they performed nightly on their Christmas tour.Performances:“I’ve Done Enough Dying Today” - Larry Gatlin“This Is Where The End Starts" - Haley Vassar“Islands In The Stream” - Kellie Pickler & Phil VassarTo stay up to date with Haley Vassar, head on over to https://www.haleyvassar.comTo stay up to date with Tracy Lawrence, head on over to https://www.tracylawrence.com/#!/To stay up to date with Larry Gatlin, head on over to https://www.gatlinbrothers.comTo stay up to date with Kellie Pickler, head on over to https://kelliepickler.comMore info on Songs From The Cellar & details on how to watch the TV series can be found at https://www.songsfromthecellar.comKeep up with Haley Vassar on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyKeep up with Tracy Lawrence on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyKeep up with Larry Gatlin on Social media at:FacebookInstagramInstagram (Band)TwitterTwitter (Band)SpotifyKeep up with Kellie Pickler on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyFollow Phil Vassar and Songs From The Cellar at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyCheck out more awesome podcasts at:American Songwriter Podcast NetworkAnd go!

Country music icon Jo Dee Messina visits Phil in the cellar to tell the stories behind their many hit records. Phil admits to almost making one of the biggest mistakes of his career in initially trying to talk Jo Dee out of recording “Bye Bye”; thinking it wouldn’t be a fitting female song, the track became both of their first #1’s. The two talk about the draining difficulties that come with constant touring and what they have to focus on to give stellar performances. Jo Dee shares what it’s like to tour as a mother and the adventures that she gets to share with her children on the tour bus. She also shares how diving into her faith has affected her music, and performs her recent Christian single, “Reckless Love.”Performances:“Bye Bye” - Jo Dee Messina“Reckless Love” - Jo Dee MessinaTo stay up to date with Jo Dee Messina, head on over to https://jodeemessina.com/2019/More info on Songs From The Cellar & details on how to watch the TV series can be found at https://www.songsfromthecellar.comKeep up with Jo Dee Messina on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyFollow Phil Vassar and Songs From The Cellar at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyCheck out more awesome podcasts at:American Songwriter Podcast NetworkAnd go!

Phil features an array of his favorite up-and-coming female artists in the cellar. First off, Stephanie Quayle shares the good times had while creating her single, “Whatcha Drinkin ‘Bout.” Singer-songwriter Parker McKay tells Phil about her musical journey that brought her to Nashville and performs her song, “Honest.” Artist and guitar prodigy Arielle talks about meeting and working with her guitarist idols, namely Brian May of Queen, who helped create her signature model BMG guitar. She talks about her quest for the musical magic of the past and describes her old-school recording process before performing her aptly named tune, “Digital World.” Ending the day, country singer Kasey Tyndall rocks the cellar with her unreleased smash, “Jesus and Joan Jett.”Performances:“Whatcha Drinkin ‘Bout” - Stephanie Quayle“Honest” - Parker McKay“Digital World” - Arielle“Jesus and Joan Jett” - Kasey TyndallTo stay up to date with Stephanie Quayle, head on over to https://www.stephaniequayle.com/homeTo stay up to date with Parker McKay, head on over to https://www.parkermckay.comTo stay up to date with Arielle, head on over to https://imarielle.com To stay up to date with Kasey Tyndall, head on over to http://www.kaseytyndall.comMore info on Songs From The Cellar & details on how to watch the TV series can be found at https://www.songsfromthecellar.comKeep up with Stephanie Quayle on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyKeep up with Parker McKay on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyKeep up with Arielle on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyKeep up with Kasey Tyndall on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyFollow Phil Vassar and Songs From The Cellar at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyCheck out more awesome podcasts at:American Songwriter Podcast NetworkAnd go!

Country music songwriter and Old Dominion frontman Matt Ramsey comes by the cellar to catch up with Phil and share stories from early in his career. He reminisces on his first trip to Nashville, brought by Phil’s sister, and getting to see some of his songwriting idols perform at The Bluebird before meeting Phil at the same cellar they’re recording this episode in. They connect over the importance of honing the songwriting craft, as the greatest success lies in the greatest songs. Ramsey shares stories of meeting his country music heroes early in Old Dominion’s career, including both comedic and generous run ins with Charlie Daniels and Trace Adkins. He performs one of their smash hits, “Make It Sweet,” with Phil after telling the story of it’s last minute creation. Matt dishes the inside scoop behind the creation of their hilarious Meow Mix album - a joke which was not instantly recognized by their record label. He ends their visit by mashing up one of their non-radio hits with one of Phil’s classic jams.Performances:“Make It Sweet” - Matt Ramsey“Nowhere Fast” - Matt RamseyTo stay up to date with Matt Ramsey and Old Dominion, head on over to https://www.weareolddominion.comMore info on Songs From The Cellar & details on how to watch the TV series can be found at https://www.songsfromthecellar.comKeep up with Matt Ramsey on Social media at:InstagramTwitterKeep up with Old Dominion on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyFollow Phil Vassar and Songs From The Cellar at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyCheck out more awesome podcasts at:American Songwriter Podcast NetworkAnd go!

Phil’s longtime friend, legendary country singer Tracy Lawrence stops by the cellar to share hilarious tour stories from the 90s, and talk about the differences between both record deals and radio singles having success between then and now. Tracy shares the story of how his hit song “Alibis” was almost a hit record for another “Tracy.” He talks about how he constantly tries to work on and adapt his live show to engage the audience as much as possible. Lawrence rattles off prank after prank that he pulled on the many artists he would tour with. Tracy tells Phil of his many musical influences, ranging from southern rock and pop to narrowing in on his country idols as he found his voice. He also reminisces on the other hit writers and legendary artists that he got to talk and hang out with while performing on the Country Music Cruise. Tracy ends his visit by talking about the process of recording his hit song “Time Marches On,” including recording the vocals in a famous Miami studio with a long pedigree of iconic records created there.Performances:“Made In America” - Tracy Lawrence“Time Marches On” - Tracy LawrenceTo stay up to date with Tracy Lawrence, head on over to https://www.tracylawrence.com/#!/More info on Songs From The Cellar & details on how to watch the TV series can be found at https://www.songsfromthecellar.comKeep up with Tracy Lawrence on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyFollow Phil Vassar and Songs From The Cellar at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyCheck out more awesome podcasts at:American Songwriter Podcast NetworkAnd go!

Country music superstar band Lonestar hangs with Phil in the cellar and share stories of their recent Christmas tour together. They discuss the real life inspiration behind their #1 hit, “Front Porch Looking In” and perform it. They tell the history of their chart topping song “Amazed,” and a few interesting “awards” it has earned along the way. Tons of laughs are had as they recall the time that Lonestar’s lead singer, Richie McDonald, fixed Phil’s broken-down bus on their shared tour. They end their day performing yet another one of their hits, “Walking In Memphis,” as a duet with Phil.Performances:“Front Porch Looking In” - Lonestar“Amazed” - Lonestar“Walking In Memphis” - Lonestar & Phil VassarTo stay up to date with Lonestar, head on over to https://www.lonestarnow.comMore info on Songs From The Cellar & details on how to watch the TV series can be found at https://www.songsfromthecellar.comKeep up with Lonestar on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyFollow Phil Vassar and Songs From The Cellar at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyCheck out more awesome podcasts at:American Songwriter Podcast NetworkAnd go!

Legendary country music singer and songwriter Vince Gill visits with Phil in the cellar, where they share stories about their many experiences at the Grand Ole Opry. Vince shares some songwriting tips that were passed down to him, along with how his musical-playing styles directly translate to how he writes lyrics. He also shares how important it is to be authentic as an artist as you form your own sound in search of success. Gill tells a few behind-the-scenes tales about recording his hit, “When I Call Your Name,” and performs it with Phil and Jeff Smith.  Vince tells them about getting the call of his dreams to play with one of the biggest rock bands of all time, the Eagles. They finish off the day together by rocking out to Gill’s classic, “Liza Jane.”Performances:“When I Call Your Name” - Vince Gill“Liza Jane” - Vince GillTo stay up to date with Vince Gill, head on over to https://www.vincegill.comMore info on Songs From The Cellar & details on how to watch the TV series can be found at https://www.songsfromthecellar.comKeep up with Vince Gill on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyFollow Phil Vassar and Songs From The Cellar at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyCheck out more awesome podcasts at:American Songwriter Podcast NetworkAnd go!

Brooks & Dunn frontman, legendary radio host, and Phil’s longtime friend Kix Brooks stops by the cellar to share old stories and talk about all things wine. Kix reminds Phil of a story about how the latter’s parents not-so-gently directed him away from becoming a drummer. Brooks shares his process of starting a winery in Tennessee - which used to be the 3rd largest grape growing state before the tobacco boom - and how Arrington Vineyards has been creating 20+ different wines for the past 11 years with a large portion of grapes being grown on their own property. He pivots back to music, and shares the inspiration and process behind writing Brooks & Dunn’s hit song, “Red Dirt Road.”Performances:“Red Dirt Road” - Kix Brooks“Rock My World (Little Country Girl)” - Kix BrooksTo stay up to date with Kix Brooks, head on over to https://www.kixbrooks.comTo stay up to date with Brooks & Dunn, head on over to https://www.brooks-dunn.comTo stay up to date with Arrington Vineyards, head on over to https://www.arringtonvineyards.comMore info on Songs From The Cellar & details on how to watch the TV series can be found at https://www.songsfromthecellar.comKeep up with Kix Brooks on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyKeep up with Brooks & Dunn on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyKeep up with Arrington Vineyards on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterFollow Phil Vassar and Songs From The Cellar at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyCheck out more awesome podcasts at:American Songwriter Podcast NetworkAnd go!

Legendary rapper Chingy visits Phil in the cellar, where they discuss their shared appreciation of blurring the genre lines of music. He shares his love of Nashville, and the overwhelming number of hip-hop fans who live there. Chingy tells Phil of the artists from many genres who influenced him growing up, wo span genres from hip hop, pop, blues, soul, RnB, and gospel. He talks about the wild levels of success from his chart topping hit song, “Right Thurr” and performs a stripped down version with Phil. Chingy talks about the differences in independent artist promotion between his early days and modern times (mainly with the ease of social media). Phil finishes the day by playing a song off of his most recent album, “Stripped Down” with his long time guitarist, Jeff Smith. Performances:“Right Thurr” - Chingy“The Woah Down” - Meg & Tyler ft. Chingy“Takes Me Back Again” - Phil VassarMore info on Songs From The Cellar & details on how to watch the TV series can be found at https://www.songsfromthecellar.comKeep up with Chingy on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyKeep up with Meg & Tyler on Social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyFollow Phil Vassar and Songs From The Cellar at:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeSpotifyCheck out more awesome podcasts at:American Songwriter Podcast NetworkAnd go!