Welcome to another episode of The Jay Franze Show! On this show, we have an extraordinary guest, Chris Leuzinger, a renowned Nashville studio guitarist and the guitarist for country superstar Garth Brooks.

Chris takes us on a musical journey, starting from his early days in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he first picked up the guitar at 9. He shares his early influences, including guitar legends like Steve Cropper, Mike Bloomfield, and Eric Clapton, and his love for The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

At 21, Chris decided to move to Nashville and pursue his passion for music. Through a chance encounter with publisher Juan Contreras and producer Norbert Putnam, he found himself on the road with Dobie Gray and later became part of Cowboy Jack Clement's Ragtime Band. During this time, Chris made his mark in the recording studio, contributing to several #1 hits with Eddie Rabbitt.

But his meeting with producer Allen Reynolds truly transformed his career. Chris shares how Allen became his mentor and introduced him to Crystal Gayle, leading to an incredible 11-year stint in her touring band. They headlined major shows, traveled the world, and appeared on esteemed TV shows such as The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson and Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve.

However, Chris's studio work continued to grow, and he eventually focused solely on his session career. Little did he know that another life-changing call from Allen Reynolds would come his way, this time about a promising new artist named Garth Brooks. Together, they recorded the initial tracks, including hits like “If Tomorrow Never Comes” and “Much Too Young,” setting the stage for Garth's monumental career.

Chris reflects on his incredible journey with Garth Brooks, spanning over 25 years. Even after Allen's retirement, Chris remains vital to Garth's recording sessions, forging an unbreakable musical bond. He also expresses gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with numerous other great artists and highlights the rich musical community in Nashville.

Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation with Chris Leuzinger as he shares the stories behind the iconic songs, his experiences as a studio guitarist, and the magic behind the scenes in the music industry. It's an episode you won't want to miss!

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• Chris Leuzinger:

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In this captivating episode of The Jay Franze Show, we are thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented and highly acclaimed Nashville drummer, John Root, to the studio. Get ready to dive deep into the captivating world of rhythm and groove as we explore John's extraordinary musical journey and the vibrant music scene of Nashville.

Known for his exceptional drumming skills and undeniable stage presence, John Root has become a legend in the music industry. From his early years honing his craft in local Nashville clubs to becoming the go-to drummer for renowned artists, John has left an indelible mark on the city's music landscape.

During this episode, we'll take a mesmerizing journey through John's life, starting with his humble beginnings as a young drumming prodigy and his relentless pursuit of mastering his instrument. Listen as John recounts his earliest musical influences, his dedication to learning various drumming styles, and the pivotal moments that propelled him toward success.

As we explore the dynamic world of Nashville's music scene, John shares fascinating anecdotes about collaborating with legendary musicians, his experiences in recording studios, and the thrill of playing live on stage. He also delves into the unique challenges and rewards of being a drummer in a city that breathes music.

In addition to his stellar drumming career, John Root has also been a driving force behind numerous influential bands and projects. Discover how he has contributed to the evolution of different music genres, his innovative approaches to rhythm, and his uncanny ability to enhance any musical arrangement with his exceptional skills.

Join us on this special episode of The Jay Franze Show as we gain insights into the life and artistry of a Nashville icon. Whether you're a dedicated musician, a fan of rhythm and groove, or simply curious about the magic that happens behind the drum set, this conversation with John Root is bound to leave you inspired and eager to explore the endless possibilities of music.

So tune in, tap your feet, and let the beats transport you to the heart of Nashville's vibrant music scene with the incredible John Root on The Jay Franze Show!

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• John Root (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/JohnRootDrums

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On this episode of The Jay Franze Show, we are joined by the highly acclaimed music producer and engineer, Matt McClure. With a career that spans decades and a list of achievements that includes multi-platinum sales, Grammy nominations, and over 5 billion streams for his artists, Matt McClure has truly left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Raised in the humble town of Sullivan, Illinois, Matt's unwavering passion for music led him to pursue a degree in music at Millikin University. Following his graduation in '92, he boldly moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Soon after, he embarked on a remarkable journey, touring with renowned artists such as Lari White, Tanya Tucker, LoneStar, and Jo Dee Messina, establishing himself as a respected figure in the music scene.

In 2003, Matt made a pivotal shift, transitioning from the exhilarating life on the road to the creative sanctuary of the recording studio. He quickly gained recognition for his ability to connect artists with their audiences through great songs and performances, becoming a sought-after producer and recording engineer.

Since 2011, Matt has co-produced three consecutive number-one hit singles for Lee Brice, including the chart-topping hits “Hard to Love,” “I Drive Your Truck,” and “Drinking Class.” The poignant anthem, “I Drive Your Truck,” earned Matt two Grammy nominations in 2014 and secured the prestigious CMA and ACM “Song of The Year” accolades. His success continued in 2017 with Dylan Scott's number-one hit “My Girl,” followed by Aaron Goodvin's chart-topper “You Are” in 2019, which received a Juno nomination for “Record of the Year” in 2020.

Join us as we delve into Matt McClure's extraordinary career, exploring his creative process, unwavering dedication to serving the artist's vision, and profound understanding of the art of record-making. Gain invaluable insights into the music industry from a multi-platinum-selling producer who has left an indelible impact on the careers of numerous artists. Don't miss this enlightening and inspiring conversation on The Jay Franze Show with Matt McClure.

Episode Links

• Matt McClure: https://mattmcclureproductions.com
• Lee Brice, Hard to Love Video: https://youtu.be/WtFwuPnzidEhttps://youtu.be/WtFwuPnzidE
• Lee Bri

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