What happens when a Broadway performer steps away from the stage for a decade to raise children, then reemerges as a recording artist? In this candid conversation, Ann Kittredge reveals the unexpected twists in her artistic journey from theater to acclaimed vocalist.
The heart of Kittredge's approach lies in her commitment to storytelling above all else. “I don't ever want it to be about my voice,” she explains, detailing how she molds her vocal style to serve each song rather than imposing herself upon it. This chameleon-like flexibility allows her to move effortlessly between genres – from jazz and swing to country and folk – creating albums that defy easy categorization but maintain emotional authenticity.
Kittredge shares a particularly moving story about her determination to record Bob Dylan's “Mr. Tambourine Man” as a love letter to music itself, despite her team's initial resistance. After bringing the song to planning meetings four separate times, she finally issued an ultimatum: “I have to do this song…if you really don't like it, you have my permission to not be involved.” The song eventually became one of her most requested numbers, illustrating how creative conviction can overcome collaborative doubt.
Perhaps most revealing is Kittredge's honesty about returning to performing after a decade-long hiatus to raise her children. “Confidence has been a big challenge,” she admits, describing how she initially knew she “wasn't good” but recognized that improvement required persistence through discomfort. This vulnerability transformed into strength when her pandemic-inspired debut album – originally intended just for her children – unexpectedly garnered over a million streams on Spotify.
Whether discussing caring for her mother with Alzheimer's, navigating her marriage of nearly forty years, or reimagining classic songs, Kittredge demonstrates that artistic growth often emerges from life's complexities rather than despite them. Her story offers powerful encouragement for anyone considering a creative reinvention at any age. Listen, be inspired, and then seek out the extraordinary work of independent artists like Kittredge who deserve your support.
Episode Links
- Ann Kittredge: https://www.annkittredge.com/
Links
- Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/
- JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/
Contact
- Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/
Socials
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze
- X: https://x.com/jayfranze
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze
Services
- Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/
Books
- Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/
Merchandise
- Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/
Support
- Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/
- Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/