Category Archives: The Jay Franze Show

Most Important Women In Country Music, Underrated Female Vocalists, and More – Country Music News

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What makes a country music legend truly important? Is it chart success, cultural impact, or lasting influence? Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason tackle these questions head-on while reviewing a controversial list of “The 25 Most Important Women in Country Music” that has them both fired up from the start.

The hosts share their predictions before diving into the rankings, confidently naming Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire as the obvious choices for the top spots. What follows is a passionate dissection of the list that places newer artists higher than established legends, sparking genuine outrage when they discover Dolly Parton ranks only seventh while Carrie Underwood claims the number one position.

“Where’s her amusement park? Where’s her giving back kids books that can’t afford books? Where’s her charity programs?” Tiffany questions, highlighting how the list seems to prioritize recent commercial success over decades of cultural impact and philanthropy. The conversation reveals a deeper issue about how female artists are evaluated in country music and the often arbitrary nature of industry rankings.

Between their good-natured banter, the hosts also cover breaking news from Nashville, including Morgan Wallen’s youth charity work, an exciting potential Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton collaboration, and Australia’s growing country music scene. They wrap up with listener submissions about the most underrated female vocalists, creating a show that celebrates women in country music while questioning who gets to determine their “importance.”

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Gradience

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Uncovering the musical evolution of Gradients, this episode takes listeners behind the curtain with a Minnesota rock band crafting their sound somewhere in the gradient between hard rock, alternative, and metal. The conversation reveals how a college talent show in 2019 sparked what would become a serious musical endeavor, bringing together musicians with surprisingly diverse influences.

What makes Gradients fascinating is their authentic approach to creating music. Three of the members hold audio production degrees and live together, allowing for a constant creative environment where songs emerge organically—sometimes from structured writing sessions, other times from spontaneous late-night jams. The band discusses how their influences range from the Beatles and 70s hard rock to more modern acts like Royal Blood and Arctic Monkeys, creating a unique sonic fingerprint that defies easy categorization.

The episode dives deep into their recording process, with the band handling all aspects of production themselves using Logic Pro and carefully planned microphone techniques. We learn how they’ve evolved from quick demo recordings to more sophisticated production approaches, while maintaining the raw energy that defines their sound. Drummer Trevor, who joined more recently, shares his perspective on learning songs that were already recorded and how his punk-influenced style complements the band’s sound.

Throughout the conversation runs a thread of friendship and camaraderie—from elaborate pranks (including fully carpeting a bandmate’s bathroom) to their shared commitment to high-energy live performances. The band emphasizes how showmanship matters as much as technical skill, with the goal of creating memorable experiences for audiences. With upcoming performances at the Red Carpet in St. Cloud and a new album “Come What May,” Gradients represents what happens when musical passion meets technical skill and genuine friendship.

Want to experience Gradients for yourself? Follow them on social media to catch their upcoming shows and hear their latest releases. Your next favorite rock band might be just a concert away!

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Most Important Men In Country Music, Underrated Male Vocalists, and More – Country Music News

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What happens when two passionate music lovers discover a list ranking “The 25 Most Important Countrymen of the Last 25 Years” that places George Strait at #15 and Garth Brooks at #13? Absolute entertainment chaos! Jay and Tiffany tear into this controversial ranking with unfiltered commentary, genuine shock, and plenty of laughs as they champion the artists they believe truly shaped country music.

The pair meticulously analyze the full list, from Dierks Bentley at #25 to Kenny Chesney at #1, questioning criteria and offering their own passionate takes on who deserves recognition. “George Strait should be number one, if not number two, to Garth Brooks,” Jay insists, sparking a deeper conversation about what constitutes true influence in the country music landscape. Their chemistry shines through as they debate artistic merit, commercial success, and lasting cultural impact.

Beyond the heated rankings discussion, the episode delivers fresh industry updates including Post Malone’s generous $70,000 tip at an Arizona dive bar, Morgan Wallen helping Christian singer Ann Wilson through her grief, and Willie Nelson narrowly escaping damage to his beloved guitar “Trigger” during a storm. The hosts also share personal triumphs, with Jay beaming about his daughter’s dance competition success and Tiffany celebrating her new podcast launch.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when listeners weigh in on the question of the day: “Who are some underrated male vocalists in country music?” From Joe Nichols to Josh Turner, the responses reveal hidden gems and overlooked talents that deserve more recognition. Join us for this entertaining deep-dive into country music’s most influential figures, the stories behind today’s headlines, and the vibrant community that makes this show special.

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