CMA Wrap Up, Artist You Would Like to Meet, and Country Music News

Posted on June 16, 2025 by Jay Franze

Nashville's legendary CMA Fest vibrates through this episode as Jay and Tiffany take you behind closed doors of country music's biggest gathering. Far more than just concerts and fan experiences, we unpack the fascinating ecosystem that forms when hundreds of thousands descend on Music City.

Walking Broadway's musical gauntlet creates a sensory experience like no other—stepping from one bar to the next delivers an entirely new soundscape, with multiple performances happening simultaneously across different levels of each venue. But beyond the tourist appeal lies the real magic: the networking, the connections made, and the stories that unfold when industry professionals who typically collaborate digitally finally meet face-to-face.

We share our candid personal highlights, from impromptu boob-signing adventures to meeting music legends like Lee Greenwood, whose dedication to listening to every veteran's story extends his meet-and-greets by hours. These moments of authenticity reveal the heart behind the glitz. Meanwhile, our exploration of Morgan Wallen's record-breaking chart domination—with 36 of 37 tracks charting simultaneously—leads us to examine how streaming has fundamentally reshaped album creation and consumption.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as we debate dream artist meetups (is Elvis still alive?), examine the potential of podcast influence on politics through Mark Maron's iconic garage recordings, and contemplate how Eminem's evolution into grandparenthood makes us all feel suddenly ancient. We even discover life-changing culinary wisdom with salt and pepper on french fries—proving that sometimes the smallest revelations create the most lasting impressions.

Whether you're curious about country music's beating heart, fascinated by entertainment industry mechanics, or simply love genuine conversation that ranges from heartfelt to hilarious, this episode delivers unique insights you won't find in mainstream coverage. Join our conversation by commenting at jayfranze.com or appearing live on-screen with us at jayfranze.com/live!

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This Day in History, Your First Album Purchase, and Country Music News: Featuring Mark Badolato

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Jay Franze

Step into the musical time machine with Jay Franze and co-host Tiffany Mason as they navigate through fascinating moments in music history, from Kenny Rogers and Dottie West topping charts in 1978 to The Monkees winning an Emmy that same decade. Their infectious camaraderie and playful banter create the perfect backdrop for music industry insights you won't find anywhere else.

The heart of this episode beats around a simple yet revealing question: What was the first album you ever purchased with your own money? Listeners chime in with touchstone albums spanning decades – from Aerosmith's “Toys in the Attic” and ACDC's “Back in Black” to more recent gems like Eric Church's “Chief” and Taylor Swift's “Fearless.” These musical firsts paint a vibrant portrait of generational tastes and personal connections to music.

Nashville takes center stage as Jay and Tiffany discuss the upcoming CMA Fest (though Jay insists on calling it by its original name, “Fanfare”), where they'll connect with industry professionals and artists who've been featured on the show. The conversation weaves through breaking news about Jelly Roll's ambitious plans for Nashville's new Nissan Stadium and Post Malone's expanding country music footprint with a massive new venue on Broadway.

Music recommendations shine with Tiffany suggesting indie artist Jolie's hauntingly beautiful “Ghost of Us” and Jay countering with Ukrainian female-fronted rock band No Apology's “Bad News.” Their distinct musical preferences highlight the show's diverse appeal and the hosts' genuine passion for discovering and sharing new sounds.

Whether you're a longtime music industry professional or simply a passionate fan, this episode delivers that perfect blend of insider knowledge, nostalgic reflection, and forward-looking excitement that keeps listeners coming back. follow now and join the conversation at jayfranzy.com, where the music never stops!

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Ann Kittredge

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Jay Franze

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.

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