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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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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Ever wondered what connects Journey concerts, floating in salt pods, and country music birthdays? This episode takes you on a journey through music history and personal stories that will have you nodding along and laughing out loud.

We kick things off with a nostalgic dive into our first concert experiences – Jay's being Journey with Billy Squire opening (complete with the unexpected secondhand marijuana experience at Boston Garden), while Tiffany attended a Michael W. Smith show before graduating to Aerosmith. Our listeners chimed in with everything from Backstreet Boys to Ozzy Osbourne, sparking conversations about how these formative shows shaped our musical tastes.

The musical birthday calendar for June reveals fascinating stories about country and rock stars celebrating this month. Did you know Lee Bryce was a songwriter for Garth Brooks before launching his solo career? Or that two members of Korn share June birthdays just days apart? We unpack these fun facts while discussing Ronnie Dunn, Blake Shelton, Gretchen Wilson, Joey Kramer of Aerosmith, and many more June-born musicians.

Our music news segment covers Billy Joel's heartbreaking tour cancellation due to his brain disorder diagnosis, the alleged discovery of Freddie Mercury's secret daughter, and Miranda Lambert's refreshingly humble take on her Country Music Hall of Fame prospects. We also spotlight two incredible song recommendations – the genre-bending “Six Feet Deep” by Royale Lynn that perfectly blends country lyrics with metal edge, and the hauntingly beautiful “Ghost of Us” by indie artist Jolie from St. Augustine.

The episode wraps with Tiffany's hilarious and anxiety-filled account of experiencing a sensory deprivation float tank for the first time – a rollercoaster of emotions packed into a foot of salt water that perfectly captures the authentic, unfiltered conversation style we're known for.

Ready to join our crew? Follow us at jayfranze.com and tell a friend about the show – or two friends if you didn't enjoy it! Either way, keep chasing the rhythm – your sound matters.

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