Podcast
My Backstage Pass
Hosted by With Hosts Lee Zimmerman and Billy Hubbard · EN
Join hosts Lee Zimmerman & Billy Hubbard as they take you backstage for conversations with singer songwriters, musicians, and music industry professionals! Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. Lee is a former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications for various CBS affiliated television stations. Lee recently authored "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound" which is now available on Amazon and other outlets. Lee also played a key role in securing airplay for Jimmy Buffett’s first major hit, “Margaritaville” so you can blame him for the fact that it’s become something akin to a Parrot heads’ national anthem! During his time at Capital records Lee also worked with such legends as Paul McCartney, Bob Seger, the Steve Miller Band, and others. You can contact Lee at lezim@bellsouth.net.
Billy Hubbard is a Tennessee based Singer/Songwriter signed with Spectra Music Group and was a Regional Director of A&R for a company that published a Grammy winning song in 2013, as well as a music and podcast producer. Billy is also the venue developer and co-founder of the legendary venue "The Station" in East Tennessee. As an artist Billy is endorsed by Godin's Simon & Patrick Guitars and his YouTube channel has had over 3.5 million viewers. Billy's self titled album was released October 2023 by Spectra Music Group and now available on iTunes, Amazon, and all major outlets! You can find Billy Hubbard online at http://www.BillyHubbard.com
If you'd like to support the show you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass
My Backstage Pass intro/outro music credit: Billy Hubbard 'Waitin' On The Wind" (intro), and "Lonesome When I'm With You" (outro)
11episodes
Episodes
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Son of Elvis Part 2 - John Smith Presley Say's His DNA Proves He's The Son Of Elvis & Talks About His New Documentary
Dec 9, 202401:00:00Tap to summarizeJoin Billy Hubbard and his wife Sarah on this part 2 special episode with Singer Songwriter John Smith Presley, a man who has presented DNA and other convincing evidence to prove he is the son of Elvis Presley, and his attorney friend/band mate Tony Petty. John was born in 1961 and adopted and raised by an uncle and aunt of Elvis, Ira Dee and Etta Smith.John is the subject of a film about his life currently in the works based on Rich Carlburg’s book Let The Boy Sing. John is also part of a new documentary currently in production which is where we caught up with him today. Paul Cohen, a noted Hollywood investigator, has spent the last eight years collecting new and corroborating evidence John already possessed including verification of his birth certificate. The state of Texas had a systems glitch in 1961 the year John was born that caused the “D” in the word "Date" to show up as an “O.” This was the only year this occurred. Most importantly Paul has obtained DNA comparisons to several verified members of the Presley family, including a first cousin to Elvis, and they match.John was subsequently adopted by an aunt and uncle of Elvis, Ira Dee and Etta Smith at about 18 months old. Along with John, Ira Dee and Etta also adopted his two older half sisters at the same time to provide a loving stable home for the children. Ira Dee and Etta had no children of their own. John’s birth mom Zona was a cousin to Elvis by marriage, not by blood. The book title Let The Boy Sing is from a message that was passed on to John's birth mother Zona, and some 30 years later Zona passed the message to John. Gladys Presley was illiterate and didn't write the message "Let the boy Sing" herself. Gladys had a maid named Hattie that wrote down what Gladys told her to write. Gladys passed away in 1958 several years before John was born. The message was intended for Elvis and the future mother of his child based on the feeling Gladys had about her future grandson. When Gladys asked Hattie to write this, the events of John's birth had not taken place. Hattie years later was sent to the house of Ira Dee and Etta Smith to help raise John, just as she helped raise Elvis for Gladys. Hear part 1 of John's story at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1300885/episodes/15646481 and read FAQ's and learn more about John's story at http://lettheboysing.coPodcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is a Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a company that published a Grammy winning song. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's album was released by Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.comSupport the showIf you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass
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Michelle Malone Discusses Her Latest Album Featuring an Array of Special Guests
Dec 2, 202400:50:03Tap to summarizeMichelle Malone joins hosts Billy and Sarah Hubbard for a fun conversation about her 16th studio album, Southern Comfort! The record features a collective of all star special guests including Buddy Miller, Randal Bramblett, Will Kimbroug, Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, Rick Richards and Joey Huffman of the Georgia Satellites, and features five songs co-written with legendary songwriter Dean Dillon! Learn more about Michelle Malone at https://www.michellemalone.com Podcast producer and host Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a company that published a Grammy winning song. Billy is also a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's album was released by Spectra Records in Oct 2023. Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.com and stream/purchase his music at https://orcd.co/billyhubbardSupport the showIf you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass
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Paul Kelly's Fever Keeps Burning To Light A Decades Long Career
Nov 25, 202400:26:17Tap to summarizePaul Kelly is one of the leading artists making music in Australia and given his remarkable legacy — consisting of some 29 albums and a career that extends back nearly four decades — he rightfully deserves his place on that pantheon. His new album, Fever Longing Still, marks his first new collection in six years, not counting the various compilations and collections that have helped to reinforce his status as a remarkable singer/songwriter worthy of international repute. Recorded in tandem with longtime collaborators — Peter Luscombe (drums), Bill McDonald (bass), Dan Kelly (guitar), Cameron Bruce (keys), and Ash Naylor (guitar) — it may come across as more of a band effort overall, but it continues to provide the sardonic wit that Kelly is so well known for. His songs are always profoundly engaging, and whether opting for a jaunty reprieve, arched enthusiasm, a mix of tenderness and tenacity to an equal degree. The fact that the album title is lifted from a work by William Shakespeare, one of Kelly’s literary idols, testifies to the fact that his reputation for literacy, emotional expression and an everyman sensibility is what makes his music relatable and affecting. Consequently, when Mr. Kelly offers his insights to Lee and Billy courtesy of My Backstage Pass, it’s both revelatory and refreshing in every way. Learn more about Paul Kelly at https://www.paulkelly.com.auPodcast producer and host Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a company that published a Grammy winning single. Billy is also a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's album was released by Spectra Records in Oct 2023. Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.comHost Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. Lee is a former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications for various CBS affiliated television stations. Lee recently authored the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gaines. Support the showIf you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass
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Rachael Sage Shares Thoughts On Her New Album
Nov 18, 202400:38:29Tap to summarizeRachael Sage sometimes seems like a force of nature. A distinctive and expressive artist, she could also be considered as one of the individuals at the forefront of the women's movement, having founded her own record label, MPress, being named a six-time Independent Music Award winner, as well as a John Lennon Contest Grand Prize winner. She’s shared stages with an eclectic array of other artists, performed at the Edinburgh Fringe festival, SXSW, and toured internationally. Her brand of provocative alt-folk is both adventurous and appealing, as illustrated by the fact that her 2020 album Character brought her a charting single, "Blue Sky Days,” while her subsequent project, Poetica, found her fusing poetry, jazz, classical music and Americana in a way that brought to mind an unlikely alliance between Leonard Cohen and Laurie Anderson.Her most recent efforts, aptly titled Another Side, finds her toning down her quirkier qualities and aiming instead for a more melodic perspective, sharing a series of songs that are delicate and demure, yet uplifting and optimistic all at the same time. True to form, it shows Sage conveying the warmth and conviction that’s so essential to her sound. Rachael spoke to Lee and Billy on My Backstage Pass and shared her thoughts on her new album, her output in general and what it means to be not only an exceptional artist but the head of a record label as well. It’s a wonderful conversation, as bright and upbeat as the lady herself. Learn more about Rachael Sage at http://www.RachaelSage.com Podcast producer and host Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a company that published a Grammy winning song. Billy is also a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's album was released by Spectra Records in Oct 2023. Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.comHost Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. Lee is a former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications for various CBS affiliated television stations. Lee recently authored the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gaines. Support the showIf you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass
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Jim Gaines - The Road Out Of Memphis
Nov 10, 202400:43:36Tap to summarizeNote from My Backstage Pass producer and host Billy Hubbard - After hearing the sad news of the passing of our legendary producer/engineer friend Jim Gaines on November 9th 2024, I wanted to re-release this episode of our conversation from May 2023 in Jim's honor.In a recording career spanning some fifty years, bridging a range in time and style that reaches from the early days at Memphis’s Stax Records to Carlos Santana’s eight-Grammy year in 2000 and beyond, producer Jim Gaines has operated the mixing board for some of the greatest artists in American music. Journey, Huey Lewis and the News, Steve Miller, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Dionne Warwick are just a few of the influential musicians who have entrusted their creativity and talent to his proven abilities. Podcast host Lee Zimmerman recently authored the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about Jim Gaines. Podcast producer and host Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a company that published a Grammy winning song. Billy is also a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's album was released by Spectra Records in Oct 2023. Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.comHost Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. Lee is a former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications for various CBS affiliated television stations. Support the showIf you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass
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Warren Haynes Talks About His New Solo Album, Million Voices Whisper
Nov 4, 202400:34:56Tap to summarizeIt’s little wonder why Grammy Award winning guitarist, vocalist, producer, and band leader Warren Haynes has been hailed by every major publication worldwide. As a solo artist, member of the Allman Brothers Band and leader of the group Gov’t Mule, his accomplishments have been stirring the senses of audiences for better than 40 years. His new solo album, Million Voices Whisper, is already ranked as one of the best efforts of his career, and it's little wonder why. His passionate performances on each and every track offer a call for unity and optimism that’s sorely needed in this divided world. It expresses the positivity of change and looking forward to the future through a new lens – one that starts within. At the same time, Haynes hasn’t forgotten the victims of Hurricane Helene, the storm that ravished parts of his native North Carolina. An upcoming fundraiser on 11/24/2024 at Madison Square Garden with Dave Matthews and a list of special guests will raise funds to help those distressed communities in order to find a way forward. Learn more about the Soulshine benefit concert at https://www.soulshinemsg.com Mr. Haynes spoke with Lee and Billy for this special episode of My Backstage Pass and took the time to answer our fan questions, discuss his new album, the upcoming benefit and his backstory. It’s an exceptional episode that listeners won’t want to miss. Learn more about Warren Haynes at https://warrenhaynes.net Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a company that published a Grammy winning song. Billy is also a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's album was released by Spectra Records in Oct 2023. Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.comHost Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. Lee is a former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications for various CBS affiliated television stations. Lee recently authored the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gaines. Support the showIf you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass
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Grayson Capps Discusses The Origin Of His Inspiration
Oct 28, 202400:29:21Tap to summarizeGrayson Capps is an intuitive songwriter, but on his latest album — his seventh to date — he backtracks to his earliest influences with an affecting set of covers that he became enamored with early on. Titled Heartbreak, Misery & Death, the album finds the Alabama based artist culling classic tracks from the likes of Gordon Lightfoot, Jerry Jeff Walker, Doc Watson, and Randy Newman while apply his own Southern Gothic verve and vitality that’s become a keynote touchstone of his music over the course of his career. While the title may seem somewhat intimidating, it aptly describes the themes shared in these songs and the inherent emotions that stirred Grayson even in his youth. Grayson discusses the origin of his inspiration in his chat with Lee and Billy on this current edition of My Backstage Pass. It’s an insightful conversation and one that offers a full explanation of the track Grayson took in formulating his career. In other words, it’s a discussion that’s well worth witnessing. Learn more about Grayson at https://graysoncapps.com Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a company that published a Grammy winning song. Billy is also a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's album was released by Spectra Records in Oct 2023. Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.comHost Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. Lee is a former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications for various CBS affiliated television stations. Lee recently authored the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gaines. Support the showIf you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass
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Willy Braun Of Reckless Kelly Offers Insight Into What Makes His Band Distinctive
Oct 21, 202400:32:25Tap to summarizeReckless Kelly boasts an indomitable career all their own. Led by brothers Willy (vocals/guitar) and Cody Braun (vocals/fiddle/mandolin/harmonica), they’re often referred to as an “alternative country-rock” outfit, but in truth they’re much more than that broad description otherwise implies. The group first formed in Stanley, Idaho in February 1996 and then moved toAustin, Texas, where they quickly became one of the leading lights of that fabled music scene. The Brauns, who got their start by touring with their dad in his Western swing band, Muzzie Braun and the Boys, also include lead guitarist Casey Pollock, bass guitarist Chris Schelske and drummer Jay Nazz. Of course, anytime a label is put on a particular artist or ensemble, it tends to confine them to a particular genre. Braun offers his own perspective on the ramifications of being typecast in any one particular way. “It’s been interesting to watch the terminology evolve over the course of the last 30 years,” he once told an interviewer. “It seems like the terms have changed to fit the artists, and not so much the other way around. The term ‘country music’ got hijacked to the point that actual country artists are now called ‘Americana,’ as well as bluegrass, folk, and most things that don’t really have a home on commercial radio these days.The folks at Americana radio have done a great job of keeping the genre rooted in real honest music, and for the most part, they’ve managed to keep the truck - nuts country crowd out of it. We’re psyched to be associated with the Americana title, but if someone asks I usually say we’re a ‘county-rock’ band.” He provides further explanation when he shares his thoughts with Lee and Billy on the new episode of My Backstage Pass. Learn more about Willy and Reckless Kelly at https://recklesskelly.com Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's new album was released by Spectra Records 10/2023. Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.comHost Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. Lee is a former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications for various CBS affiliated television stations. Lee recently authored the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gaines. Support the showIf you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass
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Reckless Kelly’s Cody Braun Lets Loose
Oct 14, 202400:31:33Tap to summarizeCody Braun is one of the guiding lights in Reckless Kelly, a band long known as one of the beacons of Austin’s much fabled music scene. Along with his brother Willy, he’s played an essential role in the 17 studio albums the band’s released over the course of the past 30 years, all in addition to being an astute producer and multi-instrumentalist as well. It’s little surprise then that the band’s new album, The Last Frontier shows off his skills to the fullest. As always, it’s fueled by earnest intent in the form of fiery rockers and the occasional sobering sentiment. Those attributes came quite naturally considering that he and his brother inherited their genes from musical forebears — specifically their father and grandfather. That family factor seems well in keeping with Reckless Kelly’s musical mantra, which, despite its lengthy history, has always maintained clear consistency.Lee and Billy have the pleasure of speaking with Cody on this new episode of My Backstage Pass as he shares his personal investment in making music, finding his creative potential and simply doing the things he loves in a family way. Learn more about Cody and Reckless Kelly at https://recklesskelly.comPodcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's new album was released by Spectra Records 10/2023. Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.comHost Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. Lee is a former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications for various CBS affiliated television stations. Lee recently authored the book "Thirty Years Behind The Glass" about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gaines. Support the showIf you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass
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A Fun Late Night Conversation With Hit Singer Songwriter Billy Droze & Manager Donna Sue Roberts
Oct 7, 202401:03:26Tap to summarizeJoin hosts Billy and Sarah Hubbard for a fun late night hangout with Billy Droze and his manager Donna Sue Roberts for a conversation filled with laughter! Born in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1986, the 10th of 12 children, Billy Droze grew up in Alabama knowing that music was his life as far back as he can remember. “It’s as if I was inserted with a computer chip that made my life revolve around music.” But the reason is just as likely the influence of his late father, Bob Droze, a dedicated country, gospel, and bluegrass musician who performed into his late 80s. Billy was on stage with his dad by the time he was 4 years old, and spent his childhood singing with him everywhere from churches to bluegrass festivals to honky-tonks, developing a passion for traditional country, gospel, and roots music that has influenced him ever since. He learned to play guitar when he was 12, and by the time he was 16, Billy’s dad had moved to Texas and he followed him there, spending a year or so playing with his band. Then after rambling around Texas for a while, Billy decided it was time to move to Nashville, where he has lived ever since. Billy steadily expanded his ever-growing fan base. Singing lead for Grammy-winning Shenandoah (using the name Billy Ryan) for several tours. Though signed by RCA/Sony BMG as an artist shortly after arriving in Nashville, that never developed into what he’d hoped for, Billy then focused on his songwriting while pursuing a solo career. He has also been a staff writer, with publishing deals that resulted in several significant cuts that include “You Never Know” – Darryl Worley, “Free Again” – Shenandoah, “That’s Why I Run” – Billy Yates (#1 in Europe), “Sunday Clothes” – Randy Kohrs,”Big Pain” -Marty Raybon, “Bottle Was a Bible” – Junior Sisk, “Her Memory Again” (#5 Bluegrass Today Chart) – Flatt Lonesome, “Like I Do” – Jamie O’neil, “I Know Better” (#1 Bluegrass Today Chart) – The Grascals, among others. At only 35 years of age, Billy Droze has acquired the title of “hit songwriter” and has been touring and making music non-stop for more than a decade. Droze was considered for the prestigious 2018 Grammy Awards along with the IBMA and ICMA Awards. Together with bluegrass superstar Rhonda Vincent, he hosted the 2018 ICMA Awards at the historic Grand Ole Opry House. His name is becoming synonymous among Folk, Americana, Country, and Bluegrass listeners alike. Added to his many musical accomplishments, he is now President of RBR Entertainment. Learn more about Billy Droze at https://billydroze.com Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is an Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company. Billy is a signed artist with Spectra Music Group and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East TN. Billy's new album was released by Spectra Records 10/2023 on all major outlets! Learn more about Billy at http://www.BillyHubbard.comSupport the showIf you'd like to support My Backstage Pass you can make a donation to Billy & Lee's coffee fund at this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MyBackstagePass
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