GRAMMY NOMINEE: Lainey Wilson

Summary

Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist: GRAMMY NOMINEE Lainey Wilson

Release Date: January 31, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of NBC's "Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist," host Willie Geist engages in an in-depth conversation with Lainey Wilson, a rising star in the country music scene. Lainey, hailed as the Country Music Association (CMA) Entertainer of the Year and Grammy Award winner for Best Country Album, shares her inspiring journey from a small farming town in Baskin, Louisiana, to the grand stages of Nashville and beyond.

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Early Life and Aspirations

Lainey Wilson's roots trace back to Baskin, Louisiana, a close-knit farming community with a population of just over 200. Growing up on her family's farm, Lainey developed a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community. Her father's dedication as a farmer and her mother's role as a schoolteacher instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance.

At the tender age of five, Lainey discovered her passion for music. This early passion was nurtured by her parents, who supported her musical endeavors from kindergarten graduation performances to writing her first song at nine years old. Reflecting on her beginnings, Lainey shares:

"Even at five years old, I knew I was like, I like this. I really like this." [18:04]

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Moving to Nashville and Struggles

Determined to pursue her dreams, Lainey moved to Nashville at nineteen, living in a trailer on a family friend's property. The transition was challenging, marked by years of rejection and relentless effort. Despite the obstacles, Lainey remained steadfast, emphasizing the importance of resilience:

"It's been a long climb, putting all these pieces together, working hard, not taking no for an answer." [00:51]

Her perseverance paid off a decade later when she achieved her first number one song in 2021, solidifying her place in the industry.

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Breakthrough and Success

Lainey's breakthrough came with her hit single "Heart Like a Truck" and her award-winning album "Bell Bottom Country." Her success didn't come overnight but was the result of years of dedication and honing her craft. Lainey discusses the significance of her album "Whirlwind," which encapsulates her experiences amidst rapid changes:

"I was making dang sure that both of my feet were planted on the ground, and I'm in a happy, healthy relationship..." [08:19]

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Influence of Mentors and Idols

Dolly Parton is a significant influence on Lainey's career, serving as both an idol and a guiding light. Lainey admires Dolly's authenticity, kindness, and unwavering dedication:

"I try to navigate situations like that [Dolly's approach]... she would just kill people with kindness." [34:20]

Additionally, Lainey collaborates with Miranda Lambert, whom she considers a sister in the industry. Miranda's support and mentorship have been pivotal in Lainey's journey:

"She reminds me, she's like, you driving this thing, so you have to have people like that in your life." [16:21]

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Collaboration with Miranda Lambert

Lainey's collaboration with Miranda Lambert on her new album "Whirlwind" showcases the strong bonds within the country music community. Miranda's genuine care and support have helped Lainey navigate the highs and lows of her career:

"She's been through it too. So she knows." [16:59]

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Impact of Acting on Career (Yellowstone)

Lainey's role as Abby in the fifth season of "Yellowstone" marked a significant milestone, bridging her music career with acting. This opportunity allowed her to reach a broader audience and solidify her presence in popular culture:

"People had not put a face to a name... then Yellowstone happened." [29:19]

Her appearance on the show not only showcased her versatility but also deepened fans' connection to her music.

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Dealing with Fame and Success

With fame comes the challenge of maintaining authenticity. Lainey discusses the adjustments required to handle increased recognition while staying true to herself:

"I still feel like me. I just feel like I got my security friend just in case." [42:17]

Despite the changes, Lainey remains grounded, thanks to the unwavering support of her family who continue to treat her the same:

"They treat me just the same. I mean, they still treat me like little Laney." [43:20]

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Upcoming Projects and Tours

Lainey is gearing up to release her new album "Whirlwind" on August 23rd and is actively touring on the Country's Cool Again Tour. Her live performances, characterized by hits like "Heart Like a Truck" and "Wildflowers," promise to captivate audiences everywhere:

"It's always Heart Like a Truck. It's the hits, I guess you could say." [45:09]

Lainey also teases future collaborations, including a potential project with Jelly Roll, further expanding her musical repertoire.

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Lainey Wilson’s Advice and Philosophy

Reflecting on her journey, Lainey emphasizes the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and having no backup plans:

"You never had a plan B. I never did." [39:30]

Her advice to aspiring artists is clear: stay true to yourself, work relentlessly, and embrace the support of a strong community.

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Conclusion

Lainey Wilson's story is a testament to the power of determination, community, and staying true to one's roots. From her humble beginnings in Baskin to her status as a Grammy-winning artist, Lainey's journey offers inspiration to many. Willie Geist's conversation with Lainey provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the dedication and passion that drive her success.

Key Takeaways:

• Lainey's early passion for music was nurtured by her supportive family.
• Persistence through years of rejection led to her eventual breakthrough.
• Mentors like Dolly Parton and peers like Miranda Lambert played crucial roles in her career.
• Her role in "Yellowstone" expanded her influence beyond music.
• Lainey remains grounded despite her fame, thanks to her strong community ties.
• Upcoming projects and tours highlight her continued growth and commitment to her craft.

Notable Quotes:

• "I knew it. I knew that I was going to be there one day." [21:19]
• "If you have a plan B, then plan A is never gonna work." [39:37]
• "This is who you are... from Baskin, Louisiana, on a bigger stage." [44:36]

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Lainey Wilson's journey underscores the essence of hard work, authenticity, and the enduring support of community and mentors. As she continues to rise in the country music landscape, her story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists everywhere.

Transcript

[Lainey Wilson]

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[Willie Geist]

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[Willie Geist]

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Hey guys, Willie Geist here with another episode of the Sunday Sit down podcast. My thanks as always for clicking and listening along. I I am so very excited to bring you my conversation this week with one of the biggest stars in all of music right now. She is country music sensation Lainey Wilson. Lainey Wilson right now is your Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year. She's won all kinds of Female Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year awards. She just won the Grammy Award this year for Best Country Album. She is absolutely on fire and it comes after a long climb to get there. The 32 year old who comes from a tiny farming town in Baskin, Louisiana it's called Population Around 200, might be a little more, might be a little less. Grew up with her sister and her parents on the farm. Her dad is an honest to goodness farmer. She rode horses and helped on the farm, her mother a schoolteacher and she had a dream from the time she was a little girl, 5 years old then going to Nashville at 9 years old and deciding she was going to end up there someday. Graduated high school, moved to Nashville at 19 where she lived in a trailer on property owned by a family friend who just kind of took her under his wing. He was a producer, kind of showed her around Nashville a little bit, but it took her a long time, as you'll hear, and a lot of rejection more than a decade before she started to make it. She got her first number one song in 2021 almost to the day, 10 years after she arrived in Nashville so they call it a ten year town. That proved to be true for her. You might know some of her songs. Heart Like a Truck is a big one. Her album Bell Bottom country is the one that has garnered all these awards, all the Success. And now in August, coming out with a new album called Whirlwind, which is appropriate because she has been in the middle of one for the last couple of years. Touring on her own now on the Country's Cool Again tour. She spent the last year opening for huge artists like Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen. I got a chance to see here comes up in the conversation about a year ago last summer in Philadelphia, went to see Luke Combs play and she was one of the opening acts and she just, in front of 50 or 60,000 people, just burned the place down. She was so good. And I remember thinking, Lainey Wilson, we got to get her on the show. And now, thank goodness she has been on the show. So she is amazing. You're going to love her accent. If you haven't heard her talk before, I should point out you've probably, if you've watched Yellowstone, you know her. She played Abby in season five. They used a lot of her music in the show in early seasons, then offered her a part. It's just been a long climb, putting all these pieces together, working hard, not taking no for an answer and getting to a place where, man, she's very easy to root for. Incredibly talented, incredibly hard working. Dolly Parton is her idol and dare I say, she's got a little bit of Dolly Parton, that charm, that sparkle to go with all that talent. So let me get out of the way, sit back, relax, enjoy a conversation right now with Lainie Wilson on the Sunday Sit down podcast.

[Lainey Wilson]

Lainie, it's so great to see you. I'm such a fan. I'm so happy to sit down with you.

Back at you.

I've been watching your rise for the last couple of years with the rest of the world, this whirlwind. And it's been amazing to see. And I know for people who think, wow, she just popped up out of nowhere. It's been a little bit of a climb. Oh, my gosh. This is not an overnight thing 100% at all. And that's why, I guess the album is named Whirlwind because you are in the middle of it right now. Is that very soon?

In the middle of it? Yes. And that's funny that you say in the middle of it because I got a song on the record called Middle of It too. Yes. These past few years have, they've been wild, like, just trying to keep one foot on the ground, trying to, like, keep my eye on the prize and, you know, keep my blinders on and my head down and make sure that I keep showing up to do what I said I was going to do. And the truth is my life is completely changing, but I still feel the same. And so it's been a roller coaster ride, I guess you could say. But I feel like the. The years that I put in on the front end prepared me for these last few years.

I was thinking about your show tonight at Radio City Music hall and talking about this journey you've been on to go from Baskin, Louisiana, population 200, something to play at Radio City Music hall in New York City. Does this feel like a milestone night to you?

This is a bucket list moment. I mean, this is something that you call home about for sure. And you get to say, can you believe I'm getting to do this? And it's wild. You know, growing up in Baskin, in my little town, it was like everybody was family. And if you're not blood related, then you might as well be family. They're like there when you need them and they're there when you don't. They're just there. But yeah, they're so proud and they're. You know, I come from a hard working group of people who just don't take no for an answer. And I kind of. I owe it to them. I owe it to being raised in Baskin, being raised by Baskin. And the people of Baskin are where I am right now. Because it's just what I saw. You get up and you do what you love and you do it for your family and just don't stop.

I love what you say about Baskin. It doesn't even have stoplight. But it does have a caution light.

That's right.

Which I looked into, and you were not lying. Just that one blinking yellow right there.

I know. It's actually called the Village of Baskin. And yeah, it's a speed trap. If you drive through there, you better slow down.

Good tip.

I got a ticket when I was 15. Didn't even have my license.

Oh.

But, yeah, it's good people. It's a big farming community. And I think when you kind of grow up in a place like that, you understand the importance of community. And it's so crazy because, like, I guess my community of people and like even the people that my daddy farmed with and the people that they would call when they got into a bind or whatever, I like, I watch that really closely. And so now even my crew out on the road, like, we've got, I mean, two years ago we had a crew, I think, of five people. And now we've got 60. And it's kind of like that farm and community. It's like everybody has a job. Everybody has to get up and bust their tail and come together. You know, when shit hits the fan and it's all one and the same, it's family. It's family.

Yeah. However you define it, that's family.

It is. And a lot of people, you know, would probably say, don't mix business and pleasure. But that's hard for me. That's really hard for me because I want everybody to feel like we're family out there because this job can get rough. I mean, you're gone most of the year, and they're away from their families, and so it's just us out there.

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, this. I want to get back to your early music days and baskin in just a moment. I'm talking, like, early kindergarten days. But with this album, Whirlwind, that comes out in August, you were in the middle of the whirlwind when you sat down to write it all this was happening in your life and changing around you. So what kind of album did you sit down to write? Did you have something you felt like you wanted to say?

I felt like I wanted to share a part of me that I didn't even know existed. Like, I wanted to find that. And I think these last couple years, because it has been. It's been a constant, like, leveling up, a constant. Just like, all right, rising to the occasion type thing. And that's been for me and my whole crew, my team, and even my family, you know, like, it's daily. It's just been changing. But I've tried to be very aware of trying to stay true to myself and my roots and where I come from, because I feel like if I'm not Laney the sister, Laney the friend, Laney the daughter, Laney the dog mama, like, then I'm not going to be able to be Lainey the artist. And so when my life was changing very rapidly, I was, like, holding on to those things, you know? And I'm like, I cannot let go of who I am to my core, because the music's not going to be the same. So for me, when I was writing this record, I was making dang sure that both of my feet were planted on the ground, and I'm in a happy, healthy relationship. Had to kiss a bunch of frogs to find the one. But I'm getting to share that part of my life. And I didn't know that I Had that part of me, you know? And, yeah, it's showing a vulnerable side. It's showing a lot of different things that I guess, like I said, I didn't even know existed.

Kiss a lot of frogs to get to a duck. Is it fair to say something like that?

Bang, bang, bong. You got it.

A little corny, but we're gonna go with it. Part of this whirlwind has been the accolades you've received in Nashville from the industry, from your peers, including these Entertainer of the Year awards, two of them, The CMA and the acm. And I'm looking down the list of your most recent one from last month, the ACM of the Women, and it's One Namers. It's Dolly, it's Reba, it's Loretta, it's Shania, it's Taylor, and now it's Laney. How do you process being in that company?

That's a good company to be in. That's a real good company to be in. The only reason that where I'm at and given the opportunity to be even considered for that kind of award is because of what those ladies have done. And that's the God's honest truth. I mean, they just trailblazers. They're. You know, they, like, go back down those trails, and they keep whacking the weeds so people like me can come up and have this opportunity. And now I got to pay that forward because it's just been a constant trailblazing for us girls. You know, we've. We. I could sit here and talk about that all day long, but. But really, like, when I. When I think about Dolly and I think about Reba, and I think about Loretta, and I think about those ladies, I think about just. They had to be brave. They had to, like, step out in a way that maybe a lot of people don't really realize. And this job can get scary. This. I mean, especially now with social media and the Internet. You know, you got a lot of opinions, and a lot of hateful people can come out of the woodworks. But then I think about them, and I'm like, they did it. They weren't scared of nothing. And they're like, I'm not gonna stop using my gift because somebody's got something negative to say about it. I'm going to use my gift because this is my gift to share. And I think back to that. That's what I've. You know, I'm proud to be a part of country music, and I'm proud to be able to do the same thing that they have done for me.

You got a whole song about it. What Would Dolly Do? Which is, I think, a good way for anybody, by the way, to live their life, but guided by the example of Dolly Parton. A lot of people have seen Dolly in you in some ways. And by that I mean the music, yes, but also the way you carry yourself, the joy you seem to have for your work, your kindness with people, your willingness.

You ain't seen my bad, son.

Not yet.

I got one of those.

Give you a few minutes here. But has she been kind of a guiding light for you personally and professionally?

I mean, even before I got to know her, she was the lady that I looked to, and I was like, man, I want to do that. Like, I want to stay true to myself, but not be scared to step outside of the box and try things that maybe I didn't even know I was good at, you know? And even when it comes to the whole acting thing, like, never in a million years, at nine years old, when I was writing my first song, did I think that, you know, I'm going to be on a TV show or I'm going to do this or I'm going to do that. But when I look at her, I just think she has. She continues to give it her best shot. She gives 190% with everything that she does, whether that means walking into a room and loving on people. She gives 190% when she shows up. She makes you feel like she knows you. She makes you feel like you're seen. And I don't think you can learn something like that. I think it's just. It's just in her. And so she's taught me a lot. And now that I know her, I feel like she's just taught me even more.

Isn't it crazy to say out loud now that I know her?

Now that I know her.

If little Laney in Baskin knew that, you'd be buddies with Dolly Parton.

That's weird. That's weird. I'm not gonna lie to you. I'm not. Yep.

And do you. Are you in touch with her? I mean, is she.

Well, you know, I think you have to fax her if you want to get in touch with her.

Oh, is that the deal? Yeah.

Yeah. So I guess I'm gonna have to get a fax machine. But if I get a fax machine, it is only for Dolly Parton.

Not many of those sitting around, are there?

No.

[Willie Geist]

Hey, guys, thanks for listening to the Sunday Sit Down Podcast. Stick around to hear more from Lainey Wilson right after the break.

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[Willie Geist]

Now more of my conversation with Lainie Wilson.

[Lainey Wilson]

Another artist I know you've looked up to is Miranda Lambert, and you've got a song on the new album with her. That's also got to be cool to now consider someone like her a peer of yours that'll come on your record.

She's like my country music sister. She just has like, she'll text me and be like, how's your heart? How's your mind? Where are you at? Just checking on me because I think if there's one person that could kind of understand, you know, this climb and the feelings and emotions that come along with it, it's her. But she genuinely cares about me and cheers me on high fives me. Like, she just, she tells me how to not take no shit. You know, she reminds me, she's like, you driving this thing, so you have to have people like that in your life.

She's been through it too. So she knows.

Yeah, I've been through it. She's seen it. And she started doing this at a very young age. And so I think she's kind of had to figure out things along the way. And, you know, I'm 32 now, but so I didn't have to figure it out. When I was 19, I was figuring out other things. But she's been in it for a long time. She's seen it all.

And you can tell they have such admiration for you that they want to reach out and do that. And they like where you're taking country music and the way you carry yourself and all those things. Speaking of starting things at a young age in Baskin, and you correct me if I'm wrong, but one of your earliest gigs was singing at your kindergarten graduation. So five, six years old, something like that. Do you remember that performance?

I do. I do. So butterfly kisses. And I was dressed up like a little butterfly. Five years old, kindergarten graduation. And man, we. I couldn't read at the time. Had not started reading just yet.

But you could sing.

But I could sing. And my momma had this little jukebox and this cassette player and she would play a line of the song. I remember us sitting on the hardwood floor of this house that wasn't even insulated. And I'd learn the first line and then she rewind it and then we learn the second line and then she'd rewind it and then we just. We kept going like that. And even at five years old, I knew I was like, I like this. I really like this. And then 9 years old is when I wrote my first song. And that was all she wrote.

Was it the. The crowd that you loved? Was it the singing? Was it the. What was it about music that turned you on so young?

All of it. I loved all of it. But I think for me, the thing that like really made me fall in love with country music was the storytelling.

Yeah.

And I think that comes from. It's so weird that we're sitting here at a table like this because this right here is one of my, like, all time favorite, like, childhood memories. That's around the kitchen table. Because my parents, they're some storytellers and they stretch some of the stories too, because my daddy will tell the story about getting thrown off of a horse, and the first time he tells that he got thrown off 10ft, and the next time it's 15, you know. But it was the kind of stories that got better every single time that you Heard them or you heard them from, like, a different angle that you didn't before, and it made you feel a certain way that maybe it didn't the first time you heard it. And I was around just love for country music and just love for music in general. My daddy could, you know, he could pick on the guitar and play a little bit by ear, and I wanted to tell stories. That's what it was.

But then you had to have the musical talent to catch up with that and to match that, and you develop that. And there's sort of windows into the hustle that you show today at a young age when you get 20 bucks to sit at the convenience store and do all the things you did. I think somewhere down deep, you knew you were gonna have to work if you wanted this thing.

[Willie Geist]

Even at a very young age.

[Lainey Wilson]

I mean, when most kids just think it's sort of fun and playful, you're like, no, this is gonna be work.

I knew it was gonna be work. And even, like, in eighth grade, I started impersonating Hannah Montana. And I did that for five years. I did it from 8th grade to 12th grade. And I would do birthday parties, fairs, festivals, St. Jude. I was touring. Like, I started touring in the eighth grade, you know, and I would go to Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee. I was doing that and touring while all my friends were, you know, going to LSU football games and doing the whole thing. But that really taught me right there that if you're. If you're going to do this, that you're going to have to sacrifice a whole lot. And I knew that. I knew that on the front end, but I loved it so much, and it's really the only thing I know how to do. I feel like there was no other option for me.

It seems like you had made up your mind, too, that this was it, like, really young. Maybe it was that trip through Nashville where you stopped at the Grand Ole Opry and turned to your mom and said, this is gonna be home, or this is home, Something like that.

I think you know my story better than I know my story. I love that. No, that was a very pivotal moment in my life. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember where I was on the interstate. I was looking at the Batman building on I40, and my parents had just taken me to Dollywood. And long story short, I just had, like, this, like, gut feeling. And I told my parents in the car, I said, this is home. I knew it. I just knew it. I knew that I was going to be there one day. I knew I was going to be a part of the industry. And in a weird kind of way, I think they knew it too. They had, like, a weird sense of peace about it. And then they took me to the Grand Ole Opry and we saw Bill Anderson, Crystal Gale, Phil Vassar, Little Jimmy Dickens. And I knew that I was gonna stand in that circle, even at 9 years old. And maybe it was just because I was crazy. I'm still crazy. But I knew it. I knew it.

That's incredible. It is, because. And your parents supported you, which I love, on this ride, because for a nine year old to say that, you'd say, I want to be an astronaut, I want to be a firefighter. Yeah, I'm gonna be at the. Okay, whatever. But it feels like they were. They just supported it. Let's make this work.

They did. They helped facilitate. My mama would sit on the bathroom floor where the acoustics were the best, and I'd play all the songs I was writing for her. And she was a teacher, so she would kind of help me. She'd be like, all right, now, if you're writing about this truck, well, what color is the truck? How fast does the truck go? How does that truck make you feel? And that's how she helped me and my daddy. He would help us get to places. Whether it was like the Honky Tonk talent search or the Country Colgate Showdown or anything where I could be involved. They would find the opportunities and they would ask me if I wanted to do it. And I'd say yes every single time. And so I just kept saying, yes, yes, I want to do it. Even if it's scary, I want to do it. And I don't think I've ever really quit doing that.

And you did do it, and you were 19 years old and you roll into Nashville in that camper trailer.

Yep.

And through the kindness of a family friend who became so close to you and such a mentor, found a place physically to put your camper trailer. But maybe you couldn't have seen that it was going to be a decade maybe before you really felt like I belong here.

Yeah. When I. When I first got there in my camper, you know, I didn't know that it was going to take me another 10, 11 years to even, like, crack the egg a little bit. I thought, okay, now I'm here, and I've done all the work since I was in 8th grade, since my kindergarten graduation. You know, I've done all the work to get here. But that was. That's when I felt like the hard work really began was when I got there. And I'm like, okay, now I gotta try to write as many songs as I possibly can and get my 10,000 hours in, you know. And then I realized that I thought that's where the work began. The work really didn't begin until I signed a record deal in 2018. That is really where it started. Just because you signed a record deal, I mean, that don't mean that, like, it's signed, seal delivered, you're on your way. That means, all right, let's see what you got now. You have finally entered the race. Now you're about to run it.

I think it's your life and your story in those early years are so important to people watching, because the question is, how did you stay with it through all those years and through rejection and people telling you your sound wasn't right, some people saying, you're too country, whatever that means in Nashville just time and time again, but not going back home and saying, okay, I'm going to do something else. What kept you in Nashville through all those years?

I think it was having, like a few believers, you know, whether it was my family or folks that I have met along the way, people who even let me play their. This bar in Monroe called Pickle Barrel, they let me play four hours, you know, almost every single weekend, and gave me the money at the door. And I think it was things like that, little opportunities that I just tried to remember, like, well, okay, if it was always going to be a no, then why did these people say yes? And also just that going back to that nine year old Laney, of that weird. That weird sense of peace about knowing that this was for me. I think God laid it on my heart a long time ago. And I think you got to listen to those things. And yeah, I think it was being from a bunch of hard headed folks. I mean, both of my parents, they are some of the most hard working, tough people I know. They just like pull their bootstraps up and they do whatever they got to do to get the job done. So I think it was a mixture of all of that. And you got to be a little bit nuts to want to do this. You do.

What were some of the things you heard, Lanie, from record executives or radio stations or people around Nashville about why maybe it wasn't gonna work for you?

Well, this one story specifically sticks with me, but, I mean, I had visited all of the record labels in Nashville when I was 19, and everybody passed on me because I Wasn't ready. And the truth is, I was not ready. I had not lived enough life at that point to tell the kind of stories that I was supposed to tell for the audience that I have now. You know, it was not the right time, and I truly believe that timing is everything. So I just kind of, like, took it on the chin, and I'm like, all right, well, one day they're going to say yes, because I would not have had the opportunity to even come in here if it was going to be a no forever and somehow turning that no into a yes. But I was on radio Tour, fall of 2019, and everything was going pretty smooth, I think. We did a radio tour for, like, four months. And so we were. We were visiting five or six stations a day. And so I was. I was getting pretty tired. But we went to this. This one station, and the pd, he, the program director, he made us wait in the little office area up front for about 30, 45 minutes, you know, trying to show us who's boss. And I go in there. We finally go upstairs, and I got my guitar on my back, and he said, well, I don't really want to hear what you've. Like, I don't want to hear you play today. And I'm like, okay, that's interesting. And he said, I just want to hear what it sounds like through my speakers, because that's what's going to be playing on the radio. And I said, all right, fair enough. So he plays the single at the time, which is one called Dirty Looks, and he played it through his, like, 1997 computer speakers. And I thought, well, anybody gonna think this sounds, like, awful? And he played it twice. And then he sits up, and you're me and I'm him. And he leans over his desk and he says, laney, you're just not that good. And then I leaned over towards him and I said. And so. And so, out of the 10 years I've been living in Nashville, you telling me that don't mean a thing? And the funny thing is, he ended up adding the song and putting it into rotation. But there's been things like that that have happened, and I've kind of just had to, like, you know, well, my stuff might not be for everybody.

It strikes me that wasn't that long ago. The fall of 2019. Now here you are singing the football stadiums. And that was. At that point, you had somebody who theoretically knows what he's talking about.

You think, I'll send him a new set of speakers. You think you want to do it for me.

You were very kind to protect him.

And not say his name here.

But you'll never forget. You'll never forget.

I'll tell you what. So you can look him up.

He's regretting that one. So then what feels like the moment that you do break through? Is it man ought to know? Is it Yellowstone? When did you start to say. I've heard you say when you get some of these awards, it feels like country music's finally loving me back. I've loved it my whole life, and it's loving me back. When did it feel to you like it started to love you back a little bit?

Well, even after things Amanda ought to know. With our first hit, I could barely sell a ticket. It was like, the strangest thing. I thought, man, if I. You know how it is when you're 16. If I could just get a car, if I could just get a boyfriend, if I could just do this, and. And I think I had a warped view of it. It's like, man, if I could just get a number one, like, I'll be. We'll be off to the races. But also not true. People still had not put a face to a name or, like, a face to a song. You know, a lot of people know the songs on the radio, but they don't know who sings them. And so I knew at that moment, okay, we're going to have to continue just kind of shoving it down people's throat. Like, I need to be on TikTok as much as I possibly can. I need to be. They need. Need to know me, feel like they. They know me as a friend and then get to know my music. And so really kind of led with that foot. And then yellowstone happened, and then the record came out, and then I went viral on TikTok. Lord help us. And then it seems like the stars kind of had to continue to, like, align. And it wasn't until this past fall after the CMAs, I had finally got some alone time, and I was somewhere in Florida, and it kind of just hit me. I was in the back of the bus, and I felt like, oh, wow. Like, we're really doing it.

Hmm. So you're talking about less than a year ago. You felt that?

Yep.

Wow.

2. I felt like maybe I was kind of, like, protecting myself a little bit of, like, not trying to, like, take my eye off the ball. I don't want to get sidetracked, and I don't want to ever feel like, man, I've made it. You know, I've done it. There's nothing else to do. That is not the truth. You know, I can't have that mindset, and I can't start doing things for the wrong reasons. I can't start making music to win the awards. And, you know, I've never led with that foot, so I can't start now. I can't, like, let those awards define me. I have to let them be a notch on my belt and just be like, okay, this is another part of the journey. I'm thankful and thank you for those gifts, and I receive all of it. But this ain't the only thing for me.

You mentioned Yellowstone and putting a face to the name. That strikes me as a really important moment. Because your music was on the show, but they hear it and they like it, but they don't make that connection. And then it was the idea of the show creator, right, to give you a role as Abby. To which you thought, what? I'm not an actress or.

Oh, yeah. But I thought, well, I guess if he sees something in me, then I want to see something in myself. Taylor Sheridan, he. He's been good to me. I mean, just putting my songs in season two. And, I mean, people would come to my show, a handful of people would come to my show during that time, and they'd say, I found your music through Yellowstone. And I knew at that moment that the soundtrack to that show was really important. And just the way that, like, the Western way of life was popping off and to be a part of something like that, it was almost just like everybody wanted to be on a ranch. Everybody wanted to have a horse and be a cowboy. And that's the way that I grew up. And so to be a part of something like that too, it kind of just felt natural and organic. And I felt at home. And I got to know him. And Taylor, he called me one day and was like, I've got this idea. And he said, it's a crazy one, but what do you think about if I create a character specifically for you and you go by the name Abby and play your music and kind of just be yourself, but gotta kiss a cowboy and do everything else. I'm like, well, $20 is $20, right?

And it paid off. For sure. It paid off. People said, okay, now I see who she is and what the music makes sense because I'm watching her perform it now. I was not gonna ask you about the TikTok thing, and I won't. Cause that's your personal thing. But the only thing I would say about it is. I feel like the way you handled that reminded me a little bit of Dolly, which is. It's out of your hands in a lot of ways. Let's laugh about it.

That's right. Well, I will tell you, I did think, what would she do in that situation? What would Dolly do? Is something that I always kind of keep in the back of my mind to the point to where now I just, I try to navigate situations like that. I'm like, she would just kill people with kindness. That's what she would do. And when I really think about it, I'm just like, how did y'all just notice that that big old thing was back there? It's been back there for a while. But. And truly, it got me a lot of followers in a short amount of time. So I kind of like, roped them in, you know, without even trying to. And they'd be like, hey, by the way, I got music.

But, well, that's the thing. It wasn't a gimmick. Then they heard your music. Oh, she's good. Yeah, she's good.

Yeah.

So like you said, however you come to the music, come on in, come on, come on in.

100%.

[Willie Geist]

Stick around for more of my conversation with Lainey Wilson right after a quick break.

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[Lainey Wilson]

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[Willie Geist]

To the rest of my conversation with Lainey Wilson.

[Lainey Wilson]

As you talk about your heroes, the Grand Ole Opry moment, which I got.

My belt buckle on.

[Willie Geist]

Oh, is that it?

[Lainey Wilson]

This is the one that Reba gave me.

Oh, my gosh.

Yep.

I'm honored that you've got it on. That is so cool. Reba lets you know you're gonna be a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The place you said you'd be when you were nine years old.

Yep.

What a moment among all these moments in the whirlwind.

My favorite moment so far, hands down, my favorite moment. You know, you leave town and you move to Nashville, and you're like little fish in a big pond, and you're nowhere near your family, and you just. You want to be a part of a family. And when I got invited to actually come play the Opry in 2020, as soon as I walked through the doors, I felt at home, and I felt just like just a presence and honored to be there every single time. I get to play there and just be a fly on the wall. But to be asked to be an official part of the family, it makes you feel like, okay, I have the blessing of all these people before me and even the present day, you know, and that really makes you feel like I'm gonna be in this for the long haul.

You must have thought a little bit about the 19 year old in the camper trailer when Reba's handed you a belt buckle to welcome you to the Rand Ole Opry.

I know a lot of people thought I was crazy. Yeah. Yep. 19 year old Laney. I knew it. I did. I knew it. But there's been a million steps, A million steps that you just can't, you know, like, people move into town and be like, okay, what's the formula? What do you do? There's no formula for me. It has been just doing it over and over and over again, staying true to what I do and then finding the team members to help guide that and steer the ship and not try to change me. But if anything, like, find things about me that I didn't know existed, and that's what it's been. People who, like, love me for me. And. Yeah, that's my advice to a lot of people. And if you have a plan B, then plan A is never gonna work.

You never had a plan B. I never did.

I never did. I could be farming back at home.

With Daddy, but he'd still take you.

He probably would. He'd take the help.

So how do you explain then, that is it just. I mean, this is the patience part of it, that it has exploded for you in the last couple of years. Because if you listen to the music, the music still sounds like you, and the songwriting is good, and it's all the things that you've been now so acclaimed for in the last couple of years. Have you thought about why it just kind of seems to have happened in such a big way anyway in the last two years?

Yeah, I think because I think things like the Western way of life becoming cool again. I think during the pandemic, a lot of people probably realized what was important to them. Maybe it was family, home, faith. And I think people have been craving just a sense of being grounded, and there's, like, a freedom that comes along with that. And for me, country music does that like country music. And I think it was just really the. A perfect time, I think. You know, at first, a lot of people were shocked when they hear me talk. They're like, there's no way that can be real. And then I'm telling you, if we called up my mama or daddy right now, like, they were doing my hair and makeup earlier, and my mom was on FaceTime because it's her birthday, and I was like, see, I told you. Like, it sounds like we got a mouthful of marbles.

But by the way, I've heard in other interviews you were able to do, like, a. Not a New York accent, but a Valley girl. Yeah, like a little Valley girl.

You want me to try?

If you got it.

I guess if I was a Valley girl. This is gonna freak you out. It freaks me out. Cause I don't even feel like me when I do it. Don't laugh. Now I'm laughing. Hey, my name is Leni Wilson, and I am from north Louisiana. Maybe that just sounds like a girl from Louisiana. That's like trying to not be from Louisiana. That's probably what it is.

For a minute, it sounded like you inhaled helium or something. It kind of freaked me out.

I did.

It just didn't work. Shouldn't have been coming out of that face.

I know.

That's good, though. You know what you are? You're an Actor. That's why. That's all your Yellowstone training.

That's it. That's it. They train me how to do that.

That is amazing. That is amazing. How have you handled the fame side of this? Given that you could walk around Nashville for 12 years or 10 years anyway? Anonymous do whatever you want. Go wherever you want. How are you dealing with that part of it?

I mean, it has been an adjustment, I will tell you that. And my life feels different. I mean, I still go to the grocery store and I do all those things and I can go incognito pretty quick. You'll be like, that is not Lainey Wilson.

No bell bottoms and cowboy hat.

No. But also, again, I've kind of always, like, known that this was going to happen. And so it's just like another thing that comes along with the job. And I know that it's going to continue to change probably for a while. And, I mean, I have to take security certain places, but it's okay. I'm learning how to adjust, you know, I still feel like me. I just feel like I got my security friend just in case. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just in case.

But what do your parents make of all this? I mean, obviously they're incredibly proud of you.

Yeah.

What do they think of all your success?

They treat me just the same. I mean, they still treat me like little Laney. And that's what I love. When your people start kind of treating you different, that's a weird feeling. I'm not gonna lie. I've had some of that, too, and I'm very aware of it. And I know that this is an exciting time for them, too, to be a part of something like this. And that'll wear off. But I keep those people close, meaning the ones that still treat me like they did when I was back home in Louisiana. I do not want to let that part of me go. Because I will not be. I won't be the artist if I'm not. If I don't have those people in my life being a pain in my butt at times, you know, and same me being a pain in theirs. But in a weird way, too. I think my mama and daddy especially knew that this was going to be the case. That's why they helped take me to all of these shows and fairs and festivals and they did whatever because they knew that this was it. And so, yes, it's been an adjustment for everybody, but not as crazy as you would think, because I think we've always just known.

I think that's part of the secret When I said why it's happened for you is the authenticity. This is who you are, by all accounts, talking to people. I don't feel like I'm being sold something. This is you from Baskin, Louisiana, on a bigger stage.

Let me sell you that record.

So what songs are you most excited when you get up on stage tonight at Radio City? What are the songs you know will bring the place down when you get out there? I know it's asking about your, you know, pick your favorite child. I understand, but what are the ones you can count on? Is it Heart Like a Truck? Is it.

It's always Heart Like a Truck. It's the hits, I guess you could say. Wildflowers, Wild Horses even. I get on the tailgate and I do a little mash up of some of the collabs that I've done with some of the boys. And of course, save me that I do with Jelly Roll. Jelly Roll has so many incredible fans everywhere, and if you hadn't had the opportunity to sit down with him. It has.

I haven't yet, but we're working on it.

Yeah, you gotta get that one done. Yeah, I love to be on Fly on the Wall, but.

And he loves you. I've seen interviews where he'll be on the red carpet and he'll just take the mic and start talking about you.

Well, I do the same thing. I'm like, maybe we should just switch and do each other's interviews. Let me tell you about Jelly Roll, but. But yeah, it's. And too. It's exciting for me. Like our. Our single at radio right now is one called Hang Tight Honey.

Yes. Great song.

And it's cool to see folks start singing the new ones that have just come out. So that one's bringing the house down, too. We gonna bring the house down with every one of them. What you talking about?

That's what you do. It's what you do. So, nine year old Laney, tonight, when you're on stage at Radio City Music hall, looking at Lainey Wilson, now country music superstar, what's she thinking? Nine year old Lainey, I think she'd.

Be proud of herself. I do. I think she would be very proud of herself. I really do think the journey has just started and that's cool and scary and everything in between, but I think she'd be proud of her for, like, staying true to herself and not wavering. I'm always down for growth. That's not it at all. Like, I want to be a better person, better singer, a better songwriter. I want. Like, I take constructive criticism when it's from people who know what they're talking about, you know? But, yeah, I think she'd be proud. And I. Yeah, that's it.

She should be. You're very easy to root for, Elainey. Thank you. We're big fans. And I told you before we started, I saw you last summer playing with Luke Combs and 50, 60, 60,000 people, and I was like, look out, look out, world, she's coming. I mean, you were here already in many ways, but it's going up from here. So I'm happy to root for you along the way. Thank you for doing this. I appreciate it.

I feel like I just sat down and talked with a friend that I ain't talked to in a while.

Oh, thank you. That's so sweet. I feel the same. And we'll be rooting for you all along. Thank you. Good luck tonight. Have fun.

Appreciate that.

All right.

[Willie Geist]

My big thanks to Lainey for a great conversation. I hope you enjoyed getting to know her if you didn't already. Her upcoming album whirlwind, is out on August 23rd, and you can see her out on the road right now on.

[Lainey Wilson]

The Country's Cool Again tour.

[Willie Geist]

And of course, as always, my thanks to all of you for listening again this week. If you want more of these conversations with our guests every week, be sure to click follow so you never miss an episode. And don't forget to tune in to Sunday Today every weekend on NBC. I'm Willie Geist. We'll see you right back here next week on the Sunday Sit down podcast.

[Lainey Wilson]

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[Willie Geist]

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[Lainey Wilson]

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