Podcast Title: Takin' a Walk
Host: Buzz Knight
Guest: Sandy Knox
Episode: Stories Behind the Music with Sandy Knox
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of the "Takin' a Walk" podcast, hosted by Buzz Knight, listeners are introduced to Sandy Knox, a Grammy-nominated songwriter and a trailblazer in the music industry. Buzz Knight sets the stage by highlighting Sandy's impressive portfolio, including songwriting for icons like Reba McEntire and Dionne Warwick, and her latest venture—a highly anticipated audiobook that delves deeper into her remarkable journey and the lessons she's garnered along the way.
Early Inspirations and Influences
Timestamp: 04:11
Sandy Knox shares her admiration for Johnny Mercer, a legendary songwriter whose work profoundly influenced her. She reflects on how Mercer's lyrical prowess captivated her from a young age, particularly noting his ability to craft memorable lines without the aid of modern tools like rhyming dictionaries.
“I would really love to pick his brain because I don't know, you know a lot of people today writing, they use rhyming dictionaries or rhyming apps where they can figure out a rhyme. I don't know if those were available when he was writing and some of the stuff that he came up with was just, was just fabulous, just wonderful.”
[04:10] Sandy Knox
Forging Ahead: The Move to Nashville
Timestamp: 07:19
Buzz Knight inquires about Sandy's pivotal decision to move to Nashville with limited funds and no connections. Sandy recounts her acceptance into ASCAP's Workshop West and her subsequent year in Los Angeles before making the bold move to Nashville.
“I had already been out in LA for a year. About a year and a half earlier, I got accepted into ASCAP's workshop west... I went out there for a year.”
[07:19] Sandy Knox
Sandy discusses the pivotal role her father played, intentionally using reverse psychology to inspire her resilience. When he suggested she pursue a more conventional path, she took it as a challenge, setting a firm deadline to move to Nashville and pursue her passion for songwriting.
“What he was doing was reverse psychology... I went to bed that night and I got out my calendar and I counted up six months to the day... And that's what I did.”
[07:19] Sandy Knox
First Breaks and Major Achievements
Timestamp: 11:00
Sandy shares the exhilarating experience of having her songs recorded by major artists simultaneously. Her single "Where My Lips Have Been" by Dionne Warwick and "He Wants to Get Married" by Reba McEntire were released in the same week, marking her first significant breakthrough.
“I had a single on Dionne Warwick. It's called 'Where My Lips have Been.' And at the same week I had my first cut on Reba called 'He Wants to Get Married.'”
[11:00] Sandy Knox
This moment was profoundly gratifying for Sandy, as she immersed herself in listening to her own work performed by these legendary artists.
“I sat on the floor of my apartment and I just played each song back to back... surrounded myself with those voices of those legendary artists singing songs that I had written.”
[11:00] Sandy Knox
Maintaining Positivity Amidst Challenges
Timestamp: 12:17
When asked about maintaining humor and positivity during tough times, Sandy opens up about the struggles she faced, including financial hardships and personal challenges. Despite these obstacles, her inherent optimism and work ethic kept her moving forward.
“I always tried to lean on the positive sign and things are going to be better... I've worked since I was 14 years old... I just always knew that... it'll be okay.”
[12:17] Sandy Knox
Sandy acknowledges that while staying positive isn't always easy, her determination and belief in her ability to overcome challenges have been pivotal.
Addressing Difficult and Taboo Topics in Music
Timestamp: 13:53
Sandy delves into the creation of her groundbreaking song "She Thinks His Name Was John," one of the first AIDS-related chart hits. She explains how personal experiences, including her brother's battle with HIV/AIDS, inspired her to tackle such a sensitive subject through her music.
“I put myself in his shoes. What if I got that news? How would that affect me?... that song is important to me because... my brother... had full-blown AIDS.”
[13:53] Sandy Knox
Despite initial resistance from co-writers and industry professionals who deemed the topic too negative, Sandy's perseverance led to the song's eventual release and impactful reception. The song not only raised awareness but also garnered significant attention, both positive and controversial.
“That MCA Records had a special meeting and said we either get behind this or not. They chose to get behind it and released it as a single.”
[18:09] Sandy Knox
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Wrinkled Records
Timestamp: 25:07
Sandy shares her entrepreneurial spirit through the creation of Wrinkled Records, a label she founded to support artists over 40 who were often overlooked by the mainstream industry. Wrinkled Records focused on producing critically acclaimed music rather than chasing radio hits, allowing talented, seasoned artists like BJ Thomas to shine.
“Wrinkled Records kind of was geared toward that demographic of baby boomers and people over 40, 45 years old... we were going for critically acclaimed stuff.”
[26:13] Sandy Knox
Although Wrinkled Records was eventually put on hold to focus on her audiobook project, Sandy reflects fondly on the label's mission and its positive impact on the artists involved.
Current Projects: "Waiting" Audiobook/Musical
Timestamp: 30:08
Sandy introduces her latest endeavor, "Waiting," an audiobook-musical hybrid that explores themes of self-worth and societal pressures related to weight and personal expectations. The project, initially conceptualized decades ago, has evolved into a comprehensive narrative combined with musical elements.
“'Waiting' is spelled that way, but it does kind of mean... everybody's waiting for something to happen, and it's also that they want to lose that 20 pounds of weight.”
[30:08] Sandy Knox
The audiobook aims to be both poignant and entertaining, offering a succinct and engaging storytelling experience that resonates with a broad audience. Sandy emphasizes the universal relatability of the topic, supported by positive feedback from focus groups.
“It's poignant, it's fun. There's moments that are very sad. It's uplifting, but I take you on a journey of all these characters that I met at this place.”
[30:08] Sandy Knox
Mentorship and Collaboration
Timestamp: 23:50
Sandy highlights the importance of mentorship in her career, both as a mentor and as someone who has been mentored. She acknowledges Manon Ward, a younger collaborator who has played a crucial role in her current projects, demonstrating the reciprocal nature of mentorship in the creative industry.
“Manon Ward... she was the project manager and the creative director on this project... she has let me know many times that that's what's happening.”
[25:07] Sandy Knox
Thoughts on Music Industry Trends
Timestamp: 34:30
When discussing current trends, Sandy expresses her concerns about the rise of AI-generated music. She finds AI-generated songs disconcerting and lacks the emotional depth and authenticity that human-crafted lyrics provide.
“The other day... I came across some AI generated songs... they felt robotic. That does not make me happy... Especially when I think about the hard work you put into making the perfect song.”
[34:30] Sandy Knox
Sandy values the artistry of songwriting and fears that AI may undermine the creative process that lends music its soul and emotional resonance.
Final Reflections and Advice
Timestamp: 22:26
Towards the end of the episode, Sandy shares heartfelt advice she received from her father, emphasizing resilience and determination. Her father’s words—“don’t take no for an answer” and “don’t let the bastards grind you down”—have been guiding principles in her career.
“Don't give up... don't let the bastards grind you down.”
[22:37] Sandy Knox
Sandy's commitment to mentoring others and fostering a supportive creative community underscores her dedication to nurturing the next generation of songwriters and artists.
Conclusion
Buzz Knight wraps up the conversation by applauding Sandy’s contagious spirit and her continuous efforts to innovate and inspire within the music industry. Sandy's journey—from her early inspirations and challenging breakthroughs to her entrepreneurial ventures and current projects—serves as a testament to her unwavering passion and resilience.
“It's an honor, Sandy Knox, to be able to talk to you on Taking a Walk. Thanks for being on.”
[35:42] Buzz Knight
Sandy reciprocates the appreciation, encouraging listeners to follow her work and stay tuned for her upcoming audiobook.
Notable Quotes:
- Sandy Knox [04:10]: “I just sit down and try to write a good song.”
- Sandy Knox [07:19]: “I went to bed that night and I got out my calendar and I counted up six months to the day... And that's what I did.”
- Sandy Knox [11:00]: “I surrounded myself with those voices of those legendary artists singing songs that I had written.”
- Sandy Knox [13:53]: “I put myself in his shoes. What if I got that news? How would that affect me?”
- Sandy Knox [34:30]: “They felt robotic. That does not make me happy... Especially when I think about the hard work you put into making the perfect song.”
- Sandy Knox [22:37]: “Don't give up... don't let the bastards grind you down.”
This episode provides a comprehensive look into Sandy Knox's life, her contributions to music, and her ongoing efforts to create meaningful and impactful work. Her story is one of passion, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to the craft of songwriting.