
Starting his career as a disc jockey at age 11, Tomberlin shares his journey from working at a local radio station to becoming a renowned Nashville songwriter. Discovered by Mel Tillis, he has crafted hits for artists like Diamond Rio, Faith Hill, and Dolly Parton.
Loading summary
A
You open the fridge, there's nothing there.
B
So what's it gonna be?
A
Greasy pizza? Sad drive thru burgers? Dish by Blue Apron is for nights like that. These are the pre made meals of your dreams. At least 20 grams of protein. No artificial flavors or colors. No chopping, no cleanup. No guilt. Keep the flavor.
B
Ditch the subscription.
A
Get 20% off your first two orders with code APRON20.
B
Terms and conditions apply.
A
Visit blueapron.com terms for more.
B
Revitalize your bathroom with big savings at Lowes. Get up to 40% off select vanities and free delivery during our bath savings event. Plus get up to 40% off select shower heads. No matter what style you're looking for, we've got you covered. Shop for your bathroom refresh at Lowes. We help you save while supplies last selection varies by location. Carvana is so easy. Just a click and we've got ourselves a car. See so many cars. That's a clicktastic inventory. And check out the financing options payments to fit our budget. I mean that's Clickonomics101 delivery to our door. Just a hop, skip and a click away. And bot no better feeling than when everything just clicks. Buy your car today on Carvana. Delivery fees may apply.
A
My career in the entertainment industry has enabled me to work with a diverse range of talent. Through my years of experience, I've recognized two essential aspects. Industry professionals, whether famous stars or behind the scenes staff, have fascinating stories to tell. Secondly, audiences are eager to listen to these stories which offer a glimpse into their lives and the evolution of their life stories. This podcast aims to share these narratives providing information on how they evolve into their chosen career. We will delve into their journey to stardom, discuss their struggles and successes, and hear from people who help them achieve their goals. Get ready for intriguing behind the scenes stories and insights into the fascinating world of entertainment. Hi, I'm Tony Mantour. Welcome to Almost Live Nashville. Joining us today is Bobby Tomberland. At age 11, he was spinning records, chatting with legends like Johnny Cash Whelan and Tammy Wynette, just to name a few. He was discovered by Mel Tillis and recently celebrated his 30th year as a staff songwriter for Curb Word Music. He's lived the country music dream, crafting number one hits like Diamond Rio's One More Day and and songs for Faith Hill, Kenny Rogers, plus a Grammy nominated duet with Dolly Parton and Bill Anderson. From the opry stage to CMT's the Singing Bee, Bobby's stories are real as the tunes he writes. He has a great story to tell us. So before we dive into our episode, we'll be back with an uninterrupted show right after a word from our sponsors.
B
New Year same extra value meals at McDonald's. So now get two snack wraps plus fries and a medium soft drink for just for a limited time only. Persons and participation may vary. Prices may be higher in Hawaii, Alaska and California. And for delivery, if you're the purchasing manager at a manufacturing plant, you know having a trusted partner makes all the difference. That's why hands down, you count on Grainger for auto reordering. With on time restocks, your team will have the cut resistant gloves they need at the start of their shift and you can end your day knowing they've got safety well in hand. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.
A
Thanks for coming on.
B
I really appreciate you having me on.
A
Oh, it's my pleasure. I really appreciate you coming on. Let's tell everybody a little bit about yourself.
B
Well, I'm originally from a small town, two light town in south Alabama, town by the name of Luvern. It's one of those towns if you're on the way to the beach, Panama City or Seaside, you drive through there and it's about 45 minutes south of Montgomery. And I grew up just loving music. I can't remember a time when I wasn't just consumed with music. Started playing guitar at an early age and had a make believe radio station and my bedroom. And then I became a disc jockey at age 11 and it was kind of like a Mayberry town. And I say that with all respect. With a lot of respect.
A
Yeah, I totally get that. My hometown, it was small, just like yours. If you're driving through Main street, don't blink your eye. You'll miss the town. Our journey is very similar. I started out in radio as well. I loved it. How long did you do your radio gig for?
B
You know, I started at age 11 and I continued working at my hometown station until I graduated. And then I went to another station in South Alabama, Andalusia, then went to Muscle Shoals and worked at a legendary radio station there, W L A Y, where Sam Phillips of Sun Records, that's where he started the great Buddy Killen Tree Publishing Company and you know, just so much history there. And I was roommates with one of the Shannon members, Mike McGuire. And so I was in radio probably for a good eight or nine years.
A
Yeah, that's great. When did the transformation from radio to Becoming a singer and songwriter start, you.
B
Know, I moved to Muscle Shoals to totally learn more about the songwriting craft, of course, you know, you say craft, but I just needed to live a little more. But it was a great place to really learn from a lot of great songwriters there. There were people like Matt McInally, Robert Byrne, Walt Aldridge. That's where I met a lot people. I started writing with a guy by the name of Billy Henderson. He was my songwriting mentor. And he eventually wrote songs like 10,000 Angels for Mindy McCready. Had songs by Merle Haggard, Ronnie Millstep and Big and Rich. He just kind of took me under his wing and believed in me. And then the other people there in the Shoals area, a lot of the other writers, they, you know, would write with me, give me a chance. And I met a couple of other people there that was kind of in the same stage. I was, you know, just dreaming. And one of those guys was Stephen Dale Jones. And we eventually huge success together.
A
Yeah, that's a great story. I love it. When did you actually make the move to Nashville?
B
I moved to Nashville in 1990. The great Mel Tillis heard some of the songs I had co written with a guy by the name of Jim Martin, and he offered me a deal. I was up here in Nashville at one of the demo recording sessions, and he says, how would you like a deal? And I'm like, what kind of deal? And it was just amazing writing for his company. He paid me $100 a week to write songs. I felt like I had hit the jackpot. And then the Ren came to you. So I went to work at a Kroger grocery store at night.
A
When did you get your first hit record? How long a journey was that for you?
B
I started getting songs recorded about four years after arriving in Nashville. I was very blessed. Linda Davis was the first one to record one of my songs and took it to the radio. I was getting some songs recorded, but it wasn't enough to pay all the bills. So I continued to work at Kroger for quite some time. I would check out Conway, Twitty, Brooks and Dunn, Patty Loveless, Diamond Rio members, Then Whispering Bill Anderson gave me a chance to go on the road with him and work as his sound engineer. So I quit. Kroger was Bill's sound guy. And then it was about 10 years before I really hit a big lick. And with the song One More Day, Diamond Rio recorded.
A
Bill and I go back a long way. If you happen to remember Les Singer, he and I were Great friends.
B
Oh, absolutely. Les was on the road with him when I was there. And as you know, we lost Les last year and boy, it's just too hard for me to believe that he's gone. He was quite a talented guy and I always loved just talking country music with him. Big Elvis fan?
A
Yes, he was a huge Elvis fan. We could sit on his front porch and talk about it for hours. After you started getting some of your songs cut, getting more records out there, when did you decide that you wanted to do more than just write for other people and start writing for yourself?
B
You know, I can honestly say I didn't come here to try to be a star. I didn't want a record deal. I just wanted to see my name underneath a song title, you know, on an album. Because again, working in radio, you know, I saw all these amazing names through the years and Dean Dillon, I mean, I could go on and on. Bob McDeel, who had written so many Don Williams hits. And I just, you know, fantasized about what it would be like to have my name. And I, you know, I came here and I said, oh, if I could just get one. But of course, when you get one, you want more. And it never ends. I'm sorry, I totally got sidetracked there.
A
When did you decide to be an artist instead of just a songwriter?
B
Oh, yeah, but I'm sorry, I was totally still thinking about those early days. I can go back into dream world, really easy there.
A
I totally understand.
B
I think about those days. It was some of the greatest days. But anyway, no, I continued to write songs for other people. And then buddy of mine, Steve Dorf, was music director for a show on CMT called the Singing Bee. And they needed, you know, band members, singers to be a part of the show, an in house band. For the contestants. It was a game show hosted by Melissa Peterman from Reba. And I did, you know, like the Hank Jr. Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings songs. And then next thing you know, a booking agent started booking me on shows. I mean, I had done, you know, the Bluebird on occasion or Douglas Corner here in Nashville, but at that time, here I am in Michigan, California and different places. And you know, since that time it just hasn't stopped and it's gotten busier. And usually I do around 75 shows a year, if not a little more than that. And I'm doing, you know, from Alaska to Delaware this summer to Florida. And I love it, you know, it's great to get out of that writing room as much as I love that you have to get out of that room and get inspired. And the thing that most inspires me is just new landscape, you know, and it doesn't have to be a big city. It could be a small town in Michigan. I really do enjoy it.
A
So you moved in 1990? I moved in 93. But I've been traveling back and forth to Nashville since, I hate to say it, the late 70s. Nashville has changed so much. It is not the Nashville that I knew from back then. What a change we've seen since 1993 until now.
B
Now, I told someone the other day that I feel like I've moved without actually moving. I mean, sometimes I go to Music Row to write, and I actually. Sometimes I find myself lost. I'm like, wait a minute, where is that building that used to be Landmark? That happened to me, like, last week. I was headed into work at Major Bob, and they'd closed down on one of the roads, and I literally was, like, driving around for 10 minutes, and I'm like, Gosh, I've been here over 30 years, so you're right. It's. It's a different place now.
A
Yeah, certainly is. You bring up Music Row. I haven't been down a Music Row, like, forever. Unless I have to go into Nashville for business, I just don't go. I remember during COVID there was, like, 25 or 30 rooftop cranes. I've never seen that there. I'm just totally amazed at how much Nashville has changed.
B
I know. And I'm one of those guys. I don't want to, you know, talk about the way it was and live in the past. But I'm going to be honest with you, some days it's really hard. It does affect me because I love to see, you know, buildings where such beautiful history was made. I love for them to remain. I hate to see a crane tearing them down.
A
I know. I mean, some of the most iconic studios are gone.
B
I know. And I'm one of those. I'm all about the history and teaching other people, new writers, new people in town. That's one of my favorite things, actually. I was writing with a guy the other day, and I write for Curb Word Publishing, and we're across the street from rca, Studio B. And this young artist, his name was Jake Hess, and his granddad was Jake Hess, the gospel. Legendary gospel singer who sang with Elvis, and he had never been to Studio B. And I'm like, well, thank goodness it's here. And we went over there, and it's just. Man, it's so inspiring to Walk into a room where the Everly Brothers were, or Elvis, Roy Orbison, Dottie west, and I'm glad we have a few of those.
A
Nashville has so much legacy and so much history, and it's just sad to see bits and pieces of it pushed away. With that said, there's new things that come in and hopefully just keeps growing, but in a good way. Now, with that said, how do you see yourself evolving? You've been through the 90s, and now here you are writing today with everything that's changed. Have you changed in the way that you approach your writing?
B
Well, as you know, I mean, it's all over the map. And now we have the whole AI situation in which I just. It's just hard for me to wrap my head around. Of course, I'm never going to use anything like that to write a song. At the same time, you know, we saw the invasion of the track, guys who really came in, and it took away from the studio session, demo sessions with several musicians, and now a lot of people are using the AI technique to do demos. But to get back to your question, I'm just going to stay true to myself, write what I do best from the heart. Kind of sounds trite, but just be true to myself. And like, this year, I've been writing with Buddy Cannon, great songwriter and producer, and we've ended up writing five songs for Willie Nelson's upcoming record, and three of them are with him. Things like that that really keep me motivated. And, you know, there's just. Just a handful of those heroes left now for some reason. That's always been the highlight for me. I. It's more important to me than any award or more than chasing a trend or anything. I mean, just to see my name, you know, on a song recorded by Dolly Parton, Will, or, you know, Kenny Rogers. I mean, to me, that's been the biggest awards and. And I'm just going to keep doing, you know, what I've always done, just try to write the best song. And, you know, I've been guilty of trying to. You know, a few years ago, the whole bro country thing came in, but that's not what I do. And I realized real quickly that that's not my thing. And I told my publisher guy, he's no longer there, but he encouraged me to do that. And I'm like, you know what? Those guys. There's already these groups of guys that do that, and that's what they really do. And I'm not going to be able to compete with that. And I'm just again, doing what I, what I've always done. Just try to write the best song. Had so many songwriting heroes that I learned from and the bar is high for me.
A
That's a great attitude to have. If you was to describe yourself as a songwriter or as a singer songwriter, how would you describe yourself to someone that doesn't know anything about what you do?
B
I'm definitely, you know, more of a country guy, but I, I come from the school of Hank Williams Senior, where I'm from, down in Alabama. He was my first inspiration. But I also, you know, learned from people like Tom T. Hall and as I mentioned, Bob McDeal, who wrote those great songs for Don Williams. So I would fall in that category of storyteller. Oh, man. I, I mean, some of these songs that Willie just recorded, there's one song called Dream Chaser and it's. I don't know, it's from my heart, but I always just hope it connects with other people. And I try. I write in a universal way. I feel like what I write. A lot of people are feeling that.
A
Yeah, that's great. Now where do you see yourself in the next three, four, five years?
B
You know, that's. That's a good question. I just want to keep, again, doing what I'm doing. I feel like there's still a lot of songs left in me and yeah, I want to go out there and play some music in some areas that I've never played before and just try to keep a lot of the tradition alive. I think it's so important to keep, you know, the true country music alive. And I don't mean necessarily just a three chord song, but I mean just storytelling, just honesty and maybe a little raw, you know, rawness to them, to the songs and, you know, where people can feel people still, you know, a lot of people will say, oh no, that's not a big deal anymore. I mean, it's all about the beat. How many beats per minute. But I'm telling you, the people I'm playing for, I see, you know, I see some tears in the audience. I hear stories after the show about how some of the songs have affected them. And you know, that hasn't changed. It's always been like that.
A
Yeah, people love stories. So what's your fan base look like? What do you get for response? What do you see? What do you hear? How do they approach you? What's the dynamic there?
B
Well, I have, you know, the song One More Day that I co wrote with Stephen Dale Jones. It was a big hit. For Diamond Rio in the country chart and crossed over. But there's not a week that goes by that I don't hear from people telling me how that song has help them heal from a loss of someone and also how it's been used in memorials and, you know, different funeral services. And that means so much. You know, when we wrote that song, we didn't. Wasn't thinking about that. I mean, that's much bigger than we ever dreamed of. Again, just trying to connect with people. I mean, that really means a lot to me. That's huge.
A
Yeah, absolutely. I'm glad you brought that up. How do people connect with you? How do they find you? How do they follow you do.
B
Well, they can find me on social media, Instagram, I have a TikTok channel. On my TikTok channel, I actually share a lot of country music history. I'll go to special places, like in Alabama where Hank Williams once played or. And just try to again, carry on a lot of the history and share that. But, you know, I have a very active Facebook page that has really been growing a lot in the past few months. It's not all about me. I will share stories about some of the icons that I've worked with, and I'll share maybe some of their music. And maybe there's a young, younger crowd that's never, you know, they've never heard that. That's always cool. Winning new fans for some of the. The older artists.
A
Yeah, that's great. That's how we keep their names and their music alive. Now, what's your wish? If someone came up to you and said, okay, you've got one wish, here it is, what would that be?
B
Man, I have been again, so blessed again to just be from a small, little Alabama town with no connections. I was blessed early on, you know, to work in radio, small little AM station. But again, so many dreams have come true. I mean, almost everything I've dreamed of, I mean, has really come true. But I want to just continue to do what I'm doing, You know, I'd like to see myself 15, 20 years from now being like Bill Anderson. He's a really good friend of mine and we write a lot of songs together. And he still has the spirit of a new kid in town. That's my dream. I definitely want to have more songs recorded and continuing to do shows. But I want to keep that fire. I don't ever want it to burn out. I can't imagine ever being that jaded guy. And believe me, it's easy to go there sometimes. But overall, I've been able to keep that spirit, and I just hope that I can keep that like Bill has.
A
That's a great goal, and I truly love that attitude. So how do you keep it alive? I've had friends of mine that's done big things. They played at the Opry, had hit records, done so much stuff, then one day they get tired of it and boom, they're gone. So what's your secret? How do you keep it alive?
B
That's another good question. But working with people that I admire, that I look up to. I mean, when I look on my calendar and I see a date with like, next week, I'm working with Bill Anderson and Walker Montgomery. So there is a legend and also a new artist about to sign a record deal. He's the son of John Michael Montgomery. And I'm just using that day as an example. And, you know, I look on my calendar and I see dates like that with writers like that, and I get very excited. Or maybe going to write with Buddy Cannon. It's about being with people who I really admire and respect and just that magic. I mean, just the. The, you know, knowing that we can walk into that room and magic can really happen. I mean, we may end up with a very average song, but we may end up with something special that could really be life changing. I love that.
A
Yeah, that's the beauty of music, for sure. With me. Every time I walk into a studio, it's kind of like I'm starting all over. What's it feel like for you when you walk into a studio? You're either laying down tracks for yourself or someone else is recording one of your songs.
B
Well, you know, that's a great way of explaining it. It is like new every time. And even a writing appointment. Not just studio, but also writing, you know, a new song, a new appointment. It's like starting over again. Especially when I write with newer writers who are just in town, you know, new to town. I tell them, hey, you know, I'm not thinking about what I did yesterday or years ago. It's a new day. We're starting over again. With a blank sheet of paper or a blank, you know, pad on your iPhone. Pad. I don't know. That's. That's the way I approach it. And you also ask how I keep the fire going. Another thing, again, is just I'm still a fan of a lot of people. I love going to Congress concerts, James Taylor's in town. That still lights my fire. To go and see people like that it inspires me. Like, this weekend, I'm doing a special show in McMinnville, Tennessee, the hometown of Dottie West. I'm doing that show with Linda Davis and her husband, Lang Scott, and my girlfriend, Tess Frazelle, who's a great talent. She's Dottie's granddaughter. And, you know, that's exciting, going back to where, you know, I'm just using Dottie as an example, someone who had that dream to come to Nashville. And even though she's been gone now for so long, we're going back there and. And that' be fun, keeping that spirit alive.
A
Yeah, absolutely. When you get a chance to work or be around someone that has a history of working with some of the legends of the business, that should be the catalyst that lights a fire under someone's butt. Because not a lot of people get that kind of an opportunity.
B
Oh, man. And, you know, I keep mentioning Bill Anderson, but when you're sitting in a room with Bill writing a song, we may take a break. And he shares a story about riding in a car with Patsy Client on the way to a show in New York, or telling about the time he and Lefty Frizzell was on a show, and Saginaw, Michigan was the number one song, and Lefty didn't even know the words to it, and Bill wrote it and had to kind of hide down behind the curtain and whisper the words. So, I mean, just getting little nuggets like that, that's cool. That's stuff, you know, that used to be exciting as a kid, and now here I am at this age, still hearing stories and getting to meet some of my heroes or work with my heroes.
A
Yeah, that's a great feeling, for sure. I'm from a small town. I grew up listening to a lot of R and B singers and pop singers. Then all of a sudden, here in Nashville, I'm getting calls from some of those people I grew up listening to, saying, hey, we gotta do a project together. You're getting a lot of that now. What's the first thing that goes through your mind when you get that type of call? You've listened to them all your life, and now you're getting that call.
B
It's just. I can't even. I don't even have the words for that. I mean, for example, Hank Williams Jr. He was the first concert that I ever went to when I was a kid down in Alabama. And I've known Hank for a few years, and he just randomly pulled out a lyric sheet, and he's not one to Write songs with other people, I guess. A couple of years ago, I finished. Worked on the song and finished it. He had, of course, so much started to it. A moment like that. Imagine this little kid seeing this artist like Hank perform when I'm like 8 years old and fast forward all these years and I see my name beside his on a song lyric sheet. I mean, that's. That's pretty amazing. Or Bobby Bear. I could just go on and on, you know. Jeannie C. Riley. I learned to literally walk to Harper Valley pta. My parents had a little record players. What were they called? Coffee table record players, where you'd pull the drawer out. And I literally wore out that record, you know, and learned to walk. And now, you know, she'll give me a call, and I'm like, is this really. I mean, really G.C. riley? So talk about full circle. A lot of full circle.
A
Yeah. That's great. I mean, it's a situation where you've moved to Nashville, you've paid your dues, you've done all the things, and now you're getting to work with some of these great people. It's something you should be really proud of.
B
I'm so proud of it, and I'm so thankful that I have had these opportunities. Of course, I'm always writing with new artists, new writers, but I've always found it important to work with some of these legendary acts, too, because they still have a lot of things left to say, a lot of songs left in them. A lot of them do, yeah. Just cherish these friendships.
A
Yeah, absolutely. These artists are just people. They've put the time in, they've paid the dues, been on the road. They just worked really hard to get their careers. They're just regular people, but they have all these stories of all the people they've worked with during their careers. It's just a great thing to be able to be around them, to listen and absorb the information that they can give you through their stories. The beauty of that is you get to hear it. And most people never hear it unless it's on TV or during a radio interview.
B
That is so true. Another great artist that comes to mind is Vince Gill. He's, as you know, one of the most talented people. And sometimes I have to remind myself, he's a member of the Eagles because he's one of the most humble people that I've ever met in this business. We've written, I think, three songs together, and when I've written with him, I even have to kind of pinch myself. I'M like, really? This guy, he's on stage with Don Hanley and one of the greatest musicians and artists, but here he is, just in raw form, you know, sitting there with a guitar, you know, chasing a song.
A
Okay, I'll tell you a little story about Vince Gill. I don't know if you would remember who Lenny Welch is.
B
Oh, yeah. Since I fell for you.
A
Yeah. His big hit, Lenny was a friend of mine.
B
Oh, what a talent.
A
He came into Nashville, spent a week with me in my studio. Friday, I took him backstage at the Opry, and Vince just happened to be there. As soon as we walked in, one of the background singers knew who he was. I can't remember who it was, but he just went crazy. Lenny Welch. After the show was over, it was the background singer, Vince, Lenny Welch, and me in the back lot of the Opry. We were standing there for about 40, 45 minutes. Minutes talking about music and how things were different from when Lenny was out there recording. It was really fun. I looked at Vince and I said, where else in the world could we have this kind of conversation? And here we are at the Opry in Nashville.
B
That's so true, man. I loved Lenny.
A
Oh, yeah, he was a great guy. You know, we lost him.
B
I know I didn't know him, but I'm a fan. Was a fan of his music.
A
Yeah, he was just a great guy, a real pleasure to be around. And again, like, we were talking, he just had so many stories. And because of it, Vince, the background singer, and myself were out there talking for a long time. That's the beauty of Nashville. You never know who's around the next corner and who you're going to bump into.
B
That is so true. And the funny thing, I've never really. It's not like I've chased any of these friendships or relationships or anything. It's just been, like, timing. Oh. I was here, and someone introduced me to this one, and, well, hey, let's write a song. And again, it's just letting the universe work, you know?
A
That's exactly right. Well, it's just like, Eric, he turned me on to you.
B
Yeah, I love Eric. What a great guy.
A
Yeah. You went on his show, right?
B
Right. Sure did.
A
Yeah. He emailed me that same day and said, oh, you've got to reach out to him. He'd be great for your podcast. And here you are. That's the beauty of Nashville. You bump into people, you get to know him, then all of a sudden, you're working with them, they're referring you. It's just great. It's a great atmosphere to be in.
B
It really is. I actually was just in my hometown of Luverne, Alabama yesterday and I was walking around the park and I thought, well, by tonight I will be in Nashville attending the Songwriter hall of Fame Awards and seeing Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill. And you know, still, like I said, I have to have these pinch myself moments and realize, wow, I'm really here. I live here. I'm in the middle of it. And it's such a blessing.
A
It is. I had a friend tell me one time after I had just had a major meeting. It was early in my career here in Nashville. Once it was over, it was all positive. My friend told me, he says, you know, someone somewhere in this world would love to have the sit down meeting that you just came from. So don't take it for granted.
B
It's true. And I try to keep that in mind for years. I think I fail to remember that. But, you know, as you get older, you start realizing.
A
Yeah, you do. As you get older, you start losing some of the people that's been around you. Then you start to realize that you've been very fortunate to have this person or this person in your life that helped you through your career. Now they're not here, but it does give you an opportunity to reflect on everything that they helped you with. And now because of it, you're doing this and creating your own legacy.
B
That's right. That's right. But boy, we have lost so many in recent years and of course, just lost Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely. And that was a tough one. She just kept the spirit, just like Bill Anderson. And she had started writing again the last few years and we worked together several times.
A
Yeah, it's really tough to lose close friends like that. That unfortunately, a lot of the Opry stars are getting up there in age. Look at Bill, he's been there forever.
B
Yeah, but I tell you, Bill, he's going on maybe 32.
A
That's a good thing because that is what keeps him going.
B
That's right.
A
So in closing, is there anything else that you'd like to tell our listeners?
B
I'm going to give a plug to a new memoir that I've just released. It's called I've Lived Country Music. And I share a lot of the stories, you know, about my. Well, it is. It's about my journey from small town Alabama to Nashville via radio. And, you know, just a lot of special stories that needed to be documented. And I lost my father back in January of this year and I just wasn't quite ready to get back on the road and come back and just have a heavy writing schedule. So I took some time and I just wrote and wrote and wrote and really, really pleased with the way it turned out. And you can get a copy on my website, bobbytumberlandmusic.com assign cop copy or also you can get it on Amazon.
A
Yeah, that sounds great. I'm sure it's got some great stories. So this has been awesome. I really had a great time being with you today. I appreciate you taking the time to come on.
B
Do appreciate you, I mean as busy as you are and to have as I'm sure so many lined up. I mean I do appreciate, you know, you taking the time to talk to me.
A
Oh, it's been my pleasure. Thanks again. Thanks for joining us today. We hope you enjoyed the show. This has been a Tony Mantour production. For more information, contact media plateau music.com.
B
New Year Same extra value meals at McDonald's. So now get two snack wraps plus fries and a medium soft drink for just $8 for a limited time only. Purses and participation may vary. Prices may be higher in Hawaii, Alaska and California. And for delivery, if you like the show, please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe. It really does help the show to grow. Thank you for listening.
Podcast: Tony Mantor's Almost Live..... Nashville
Host: Tony Mantor
Guest: Bobby Tomberlin
Date: January 13, 2026
This episode welcomes acclaimed songwriter and artist Bobby Tomberlin, who shares his journey from a small-town Alabama radio kid to a Grammy-nominated songwriter, working with legends like Mel Tillis, Dolly Parton, Bill Anderson, Diamond Rio, and more. Bobby and Tony reminisce about Nashville's changing scene, the power of storytelling in country music, personal milestones, and Bobby’s drive to keep country music’s legacy alive for new generations.
[04:20 - 05:10]
[05:10 - 06:45]
[06:45 - 07:56]
[08:02 - 24:50]
[10:29 - 12:47]
[13:13 - 15:01]
[15:01 - 17:37]
[17:03 - 18:35]
[18:35 - 20:58]
[22:10 - 27:56]
[28:23 - 30:11]
[30:22 - 31:06]
This episode is a must-listen for anyone inspired by country music, Nashville’s rich legacy, or looking for timeless wisdom from behind the scenes of the industry.