Podcast Summary

Tony Mantor's Almost Live..... Nashville

Episode: Phil Vassar Opens Up on Heart, Music, and Resilience
Host: Tony Mantor
Guest: Phil Vassar
Date: October 7, 2025

Overview

In this heartfelt episode of Almost Live... Nashville, Tony Mantor sits down with celebrated country singer-songwriter and pianist Phil Vassar. The episode is a candid exploration of Vassar’s life, focusing on his recovery from a near-fatal heart attack, his journey in the music business, the nuances of resilience, and what it truly means to carve your own path in the entertainment industry. The conversation weaves through stories of challenge and triumph, offering not just inspiration but also practical wisdom for aspiring artists and fans alike.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Surviving a Life-Altering Heart Attack

[03:16 – 05:07]

• Phil’s Sudden Health Crisis:
  Vassar recounts the terrifying experience of his heart simply stopping:

  "My heart just stopped beating. And so I didn't have a heartbeat for... 20, 30 [seconds] or so, first time. And then they got me going... I'm a healthy person... it was just, you know, genetic is what they said..." (Phil Vassar, 03:16)

• Aftermath and Recovery:
  He describes waking up in a wheelchair, learning he survived due to his previous healthy habits, and how stress affected him physically:

  “I was struggling just to live, you know.” (Phil Vassar, 03:44)
  “I feel very calm [now]. I was very stressed... I don't know if it was... just physical, I think, mostly." (Phil Vassar, 05:07)

• Learning the Basics Again:
  Phil shares the struggle of having to relearn basic tasks and the slow road back to music:

  “When I came to, I was in a wheelchair... I had to learn how to walk again, play piano again.” (Phil Vassar, 05:07)

2. Music, Healing, and New Perspectives

[05:41 – 08:55]

• Getting Back to Performing:
  The motivating force of music in Phil’s recovery:

  “I really missed playing music... just to be able to... get that feeling that you get when you play music and with your friends. And I feel great now.” (Phil Vassar, 05:59)

• Stage Approach Post-Recovery:
  Phil discusses adjustments to his performance style:

  "I don't do flips or backflips off the piano... Maybe it's better now that I'm a little bit calmer.” (Phil Vassar, 06:37)

• Emotional and Mental Growth:
  The crisis led to a major shift in his perspective on life and career:

  “When you're in the heat of the fight... I had to take control of what I was doing... I learned a lot about the music business during that phase.” (Phil Vassar, 07:15)
  “If I like it and if my fans like what I do... If I feel passionate about a song, it's probably pretty good. I learned to not worry about what everybody else thought anymore.” (Phil Vassar, 08:05)

3. The Realities of the Music Business

[08:33 – 10:27]

• Industry Pressures:
  Discussion on how the music business can be cutthroat:

  “Everybody's out to please someone—the label, the A&R people, the managers... what it really comes down to, you just have to please yourself.” (Tony Mantor, 08:33)
  “These guys are... boneheads. They're not very smart. They don't know a hit from a friggin’... hole in the ground.” (Phil Vassar, 08:47)

• Modern Changes:
  The impact of trends like social media and the pressure to adapt:

  “Now it's about social media and TikTok... but I'm not going to get out there and dress up like a frog or something just to, you know, make somebody happy.” (Phil Vassar, 09:53)

4. Inspiration, Mentorship, and Musical Heroes

[10:44 – 15:16]

• Influences and Collaborations:
  Phil reflects on writing for and with artists like Alan Jackson and his admiration for Billy Joel and Elton John:

  “I always loved the song... Alan, Ian and I are different artists and I'm the biggest Alan Jackson fan you can be.” (Phil Vassar, 11:43)
  “Billy Joel, I still love Billy. Him and Elton John... they're the guys. And I just remember you meeting Elton John for the first time... it was amazing...” (Phil Vassar, 11:46, 12:18)

• Networking in Nashville:
  Vassar emphasizes the serendipitous nature of living and working in Nashville:

  “You just never know who's around the next corner.” (Phil Vassar, 12:44)

• Creating Community:
  Personal anecdotes about his barn studio evolving into a gathering and creative space:

  “It's my studio now... I've got a grand piano up there, and... who knows what might happen?” (Phil Vassar, 13:17)

5. Reflections on Legacy and Change

[15:00 – 19:07]

• Gratitude for the Journey:
  Phil expresses deep gratitude for interactions with country legends, military figures, and industry peers:

  “I've done so many things for the military... played the Bush White House... it was just amazing.” (Phil Vassar, 14:06)
  “I'm just blessed I didn't die when I died...” (Phil Vassar, 21:45)

• Nashville’s Transformation:
  The transformation of Music Row and the loss of iconic studios:

  “All the buildings are different... iconic studios have been torn down just to build condos.” (Phil Vassar, 18:43)
  "That's why I've been wanting to kind of get mine back up and running... I can't wait to get back in and recording again." (Phil Vassar, 18:55)

6. What’s Next for Phil?

[19:07 – 21:35]

• Touring and Writing Plans:
  Phil shares his current focus and future intentions:

  “I’m doing a few more shows... I just want to write and record. You don’t have to wait for approval from anyone...” (Phil Vassar, 19:14)

• Renewed Enjoyment:
  A sense of peace and excitement for the next phase:

  “I think you're in a place now where you can actually do the things that you want to do, not the things that they say that you have to do...” (Tony Mantor, 19:47)

• Life’s Simplicity and Golf:
  Lighthearted talk about returning to the simple joys—like golf:

  “I want to get better at golf again. I want to start playing golf again." (Phil Vassar, 20:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Surviving Sudden Death:

  "I'm just blessed I didn't die when I died, you know?"
  – Phil Vassar (21:45)

• On Industry Wisdom:

  “If I like it and if my fans like what I do... I learned to not worry about what everybody else thought anymore.”
  – Phil Vassar (08:05)

• On Playing for Presidents:

  “I played the Bush White House some four times... For the Christmas and it was just amazing.”
  – Phil Vassar (14:06)

• On Creativity and Comfort Spaces:

  “I've got a grand piano up [in my barn studio], and who knows what might happen?”
  – Phil Vassar (13:17)

• On Nashville’s Character:

  “There’s a reason why they call it the music business.”
  – Tony Mantor (09:34)

• On Embracing Change:

  “Now it's about social media and TikTok... but I'm not going to get out there and dress up like a frog or something just to... make somebody happy.”
  – Phil Vassar (09:53)

• On Reflection and Gratitude:

  “I've got time now to think about all the things that have happened... It’s pretty incredible...”
  – Phil Vassar (21:45)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction and Phil’s Health Crisis – 02:33 to 05:07
• Back to Music & Emotional Shifts – 05:41 to 08:55
• Industry Reality & Authenticity – 08:33 to 10:27
• Musical Heroes & Nashville Magic – 10:44 to 15:16
• Legacy, Change, and Studio Talk – 15:00 to 19:07
• Upcoming Projects & Life Outlook – 19:07 to 21:45
• Reflections on Aging & Moving Forward – 21:45 to end

Tone and Style

The tone throughout the episode is candid, warm, and occasionally humorous. Vassar’s humility and self-deprecating wit shine, while Mantor’s deep respect and camaraderie create an intimate conversation filled with insider stories and universal truths about life in—and beyond—the music business.

Takeaways for Listeners

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply a fan of country music’s golden era, Phil Vassar’s story serves as a moving reminder of the power of resilience, authenticity, and gratitude. Listeners walk away with a renewed appreciation for not only classic country music and its legends but also the value of staying true to one’s self—on and off the stage.